Things I Should Have Learned in College but Didn’t
When I graduated with a BA in Music Education I was sure I was ready to take on any band program out there. I came from a small but strong band program. My band teacher was a great musician, patient, firm and fundamentals based. My undergrad experiences had been exciting, educational and fulfilling.
At least to this farm boy from Iowa. After hundreds of miles driven for numerous interviews, several teaching positions offered and turned down, I finally accepted my first teaching gig. This small high school in central Iowa had a reputation for a strong jazz program but not much else.
I was determined to create a more balanced program. It didn’t take me long to realize there are certain things you just can’t learn in college and can only be learned through experience. Here are a few that I experienced.
Things I Should Have Learned in College but Didn’t
BUDGETS
Shoot, I was lucky to be able to balance my checkbook let alone handle the budget allocated by my school system. I did have an undergrad class that touched on this subject but nothing to prepare me for this dilemma. Though it seemed like a lot of money to me I soon realized how quickly it could disappear. Trying to bolster a small concert band library, purchase needed instruments and supplies and pay for repairs quickly depleted the available funds.
ADMINISTRATION
Every job has its hierarchy of administration, your boss so to speak. Tactfully dealing with the personality, expectations and communication from your principal is a skill that takes some getting used to. I was lucky to have an amicable and fair principal for my first job. Though a “jock” by training he understood the importance of the arts in the school and was very supportive. My superintendent was also supportive. Before every jazz band contest he would tell me to, “Bring home the bacon!”
SCHOOL SUPPORT STAFF
As in every organization the support staff are the lifeblood of the school. The custodial staff, secretaries, lunch workers just to name a few, keep the school up and running on so many levels. The best advice I received from my college band director was, “Make friends and stay on the good side of your custodian. It can make or break your program.” So true, so true.
Things I Should Have Learned in College but Didn’t
MARCHING BAND
When I started teaching in the early 70’s, my only marching band experience had been from high school and consisted of Bill Moffit Sound Power band arrangements and Patterns of Motion drill designs. Lots of “step-two” drills and cold Iowa nights. For various reasons my undergraduate college did not have a marching band, only pep band.
My first fall of teaching my sweet and patient students taught me, and I was grateful. Only in grad school did I gain the valuable experience needed for my next teaching gig, but the lessons learned were invaluable nonetheless.
UNIFORMS
I did have a class about some areas of a band program but nothing prepared me for this one. How to measure and size students, select from the nearly non-existent inventory of ancient and worn wool uniforms and then convince students it was all worth it. Then how to secure an affordable alternative to commercially and very expensive new uniforms.
MUSIC FESTIVALS
Yes, I participated in all of this in high school but it is an entirely different scene from the other side. Entry deadlines, fees, music selection, transportation, piano accompaniments, small ensemble rehearsal schedules are just a few of the details that required attention. Not to mention that my first year teaching my school was scheduled to host the solo/ensemble festival! Somehow this fact was not mentioned in my interview……..
BAND LIBRARY
Several files of jazz arrangements, only one of concert band music. No centralized list of what is contained in these cabinets. Oy Vey! Summer project.
SUMMER PROGRAM
What!? I have to teach lessons during the summer? To both middle and high school students? Hmm, that was another item not mentioned in the interview.
Needless to say my first couple years teaching were as valuable, if not more valuable as my entire undergraduate college experience. Some things just cannot be truly experienced and learned until you are on the job. This is true in nearly every profession, but even more so in education.
So there’s my story. What was your first year of teaching like? I would love to hear from you. You can contact me at: tbone.baldwin01@gmail.com
“music notes with violin key” by photosteve101 is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Tim Baldwin Music 