

I am so proud of my little girl who grew up to be such an amazing teacher!
This Title I middle school had lost its Band, Chorus and Orchestra teacher in the middle of last year. The program had been suffering. In fact the students felt like they had been abandoned and were convinced that they were not good kids and that no one liked them. My daughter applied for the job last Spring. During her sample lesson as part of the interview process, some of the kids told her that "nobody likes us because we are bad kids." Once she was offered the position, Cami told me that her main goals were to help those kids feel good about themselves and to convince them that they were just as "average" as anybody else, that everyone has both bad and good days, and that they can succeed by putting in an honest effort. ![]() This fall, she began rebuilding the program from the ground up. Nearly all of these students were beginners. Many did not have any exposure to participating in a band, orchestra or chorus program previously. Many have very little support from parents or family at home. Yesterday was their first concert of the year. She had 70+ combined chorus students from three classes singing four 2-part songs. The 30+ orchestra students played 2 songs, and the 100+ combined band students from two classes played "Jingle Bells" for the finale. The main goals were to keep the rhythm together, attempt to play and sing the right notes, and display proper concert etiquette. My daughter was not even sure anyone would come to the concert -- performers or audience (parents, grandparents or friends.) The student body population of the school is made up of mainly low-income families (whose parents have to work odd schedules), and students of all ethnic backgrounds including refugees who speak other languages and are just beginning to learn English. Language and cultural differences can be big communication barriers. I admire my daughter for having the stamina to work within these constraints as well as try to convince these 12-14 year-olds that they can learn fingering, embrouchure, breathing, rhythm, musical notation, tone quality, and concert etiquette fast enough to put on a concert. That is a tall order for any teacher, but multiply it by 200+ to give each student individual attention, and you have a job of epic proportions! And she is expecting her first baby to be born in just a couple of weeks! ![]() Fortunately, the student performers showed up and also a good crowd of parents and other supporters. I even heard a lot of parents comment about how impressed they were by how many students were participating in the performance and how well they did. I even heard some of the kids mention how surprised they were by how "cool" and "fun" giving a performance was. I am so proud of my little girl who grew up to be such an amazing teacher!
4 Comments
Betsy Bailey
12/6/2019 10:07:56 am
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Sue Neimoyer
12/6/2019 11:10:45 am
I don't think anyone can overestimate the value of good teaching. It makes a HUGE difference in the lives of the students touched by it. Cami's program may never produce any world-class musicians or scholars, but that's not the real reason for music education in schools, anyway. It's to enhance their educational experience as a whole, as well as to give them skills that will apply to whatever they do in life.
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Betsy L. Bailey
12/6/2019 11:23:34 am
Sue, I appreciate your exceptional musicianship in my own collaborations with you in college. And now, I appreciate your influence on my daughter who thought you were a superb teacher. Who knew that our paths would cross again in such a happy way!
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Betsy Bailey
12/16/2019 07:50:48 am
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AuthorMy name is Betsy Lee Bailey. I enjoy singing and writing all kinds of music. I have performed and directed or taught music all of my life. This blog is dedicated to all of the people who have been encouraging me to write about my experiences. Archives
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