The Burden of Fatherhood

Last week Prince (one of my advanced choir singers) asked me if he could address the class after rehearsal. I figured it would be something inspirational (at least I hoped that it was) so I agreed. With ten minutes to spare I handed the floor to him. Prince proceeded to tell a little of his life story, which was kind of sad (His father abandoned the family when he was still a baby.) But he eventually brought it around to the fact that he found sanctuary in the music department, and was especially appreciative of the advanced choir. It all came to a tearful focus when Prince looked at me and said that I was the closest thing to a father that he had, and that I should give Cameron (my son) all the love that was denied to him as a small child.

I know that every now and then I get that kind of testimonial. It always makes me feel a little uncomfortable, only because I shouldn't have to stand in for someone's absent or neglectful parent. Alas, the world is what it is. At the same time, it's a very powerful and humbling statement - most of us don't choose our father-figures. The ones that do put a great deal of faith and trust in that individual.

Afterwards, I thanked him for the trust. I also said - "I wish I could help you deal with all of your father issues... but you may lay them to rest on your own, if and when you become a father yourself."

That seemed to be an uplifting thought.

Rock On, Dude

Today's exchange with one of my beginning band drummers:

"Umm... Mr. M?"

"Yeah?"

"You know the December concert?"

"Yeah?"

"Well... it's on the 10th"

"I know"

"Ummmm... well I have Metallica tickets."

"....and?"

"...well, is it allright if I go?"

"......You do what you want, but I won't waive your concert participation grade, if that's what you're asking..."

"...but it's Metallica...."

"...is it that important to you?"

"Yes it is."

"Then go to the concert, and accept your lowered grade as your sacrifice in the name of teen angst."

.... (blank stare)....

"Dude... think about it: Blowing off a school event for a rock concert. Heck, they should let you in free for that."

"But... I don't want to lose points."

"Hmmm... tough one, that. Sounds like you have a decision to make."

"Can't you just....."

"No... I can't. Concert participation is part of the class. If I don't hold you to it, then I can't expect the same of anyone who'd rather be at the movies or their best friend's birthday party that night."

"Maybe you should let them."

"No. That's not what band is all about. And I said as much at the beginning of the year - if you weren't willing to do that, then you should not have stayed in the class."

"The counselor didn't say anything about this when she signed me up for band."

"Oh.... I think that's an excellent issue to bring up with her...."

Point, set, match.

November Potourri

* First concert of the year was last Friday. It went pretty well, except for the fact that I had the highest absentee rate... probably ever. Among the MIA was King Drama Flake, who skipped out on the concert but showed up later for the play he is starring in (after I had made special arrangements to have his group perform and get off stage well before the play's call time.) He has been at school this whole week, but has yet to offer any explanation.

* Today I found out that my retro pay is quite a bit more than what I had thought it would be.

* I was nominated for "Teacher of the Year" again. I think I'll go for it. It seems to be a "lucky" year. Who knows.

* Our district revealed plans to demolish the arts facility on our campus and completely rebuild - including a 350 seat auditorium. I'd be getting brand new rooms. I'm torn over this - there's no telling whether or not what I'd get would be better than what I have. Also there's a lot of history in these old rooms. At the same time, it would be nice to have heating and air conditioning that works like it should.

Distractions

Today, 3rd period was delayed 10 minutes while I chased a bird out of the band room. Again.

Staff Underdevelopment

Today was a non-student day devoted to staff development I spent half of it in ant-bias training from the Anti-Defamation League. The other half was spent more productively in intercampus discipline groups. Here's the gist:

* Whoever invented the discuss-in-small-groups-then-write-your-ideas-on-a-big-piece-of-paper model for meetings needs to be dipped in honey and buried up their neck near a mound of fire ants.

* Apparently, I'm not the most bitter person on campus regarding Former-Principal Palpatine. One of my colleagues took the opportunity to get a shot in during a group discussion. He was shooshed quickly (in the name of professionalism, I'm sure). What was more surprising was the person who defended Palpatine.

* I am continually surprised at how vindictive, petty and scheming people can be. And I'm not talking about Palpatine.

* Drama Teacher revealed that the district is planning on building new performing arts facilities at New Republic. I would get new music rooms. This excites me and scares me at the same time. There's a lot of history in the NRHS music rooms, and I'd be sad to see them go. I also fear the incompetence of administrators, architects and engineers who have shown the ability to fall short of meeting musicians needs. I also fear giving up much and getting back little. (smaller office, less storage space). At the same time, it would be nice to have a theater on campus.