2 weeks notice

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  • September 4, 2012 at 6:26 pm #11852
    nafmeadmin
    Keymaster

    I am very frustrated concerning aspects of my current situation and have been for a few years. I teach middle school and high school. I like middle school and high school concert band, but really dread pep and marching band. My numbers for pep/marching band have dwindled and the music is suffering because of it. I have tried year after year to get the numbers up, but the kids do not want to join due to other conflicts or they already took band in middle school.

    I am considering submitting my two weeks notice and pursuing something else. I know it’s the beginning of the school year, but I can’t figure out what else to do with the program. I feel I have explored all options. What do you think? I don’t want to disappoint my students in class, but the marching/pep band situation is really bringing me down emotionally. Should I give up and quit? Or should I be very unhappy for another year and see what happens?

    September 7, 2012 at 9:43 am #11904
    nafmeadmin
    Keymaster

    It sounds like you are burnt out. Pep band and marching band can take a toll as they are very time consuming. In regards to the music, select songs that can handle the limited instrumentation. Also, never be afraid to rewrite parts for other instruments, helping to make up for the missing holes in the sound. Last year I dealt with a high school ensemble of 11: Two flutes, two clarinets, one baritone sax, two trumpets, and four percussionists. I saw an improvement this year in the instrumentation. I am not sure if you have 8th graders in the marching band, but if not, then give them a chance to be with them for a game to see what it is all about. Also, recruitment concerts can go a long way at the elementary end, so always work with the beginning band teacher. Look for ways to get the middle school students involved, as moving from 8th grade to high school seems to be the time that students will quit. Reasons could be scheduling, other opportunities, etc. How supportive is your administration and faculty. I struggle with rebuilding a band program and a rift that has been a part of the music department. Everyone wants to do choir because they do these big performances, and there has not been a consistency in the band directors. Don’t give up, especially now that the year has started.

    September 10, 2012 at 12:28 pm #11952
    nafmeadmin
    Keymaster

    Is pep band/marching band something they threw at you, or did you know you’d be doing it when you accepted the job? If it’s the latter, it is extremely unfair to your students to bail on them in the midst of the school year. It is also highly unprofessional and unfair to your colleagues/administrators. You had all summer to figure out you didn’t want to do this.

    That being said, if you are unhappy for another year, you know exactly what will happen. You’ll get the same results. You either need to evaluate what you want to do for a career, or move on….but you can’t move on right now. Wait until the end of the year. If you ever want to come back to teaching music, resigning after the school year has started (or at the very last minute) is a very bad idea.

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