Siegtrmpt

I've been filling in for a friend who is an elementary school band director for the past month. Now that I know the kids better it's actually a pretty good time (most of the time). Today cracked me up. One of my favorite classes is a group of 8 5th grade boys and one girl playing a variety of instruments. They're always joking about something. One of the kids asked me how I could play trumpet and still listen and correct them so I told him that I've played for over 30 years so it's really not that hard to do anymore. The trumpet player then asks how I could tell the difference between his part and mine and one of the other guys says "Because your part $ucks". Everybody (including my young trumpet playing friend) lost it. Not sure how this comes across in print but it was really good natured. My band director friend will be back soon. I think I'm going to miss some of these guys.

tpter1

Hah... They are qute a funny group, eh? I used to cringe everytime I thought about elementary band. Now, quite honestly, I have come to enjoy it. They haven't figured out how to hide their feelings yet, so everything just hangs out there; so they can be quite entertaining on a good day. Lately the elementary band here have been my saviors because of that. It's a good thing that they teach me how to smile and not take things too seriously.

bandman

A lot of people don't know the difference between laughing at someone, and laughing with someone. It sounds like your group gets along well enough that they laugh with each other, and that makes for a very fun atmosphere. Just make sure that it always all stays in fun!

Siegtrmpt

They definitely laugh with each other.......constantly. The two guys involved are good buddies and about on the same musical/mental plane. I think they call each other all sorts of stuff when adults aren't around.

highbrass

Thanks for sharing that story. That's what I miss about teaching elementary band and orchestra -- the kids are so candid and transparent about everything (sometimes too candid). I have perfect pitch, so my friends used to always ask me how I was able to tolerate the sounds of a beginning group, but the kids and their personalities all make up for it. Hope I get an elementary instrumental gig soon...they're so much fun to teach.


Liz