musix4me

So tomorrow's a pretty big day for me. After thirteen years at Johansen High School, I meet my new students at John Pitman High School and Turlock Junior High School. I have really mixed emotions because I'm actually missing my former students from Johansen and thinking about what would be different if I were preparing to return to that job. Don't get me wrong, this was the right move...I know it. Both of my new schools are filled with really great people and I have been welcomed again and again. I have met wonderful parents and every single student I've encountered has been really, really cool.

But I'm still feeling "iffy" and unsure. In the words of Terrance, "I'm peeing down both legs!" Sorry that was so graphic, but if you know me, you know that I'm graphic when being so provides just the right description. I have confidence in my teaching ability and know that most school kids I encounter think I possess just the right balance of old-fart and moderately-funny-human, along with enough musically-hip-talent to leave them thinking they can probably tolerate my quirkiness for the next 179 school days. At least in the past, I was able to settle for that assessment...but right now, it's not dooin' it for me.

I've copied my syllabi, sharpened my pencils, picked fun music, planned warm-ups, and read through all the rules and regulations for both of the new schools; I have been working in my two school rooms for most of the afternoon. I'm ready and I know that it will be fine...but I'm still nervous.

Will they laugh at my jokes?

Will they like the music I picked?

Will they know anything about solfege or how to match pitch and if they don't, what are they gonna do when I hold up my fist and expect them to sing "Do" back at me?! Or slant my flat hand upward and expect them to sing "Re" loud and clear (and in tune of course). I wonder if they know the version of "La" that I use?

Most of all, I wonder if they will forgive me when I forget their names for the tenth time or worse when I call them the wrong name!?

It must be humorous to read what's going on inside my little ADD pea brain!

My favorite hymn gets me through these times quite well.

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee.
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not,
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided,
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

I feel better now...I wonder how many times I'll have to sing that between now and tomorrow morning? Will I wake up at 2 am and 3 am and 4 am and 5...if I do, I'll be singing that hymn and trying to absorb the depth of the text. And when tomorrow's done and I've finished planning Tuesday's instruction, I'll post an update to let you know I made through in one emotionally-shaky piece.

Does anyone know a second-school-day hymn? Maybe, "I'll Fly Away" or "When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder I'll Be There."