I teach music; in a Core Knowledge Charter School. From time to time I am accosted or confronted by angry parents who think I am picking on their child, or just too plain strict in general.I have heard parents say such things as, “Why should the kids have to be quiet in the halls? That’s only for the teacher’s convenience.” “Why should the kids have to keep their eyes on the director?” “Music should be fun. Why are there any rules at all?”
I don’t baby-sit. I raise future presidents.
I don’t GIVE students a grade. The student EARNS a grade.
If the ability to sing is a natural, genetic gift; then I would be wholly in error to GIVE a grade based on singing ability.
The ability to perform music correctly is a learned behavior; therefore any one can earn a good grade through giving one’s best effort.
About those rules: I raise future presidents! Eight years ago I was saying, “Of course the students have to stand up straight. I raise future presidents, no one is ever going to call one of my former students, ‘slouch Bush,’ when (s)he is debating for the presidency.
Today I am saying, “Of course they have to assume the correct stance when singing the National Anthem, of course they must learn to sing The Star Spangled Banner.” Just last week I reminded the fourth grade that one’s hand goes over the heart; we don’t salute unless in full / authentic military uniform. Obama is a fine young man. I should have been his music teacher.
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Sunday, November 18, 2007 at 11:34 am
David Harris
Boy, you sound mean, kind of like the music teacher, Mrs. Brighter I had in elementary school. Two things stand out that I rember about her. The first is sitting on the stage stair steps, after being kicked out of the class on a couple of occasions. The second is the star spangled banner. To this day, I listen to the way the third line from the end is sung, whenever I hear it , and make comment to my wife if she is present. About 70% of the time, it is sung incorrectly, according to Mrs. Brighter’s teaching.I wonder if you teach your students the proper melody according to the very precise and cranky Mrs. Brighter.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 7:15 am
cher
Umm. I’ve probably been singing it wrong; since I didn’t have Mrs. Brighter. To which detail are you refering? Sitting on the rrrrrrrrrr in banner?
As in,
O say, does tha at Star Spangled Ban erererer, wave?