Entry 1-3

Learning Environment
Making sure you communicate with your community and your fellow educators at your
school or nearby schools is extremely important to maintain a functioning program. This
includes knowing how to create a safe place in your class and communicating that to your fellow
teachers and students so when they come to school they know where they can go to feel at ease
and safe. An important part of that is making sure there are no negative social interactions in
your classroom, which should be addressed as soon as your able with being strict with your
classroom rules.
While teaching a lower-division percussion ensemble I maintained several collaborations
between students and teachers. Having to communicate with both percussion professors about
progress and rehearsal requests along with the band office in the building for facility issues or
needs. An important aspect I also focused on was making sure the members of that ensemble
wanted to be there for a reason and strived to be better individually and as an ensemble. I had
one member who has one of the lowest self-esteems I’ve seen in the percussion studio, but every
rehearsal he would come the most prepared and play better than the last time. Compared to a few
other members who didn’t show much improvement in playing or attitudes, this was a big deal
that I nurtured and made sure he knew I noticed his improvement. It’s situations like this that I
want to make sure are addressed in my classroom, positive communication and encouragement
between the teachers and students to help grow as a program. I also had a great opportunity to
arrange a piece to be played by the KSU Woodwind Ensemble and another with the KSU
Percussion Ensembles where I was in constant contact with the conductor about my arrangement
(potential issues, part needs, etc.). This communication through composing/arranging was of
great value as I have no say during the rehearsals, so I leave all artistic demands up to the players
and the conductor of the piece.