General Meeting: 1st Year Teacher Panel
Ferguson Hall, Room 107, University of Minnesota
Executive Officers Present: Steve Schmitz, Lynn Marano, Carrie Backman, Tark Katzenmeyer
Active Members Present: Many, Attendance was not taken. Thanks for your attendance.
1. Commenced by Lynn Marano at 7:05
2. The first-year teachers present were Laura Williams, Barry Zumwalde, and Jenny Gruepner. Laura teaches 3 concert bands and 2 jazz labs at St. Louis Park High School. Barry is the head of bands at North Branch H.S. He directs 3 concert bands and a jazz band. Jenny teaches elementary band at several schools near Wayzata.
3. Here are some of the main points of advice they made.
*It's very hard to follow "god" (a famous band director that the kids love since they usually have 20 or more years of tenure) No matter what you do, you will be different from this other person and the students will need a few months' adjustment period. Don't change things too quickly and you will earn their respect quicker if you ask their opinions on how things were done.
*Find out something about what the kids know. Is there a prerequisite to your class? Talk to their earlier music teacher to find out their strengths and weaknesses.
*Don't limit yourself, no matter how sureyou are about the level you want to teach. Apply to everything in your area to get experience applying.
*Common interview questions may be concerning your proposed program for a certain level band/choir on the first concert, how you plan to involve/communicate with parents, etc. Be very honest (even if you don't know something) and ask any questions you have.
*A Band council may be a good way to involve students, increase accountability and get new ideas.
*In student teaching, create a very positive, supportive bond with your supervising teacher. They can be a great asset. Be proactive and invent things to do before they tell you to.
Thanks for your attendance and have a good week.
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