MMEA Conference: Newer Ensemble Directors Helping the Newest Directors

This clinic was with three ensemble teachers who have been teaching for five or six years. The clinicians included Kristin Chartier (Orchestra Director in Shrewsbury), Jason Bielik (Band Director at North Middlesex Regional High School), and Ashley Nelson (Choral Director at Norwood High School).

This session focused on learning the tricks of the trade for teachers in their first three years of teaching (that's me!). We talked about gaining administrative support, getting along with your school secretaries and custodial staff. Parent support took up almost half of the clinic. We talked about how we put ourselves out there for parent complaints when we "do" more activities. If we just stuck to the school day and performed twice a year, our programs would be mediocre and would not offer much for our students. Sometimes we make mistakes and sometimes it is not our mistakes but parents misunderstanding. Jason Kristin, and Ashley have all receive parent complaints before and their advice was not to let that depress you as it often can. The best advice is first to not make mistakes and secondly if you do make one, admit to it immediately and solve it.

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