Things They Didn't Teach Us in School

As an Educational Representative for Palen Music, I am calling on a few first-year teachers and have two young teachers in my family as well. I asked some of them what have been the biggest surprises or "things they didn't teach us in school" they have encountered so far. Here are the most-mentioned responses.

Tools

Many directors are surprised by the number of hand tools that are needed to operate a music program. Most know that you need a set of small screwdrivers to adjust the post and set screws on your woodwinds. But you also need to have full-sized screwdrivers, assorted pliers, measuring tape, hammer, socket set (metric and SAE), Allen wrenches, in addition to the drum keys for your timpani, toms, snare drums, and bass drums.

Head over to your nearest hardware store or shop online for these items. These do not have to be the top-of-the-line items. Ask your principal if the school will purchase these for you since they will be used to keep the school music program up and running. Having these tools at your disposal will save time and eliminate frustration of simple repairs and fixes.

Thinking ahead/planning

Planning and foresight are key skills in running a successful music program. The use of a calendar/planner is always a good way to keep organized and aware of deadlines that are approaching. Many directors are surprised by how early they must plan for events. It can seem that 'earlier' is never early enough for many important items.

Budget planning is one of the most overlooked items for directors. Most district offices begin budget planning for the following year in September/October and set budgets in November at the latest. So, if you are wanting adjustments or significant changes in your budget for next year, now is the time to be discussing these items with your department chair or Principal.

Communication

Almost all directors are great at letting their students and parents know of important dates and events for the school year. We publish calendars, post on social media, and use all the methods of communication available to us. We focus on informing the kids and adults in the program that we know will be directly impacted. But we sometimes forget to inform or notify our best friends at school--the secretaries and custodians.

By providing these important team members notice of the events occurring in your program, you are gaining the assistance of two or more people in keeping your program running smoothly. The custodians need to know if you are rehearsing before or after school so they can plan cleaning of areas that you may be using. The custodians also need to know if doors will need to be unlocked and remain unlocked for these events.

Secretaries are great at handling calls from the public and parents regarding concert dates, location, and time. If they have the information at hand, they will gladly field that call and keep you focused on rehearsals and other business.

Being Tired

The most common comment that I hear from directors young and old, "I am always tired". Young directors are surprised by the physical drain on their bodies. Being on your feet and supervising the musical growth of students for six hours or more every school day is challenging mentally as well as physically.

Make sure your schedule REST as part of your day. Our career calls for many hours of extra planning and rehearsal beyond the school day. It is vital that we take time for ourselves and allow our bodies to mend from the activities of the day. Plan for at least one hour of relaxation prior to going to sleep. Read or listen to music that will help you separate from the stress of the day and create a buffer to transition to quality sleep. Setting a definitive time where all work-related activities are ended and transitioning to rest begins will improve the quality of your sleep and improve your endurance for the next day. Allow and demand the luxury of doing nothing. It is life-changing.