Well, it's officially fall, 2008. The school groups are all in session, the church choir is up and running, and it won't be long before the first set of performances and holiday concerts. Random thoughts and questions:
Why haven't we had more events in Redford's new Marquis? Afterall we spent many millions of dollars for this "gem"...so why aren't we using it? Is it that someone didn't plan enough to realize you need a person to manage these things.
Why are church choirs (especially mine) getting smaller and smaller? I have the regular groups who show up faithfully, but why are others so easily swayed from their regular rehearsal night? And then complain when the music isn't learned properly?
Alert...6th grade choir....wow, have they really changed that much since the last time I taught 6th grade?
How come Mozart doesn't write music anymore? Or Bach or Haydn, either? I do like lots of Lloyd Larson music though, even though he's not Mozart.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Using my 23 Things to Move Forward
I have a meeting scheduled for tomorrow (Monday) with my high school principal. I will be showing her the many resources presented from the 23 Things lessons. It will be my hope that by getting her enthused about the possibilities for staff development and growth that we'll be able to persuade the district IT person to loosen the reigns on the internet sites available to the school staff.
Details will follow! Wish me luck!
Details will follow! Wish me luck!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
New Opportunities - Finale
What a crazy week this has been. Tomorrow (Thursday) was supposed to have been my second interview with the Oscoda Area Schools for the Asst. Principal job for the high school. I've always said that I'd love to finish my career in that part of the state, and here it is, almost available!
Rhonda and I spent many afternoons and evenings discussing why we should go and why we shouldn't go, if offered the job. Regardless of which direction we leaned towards the one major, I mean MAJOR stumbling block was the house. It's not ready to be put on the market, and would take at least two months to get it ready. That would mean maintaining a small apartment for at least 6 months and travelling from Redford to Oscoda to Redford every weekend.
The pay for the Oscoda position is comparable to what I'm making now, so that's not an issue, but we figured that it would cost us between $1200-1500 per month in lodging, food and gas. That's just too big of a financial hit to take for an uncertain amount of time.
Last Monday I called and withdrew my name from consideration for the position. I also called my current administrators, who had already given their recommendations to the principal at Oscoda HS. I was so happy that their responses were of relief that I wouldn't be leaving the RU district, which really helped me realize that I had made a good decision.
Shortly afterward the superintendent from Oscoda called and asked why I had chosen to remove my name from the list of candidates. I explained about the financial situation and that very few job offers would have been any improvement in finances. She completely understood. She then told me that I had been the #1 contender for the position and that I could change my mind, right now, if I wanted to and the job would be mine. I thanked her and politely declined.
So what have I learned from all of this?
1. I am marketable
2. I interview well
3. I am appreciated by my current employer and administrators
4. We really need to whip this house into shape
5. The economy in Michigan is NOT to be taken for granted...it's bad, and could get
worse!
6. My wife and I really do agree on lots of things
7. I enjoy camping and travelling anywhere I want to go
8. Someday, just not this year, I'll make a good administrator
I've slept better than I have for the past two weeks!
Rhonda and I spent many afternoons and evenings discussing why we should go and why we shouldn't go, if offered the job. Regardless of which direction we leaned towards the one major, I mean MAJOR stumbling block was the house. It's not ready to be put on the market, and would take at least two months to get it ready. That would mean maintaining a small apartment for at least 6 months and travelling from Redford to Oscoda to Redford every weekend.
The pay for the Oscoda position is comparable to what I'm making now, so that's not an issue, but we figured that it would cost us between $1200-1500 per month in lodging, food and gas. That's just too big of a financial hit to take for an uncertain amount of time.
Last Monday I called and withdrew my name from consideration for the position. I also called my current administrators, who had already given their recommendations to the principal at Oscoda HS. I was so happy that their responses were of relief that I wouldn't be leaving the RU district, which really helped me realize that I had made a good decision.
Shortly afterward the superintendent from Oscoda called and asked why I had chosen to remove my name from the list of candidates. I explained about the financial situation and that very few job offers would have been any improvement in finances. She completely understood. She then told me that I had been the #1 contender for the position and that I could change my mind, right now, if I wanted to and the job would be mine. I thanked her and politely declined.
So what have I learned from all of this?
1. I am marketable
2. I interview well
3. I am appreciated by my current employer and administrators
4. We really need to whip this house into shape
5. The economy in Michigan is NOT to be taken for granted...it's bad, and could get
worse!
6. My wife and I really do agree on lots of things
7. I enjoy camping and travelling anywhere I want to go
8. Someday, just not this year, I'll make a good administrator
I've slept better than I have for the past two weeks!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Summer Vacation
Well, I need a break from all of the things floating around in my head...maybe that's why I have a slight headache?
Here are some summer pictures from our recent visit to Bowling Green, KY and the Lost River Cave. We had a great underground boat tour. On the day the outside temps were low to mid 90s, so the 56 degree temps inside the cave were welcomed. Unfortunately the pictures inside the cave didn't turn out. They also have a great butterfly house on the site, that's were the flower pictures were taken. I hope you enjoy them!
New Opportunities - Part II
Well the interview happened yesterday. I think it went very well. The atmosphere was relaxed, and I was told that this was a "Chance to get to know you..." type of interview that should last about 20 minutes. Geesh, I traveled nearly 200 miles for a "chat"? Well, it lasted nearly 40 minutes, which is good I guess. There were many direct questions, some admittedly on the "second level interview" type. I could see the superintendent and hs principal writing many notes on their scripts, another good sign I hope.
The next level interviews will take place next week, with a larger panel of 15 to 17 people. I'll hear if I made the callbacks by tomorrow, and then the real hemming and hawing will occur.
Can I afford to take this job? How long will it take to prep and sell the house at home? Where will I/we live in the meantime? What to do with the chinchillas? (After all they don't make a house sell faster because they're so messy.) Can I manage to keep my church job until I can pick up some extra bucks in the new town? Lots to think about, but again perhaps I'm putting the cart before the horse.
My oldest daughter tells me to stop worrying and follow my heart. That's great advice, and I love her for it, but maybe I'm just to pragmatic at this age in my life. The saga will continue, at least until Thursday's "call".
The next level interviews will take place next week, with a larger panel of 15 to 17 people. I'll hear if I made the callbacks by tomorrow, and then the real hemming and hawing will occur.
Can I afford to take this job? How long will it take to prep and sell the house at home? Where will I/we live in the meantime? What to do with the chinchillas? (After all they don't make a house sell faster because they're so messy.) Can I manage to keep my church job until I can pick up some extra bucks in the new town? Lots to think about, but again perhaps I'm putting the cart before the horse.
My oldest daughter tells me to stop worrying and follow my heart. That's great advice, and I love her for it, but maybe I'm just to pragmatic at this age in my life. The saga will continue, at least until Thursday's "call".
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
New Opportunities
Today could possibly be the beginning of a new chapter in my life and that of my wife and son, who's still living at home. I'm going on a job interview.
I have a job, actually two of them. My main job is music teacher at a public high school and middle school in Redford, MI. I've been there quite some time and have enjoyed my stay there. I'm also the minister of music at a local Catholic church in town, and have been there longer than at the schools. Again, I'm happy there, although feeling taken for granted and forgotten at times.
In May of 2007 I completed a MSA in Educational Leadership at Madonna University. I believe I want to be a principal, or at least assistant principal, somewhere. Ideally with only a few years to go before retiring I'd like to find a spot up north, and fade peacefully away into the woods and lakes.
After two summers of looking and sending resumes I have finally landed an interview, and yes, it's up north. I've quickly learned that most school districts hire from within, no surprise, and that they are not usually interested in someone from outside of their own district. So the lack of interviews doesn't sting quite so badly.
The key words that come into play now are: "What if..."
What if I do get the offer: will we be able to sell the house, how much money will I make, will it cover the possible lost income of the church job, where will our son live while he's at college, etc. and the list goes on and on. Usually it goes on about 3am while I'm trying to sleep.
We're supposed to go camping next week. "IF" I get called back for a second or third interview should we cancel the trip, or should I bring a suit along and travel down from the UP to get there?
I'll be leaving for this interview in less than an hour. I feel prepared because I know I can do the job; it's a job that I want to take. Is it the right decision, or am I putting the cart before the horse here?
To be continued....
I have a job, actually two of them. My main job is music teacher at a public high school and middle school in Redford, MI. I've been there quite some time and have enjoyed my stay there. I'm also the minister of music at a local Catholic church in town, and have been there longer than at the schools. Again, I'm happy there, although feeling taken for granted and forgotten at times.
In May of 2007 I completed a MSA in Educational Leadership at Madonna University. I believe I want to be a principal, or at least assistant principal, somewhere. Ideally with only a few years to go before retiring I'd like to find a spot up north, and fade peacefully away into the woods and lakes.
After two summers of looking and sending resumes I have finally landed an interview, and yes, it's up north. I've quickly learned that most school districts hire from within, no surprise, and that they are not usually interested in someone from outside of their own district. So the lack of interviews doesn't sting quite so badly.
The key words that come into play now are: "What if..."
What if I do get the offer: will we be able to sell the house, how much money will I make, will it cover the possible lost income of the church job, where will our son live while he's at college, etc. and the list goes on and on. Usually it goes on about 3am while I'm trying to sleep.
We're supposed to go camping next week. "IF" I get called back for a second or third interview should we cancel the trip, or should I bring a suit along and travel down from the UP to get there?
I'll be leaving for this interview in less than an hour. I feel prepared because I know I can do the job; it's a job that I want to take. Is it the right decision, or am I putting the cart before the horse here?
To be continued....
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Musical Youth International (MYI)
A colleague of mine encouraged me to join Facebook the other day, and so I did. In exploring the different people I might know I thought I'd take a chance and enter "Musical Youth International" into the search bar. Lo and behold there was actually a group formed on Facebook for that very organization. Granted I would become only the 4th member of the group, but it did bring back some wonderful memories.
The group was formed in 1964 by Dr. Lester McCoy and his wife, Bernice. It comprised a high school and chorus, both directed by McCoy for awhile, and was based out of Saline, Michigan. MYI was part of the People to People organization started by President Eisenhour. The purpose of the ensembles was to present concerts in foreign countries to promote unity among people around the world. After Dr. McCoy passed away his wife continued in her husband's footsteps and kept the organization going, expanding to a separate chorus and band director. I do believe they traveled at least once to every major continent.
During the summer of 1974, while a senior in high school, I auditioned to become a member of the choir and was accepted. We rehearsed Sunday afternoons in Saline during the school year. Once school was completed we had a week on "intensive" rehearsals, and departed around the beginning of July for a 4 1/2 week tour of Venezuela, Belize and Mexico. During our tour we gave over 30 performances, some big and some small. On our return to the USA we gave a "post tour" concert at Hill Auditorium in Ann Arbor, on the University of Michigan campus.
To be continued....
The group was formed in 1964 by Dr. Lester McCoy and his wife, Bernice. It comprised a high school and chorus, both directed by McCoy for awhile, and was based out of Saline, Michigan. MYI was part of the People to People organization started by President Eisenhour. The purpose of the ensembles was to present concerts in foreign countries to promote unity among people around the world. After Dr. McCoy passed away his wife continued in her husband's footsteps and kept the organization going, expanding to a separate chorus and band director. I do believe they traveled at least once to every major continent.
During the summer of 1974, while a senior in high school, I auditioned to become a member of the choir and was accepted. We rehearsed Sunday afternoons in Saline during the school year. Once school was completed we had a week on "intensive" rehearsals, and departed around the beginning of July for a 4 1/2 week tour of Venezuela, Belize and Mexico. During our tour we gave over 30 performances, some big and some small. On our return to the USA we gave a "post tour" concert at Hill Auditorium in Ann Arbor, on the University of Michigan campus.
To be continued....
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