The "Year of the Pandemic" in Review

 2021 has arrived!  HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The 2019-20 school year will always be known as the year of COVID-19.  The year the world was thrust into a global pandemic.  The year the world flipped upside down and we learned how to navigate in our "new normal."  The year of virtual education.  The year of change.

I do not know if 2021 will be any different from 2020 or 2019.  There has been so much loss in the past twelve months and we could dwell on this truth and allow a dark cloud to envelope us, but I choose to dwell on the good things that happened in 2020 and be grateful for my many blessings instead.

We left for Spring break in March and never returned to finish out the school year.  Teaching music virtually from home in my garage left much to be desired, but the rest of my family was working from home also, and music is such a noisy job.

We shared lots of family time because no one was allowed to leave the house except for necessities, we spent much-needed time outdoors and I have never before enjoyed Spring as much as I did last Spring.  Long walks, surf fishing (once they re-opened the beaches), trail hikes, reading outdoors in the sunlight, relaxing by the pool (once they re-opened the community pool) - it was a lovely time of refreshment for a really tired soul.  For this, I will always be grateful.

Once the "shelter at home" mandate was lifted, we began to carefully move around the city.  It has been 10 months and we are still wearing masks in public, in and out of restaurants, in church, in large gatherings and there is no end date in sight.

I am grateful for technology that allowed us to attend church without being in the physical space we call church.  I am a worshiper of God and I love being in the presence of God in a community of believers in a physical building.  However, I learned to appreciate an app on my phone and a set of ear buds while participating in our worship services for the past 10 months.  The irony of this entire year at church has been that it was supposed to be a year of sending missionaries around the globe to spread the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  It was supposed to be a year of travel, witnessing, being the "hands and feet of Jesus" to those less fortunate.  We had to hit the "pause" button.

I attended a virtual professional development conference in June with Quaver Music Ed.  My thinking was that if we did not return to school in August, I could teach from home with this digital platform.  This was my Plan B and it was an awesome educational experience.

Our family gathered for "Family Fun Week" in July.  My nephew graduated from high school and we celebrated him in a large way.  Precautions were in place, of course, and there was no COVID fallout from our gathering which gave me hope that when my son married in December, we would also be able to gather.  Additionally, we hosted two bridal showers this week for my son's fiancé.  No COVID fallout there either.

We returned to school in August with a handful of virtual students.  Most of us were face-to-face in the brick and mortar building.  I teach in a K-12 school, so our Upper School was closed for two weeks immediately following a weekend of Homecoming parties.  Lower School has been open the entire year.  We were told to exercise caution as we gathered for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving gatherings and Christmas this year.  We will see what the new year holds when students return from break in 3 days.

Against all odds, I conducted three "live" indoor Christmas programs, sang in a Drive-In Christmas program outdoors and celebrated my son's wedding - all in the month of December - without issue.  I cannot stop living life because of a virus that I may or may not catch.  I cannot walk in fear or allow others to steal my joy.  My faith in God keeps me in check, and for this, I am grateful.

In 2020, I have learned that precautionary measures are necessary for the good of the whole.  I may not agree with them entirely, but I have chosen to observe the rules for the protection of others.  I eagerly look forward to a milestone birthday in February and for another season of Spring to enjoy.  Summer swim season is getting closer by the day and being in and around water makes me happy. 

There is much to be thankful for in my life.  My word for this new year is "cultivate."  I want to cultivate an attitude of gratitude in all things, in all ways, all the time.  

Until next time...

Against All Odds

2020 A.D.  Teaching music virtually.  COVID19.  Teaching music face-to-face.  Posting lessons on Canvas for students at home.  Needing rehearsal space.  Challenges beyond measure.  High points.  Low points.  Teacher tired.  Unresolved Presidential Election.  Israeli peace deals with Arab nations.  Graduations, weddings, engagements.  Sickness.  Quarantines.  Health.  

It has been a year, and it isn't over yet.  A country divided.  A country whose very foundations are being shaken.  A country desperately in need of healing.  A country desperately in need of God's mercy.

In the midst of this madness, I was given the task of producing a Christmas musical this year.  There is nothing unusual about this request, except that we are currently living in a global pandemic.  In my wildest dreams, I never imagined it would happen.  Not "live," anyway.

My journey began in March, while quarantined during the first wave of the SARS2-19 Corona Virus Global Pandemic.  I am living in a season of "history in the making."  The Spanish Flu of 1918 was the last global pandemic, just over a century ago, and we have come full circle.  This is the chronicle of my journey to the manger this year.

• February, 2020.  Pre-COVID.  I select a Christmas musical entitled, "Straight Outta Bethlehem."
• Mid-March, 2020.  Quarantined.  Teaching from my garage at home.  Uploading instructional videos daily.
• Request to begin typing up lyric booklets for the musical while at home.  Not sure if we will return to school at this point.  (We did not return until August)
• June, 2020.  Music educators are scrambling because we teach in an ensemble setting.  I attend a 3-day webinar on teaching music digitally using Quaver Music Ed as our platform.
• June, 2020.  Results from the Arts Aerosol study (U. of Colorado/Boulder) are presented to arts instructors worldwide.  "Singing in German and playing the flute/piccolo" spread the most aerosols in an enclosed space.  Adequate ventilation required.  Masks required.  No more than 30-minute rehearsals recommended.  Singing outdoors highly preferred.
• July, 2020.  Meeting with administration to discuss what my school year will look like.  Should I teach digitally? Should I proceed with caution and try to produce the Christmas musical? The response was to produce the musical, knowing it may be pulled in November if we are in a second wave of the virus.
• August, 2020.  I begin teaching the music for "Straight Outta Bethlehem" on August 17.
• September, 2020.  I audition for the lead roles in the cast on September 12. (Cast of 18)
• After school rehearsals begin on Tuesday, September 15th. We rehearse weekly until Thanksgiving break.
• October, 2020.  Technical meeting with church staff.  Decision is made to "live" stream the performance due to audience restrictions (limited number of people, socially distanced in auditorium, masks must be worn)
• October 17 - Super Saturday Rehearsal #1.  All is well.
• November 21 - Super Saturday Rehearsal #2.  All is not well.  One of my leads is quarantined and cannot return to school for the next 14 days (which is after the show).  I pull a stable animal and ask her to learn the part.  
• November 30 - Tech Week 2020 begins.  During this week, there are 5 programs that must be rehearsed and performed.  Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd grade and the 3rd-5th grade musical.  I conduct three of the five.
• All five programs are presented before a "live" audience and to a streamed audience.  

The message of this musical is a simple presentation of the Gospel. "There are no strangers, there are no outcasts, there are no orphans of God" is a lyric from one of the songs in the program.  If you have accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you are grafted into the family of God.  Satan tried everything in his power to prevent this message from being shared, but because of the live-stream, it was shared coast-to-coast.  God used these kids to make a difference in the lives of others this year and to present the Gospel message to anyone who would listen.  It was exhausting, especially the "not knowing."  Trying to make it work and against all odds, we pulled it off, with God's help.  And you know what? I would do it again.  And again.  And again.

2nd Grade - "A Shepherd's Story"

Pastor Joby Martin of the Church of Eleven22

doing a devotional with my kids prior to our final rehearsal

Cast and Choir of "Straight Outta Bethlehem"

"Live Stream" -  grandparents were so grateful

Until next time...

Teaching Music During a Pandemic

As I scan previous posts, I realize I haven't visited my blog since August 3, 2019.  It is now November 29, 2020.  My life is so full and I haven't had much time to update my readers or post newsworthy items to share with others.  For this, I am truly sorry.

Life changed when my mom passed away.  She was my biggest fan, strongest supporter, best audience member - she was the best! My audience at my programs will forever have a gaping hole in it.  My sister has done her best to fill it, but it is not the same.  I try to wear something of my mother's when I perform - whether I am singing with Voices of Jacksonville or conducting programs at school.  It has been a hard transition for me and I am still a "work in progress."

Teaching during a pandemic (COVID19) has been an incredible challenge for me.  I am a music teacher.  I do my best work in an ensemble setting.  Social distancing, mask-wearing, contactless interactions, etc. have been the bane of my existence since March.  Eight months of uncertainty, not really knowing if my programs would happen this Christmas season.  My administration has been in the trenches trying to make this work while keeping everyone safe and healthy.  My principal, DeShuan Mills, is an extraordinary human who supports me unequivocally.  This Thanksgiving holiday has been the most stressful "restful" week for both of us. E-mails, phone calls, text messages abound.  Communication is key in a pandemic.  Circumstances are fluid and changing by the hour.

I am pleased to report that we have successfully navigated quarantining of key members of our production team, last minute role changes with leads in the musical, numerous iterations of the program brochure, "to print or not to print," masks or no masks during the production, "live" audience or "live" stream the program, etc.  Our questions and concerns have been many.  We are working with medical personnel to keep faculty and staff safe while doing our best to maintain a high-quality performance.  Tech Week 2020 begins tomorrow and we will be ready!

Our team is amazing! 170 voice choir! 17 member cast! The musical will have a live audience (only 4 guests per student so that we can physically distance one family unit from another family unit), it will also be streamed on our website for those who cannot make it to the live performance, masks will be worn by the choir onstage, sets, props, lights, cameras - what an incredible opportunity for my students!

Teaching in a pandemic has been the most challenging hurdle of my career, but I know God's grace will see us through next week and this program will lift spirits, spread joy and bless others.  For this, I am extremely grateful.

Until next time...

Year of "Firsts"

Well...it's been awhile, folks.  I needed time to process the loss of my mother in May, 2018 and my father-in-law in May, 2019 and my dad's sister in July, 2019.  I guess I am at that age where the "reality of mortality" has begun to sink in...

Since my last post (Spring, 2018), I started a new job and have cycled through an entire school year.  I began my "Year of Firsts" after my mom passed away and have come full circle.  Pre-planning for the 2019-20 school year began July 31st and we are off and running.

I love my new job! I love my principal! I love my Resource Team! It is a joy to be back with the "littles" and laying a strong foundation for music study in middle and high school.  (My school services Pre-K3 through 12th grade.)  My niece graduated from Providence last year.  We had a blast hanging out at school together and she will be deeply missed by many...

River City Women's Chorus 2019

My summer break was the best ever! I taught swimming for two weeks (my favorite side hustle). My family traveled to Belize in June and we celebrated our 12th Annual "Family Fun Week" in July.  I performed with the River City Women's Chorus (R. Wayne Bailey, Director) and we premiered a new choral work by Elaine Hagenberg entitled, "You Do Not Walk Alone."  This piece will be available for purchase in the fall and she even signed my copy!

I hope to get back to the business of blogging this year.  Life has been stressful and caregiving is time-consuming, but I am moving forward and looking forward to a new school year!

Until next time...

Andrew Simon

Mr. Simon working with Women's Glee

Mr. Andrew Simon came into my world in mid-December, 2017.  It could not have been a more timely entrance.  I hadn't had an intern since 2009.  When I was approached by his Music Ed professor at the University of North Florida in October, there was no way I could have known what was heading my way.  I agreed to take him on and I am so thankful that I did.

My mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in October, 2016 and had been in remission for the past 18 months.  In January, 2018, her cancer returned with a vengeance and she opted not to treat it.  We were told she would be gone by June.  Mr. Simon was such a gift!  He covered my classes when I had to be away supporting my mother.  He bonded with my students and they learned so much from him.  He lifted my spirit when it was at it's lowest point and we were nearing the end of this chapter in our lives.

I told Mr. Simon that I was going to have to plan for the worst and hope for the best.  Although I had given him Women's Glee as a laboratory choir, he learned all of our music for the Spring concert in case my mom passed away and I could not be there to conduct.  He had such a good attitude and assured me he would see me through this and he did.  My mother died two days after our concert.

Mr. Simon graduated from UNF on Friday, April 28th and I know in my heart of hearts we will be forever friends and lifelong colleagues.  My heartfelt thanks go out to Dr. Timothy Groulx, Professor Jane Palmer and to Andrew Henry Simon for being my support system (either directly or indirectly) over the past 6 months.  I would not have survived this experience without you.

And to my sweet Momma, who will always be in our hearts....

Jo Ann Nader Abdullah

October 16, 1934

May 3, 2018

Until next time....

Our Mascot

My mother is in the fight of her life with a dreaded disease that will eventually take her from us.  She desperately wanted to attend my spring concert on May 1st, but knew she would not have the strength to do so.  I told her we would "Face Time" her with the chorus and she could watch them perform on the computer.  That wasn't good enough.  She said, "You tell the kids that's what we're gonna do, but mark my word, I will be there in person to hear them sing!"

It took 3 caregivers and a wheelchair, but she made it.  It was the most precious time I had ever experienced with my mother.  She considers herself the official mascot of the Fletcher High School Chorus and wasn't going to miss this opportunity.  She knew in her heart of hearts, it would be her last.

I may be an absolute mess at our concert on Tuesday, but the concert has been lovingly dedicated to my mother and the kids will give their all for her.  That's just the kind of kids I am blessed to teach.

Until next time....

FMEA 2018 Artistry:Teaching and Performing

 

FMEA 2018

I recently returned from the Florida Music Educator Association's Professional Development Conference which is held in Tampa, Florida every January.  The theme this year was "Artistry: Teaching and Performing."  It was a special year for me.  It isn't every year that you have both current and former students performing in All-State ensembles all at the same conference. I had FOUR former students and ONE current student perform this weekend.  It was a weekend filled with music-making and I could not have been more proud of each of them!

Thursday, January 11th (7:30 p.m.) - The Stetson University Concert Choir performed for conference attendees and TWO of my former students were in the ensemble!  This is the top auditioned choir at Stetson University.  

The youngest graduated from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts and is a freshman at Stetson.  I taught Amber D. at Chets Creek Elementary School.  [ I could not catch her after the concert to take a picture :(  ]

The eldest was my student his senior year at Duncan U. Fletcher Senior High School, the school where I currently teach.  His name is Jack S.

Jonathan Maerkl (Band/formerly at FHS); Dee Dee Tamburrino (Chorus at FHS)

(Jack played tuba and sang in the chorus)

Currently a performing member of the Stetson Concert Choir

and is graduating in May, 2018 (music major)

Friday, January 12th (6:00 p.m.) - The All-State Men's Chorus performed in the Grand Ballroom of the Marriott Waterside.  My current student, Jack R. spent 18 hours in rehearsal this weekend and countless hours of private study prior to his arrival in Tampa on Wednesday evening.  He was representing Duncan U. Fletcher Senior High School and our choral program at All-State this year. 

Jack R. and Mrs. Tamburrino

All-State Men's Chorus 2018

Grand Ballroom - Mariott Waterside

Tampa, Florida

Saturday, January 13th (9:00 a.m.) - The All-State Treble Chorus performed in the Grand Ballroom of the Marriott Waterside.  This performance received 3 standing ovations!! What an incredible experience for my former elementary student who is now at LaVilla School of the Arts.  She also sings with the Jacksonville Children's Chorus and recently returned from Rome, Italy where she was privileged to sing for Pope Francis!!

Emmie H. 

All-State Treble Chorus 2018

Saturday, January 13th (6:30 p.m.) - The All-State Middle School Band, High School Concert Band and High School Symphonic Band performed at the Tampa Convention Center to a packed house.  I taught this young lady in elementary school as well.  She is currently a student at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts where she plays flute in the band program.

Ashley S. (3rd chair flute)

All-State Concert Band 2018

It was a true blessing for me to take part in FMEA this year and witness the "fruit of my labors" in such a profound way.  I do my best to instill a love of music-making in all of my students and it is very exciting to see so many of them continuing to pursue their musical passion as they matriculate through K-12 education and move on to college.  It is truly a gift for which I am extremely grateful!!

Until next time...

MetHD Program

OPERA.  Mention the word to high school students and noses wrinkle, eyes roll and heavy sighing ensues.  This is a common occurrence in many settings. However, because of the work of so many and a collaborative effort between Duval County Public Schools and Opera Jax, my students get excited and sign up to attend the opera!

As a choral educator, I am actively involved in the MetHD program in my school district.  This is my third year in the program and it has grown each year since we began attending.  In order for me to take a group of students to the opera, I must attend an educator's training in the fall.  This is required by the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, our parent organization, who provides training materials and a 4-day workshop to a cohort of teachers from our district.  Our district sends several teachers to the workshop and they come back and share their insights with us.  Teachers from all academic disciplines are invited to participate in this program.

Opera is a culminating art form which incorporates music (both vocal and instrumental), acting, movement/dance, theatrical aspects of lighting, sound and set design, puppetry, extravagant costuming and libretti that are far-reaching in their scope.  When this program began 10 years ago, students were dropped off at a local movie theatre to watch the performance which was streamed "live" from the Metropolitan Opera House in New York.  Several years ago, Mr. Lawrence J. DuBow provided funding for an upgrade to the theatre at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts so that we could take our students to DASOTA to watch the opera.  The upgrade was approved by the Metropolitan Opera House and we are the only school district in the nation to have our own designated HD theatre for this purpose.

 

Bus transportation is costly, however, I wrote a grant which was funded by the Woman's Club of Jacksonville last year for $1,000 to help defray the cost of procuring transportation to the opera broadcasts.  This year, my students will travel to DASOTA to see "Tosca" and "Cendrillon" (the French version of "Cinderella").  We completed our teacher training in early December and I am excited to be able to offer this opportunity to my students in January and in April, 2018.

My heartfelt appreciation goes out to the Arts Office of the Duval County School Board for their vision, OperaJax who coordinates our teacher training, LaVilla School of the Arts who hosts our training every year, Mr. Lawrence J. DuBow and his foundation, the team of teachers who traveled to NYC to bring the training back to us and to the Woman's Club of Jacksonville for helping us with transportation costs to travel to the opera broadcasts.  It is such a collaborative effort on the parts of many and we are most grateful for this opportunity.

 "Tosca" - MetHD - 2018

 "Cendrillon" - MetHD - 2018

Until next time...

FHS Hall of Honor 2017

Mrs. Jane Palmer

Mrs. Dee Dee Tamburrino

Today was a very special day.  I had the privilege of celebrating a master teacher and my mentor with our faculty.  Our lives have been very similar.  She was one of five sisters growing up; I was one of four.  She began her teaching career at the elementary level and moved up to high school, where she remained for fifteen years.  I did the same.  I taught for nine years at the elementary level and am now a high school chorus teacher.  She taught for 35 years; I'm hoping to reach 20!  (I'm a late bloomer!)

 

Jane G. Palmer, formerly the chorus teacher at Duncan U. Fletcher Senior High School (where I am currently teaching) was inducted into our "Hall of Honor" today.  She will receive a plaque to take home and her name will be added to a plaque in our front office.  The PTSA has will also donate a brick in her name at the school.

Jane is a 35-year veteran of Duval County Public Schools.  She retired in June, 2013.  At Fletcher High School, she was the Performing Arts Department Chair, Teacher of the Year and a dedicated musician who instilled a love of choral music in thousands of students.  Her award-winning choirs performed in the Florida Vocal Association's Music Performance Assessments, annually at Disney's Candlelight Processional in EPCOT (Orlando, FL), at the White House in Washington, D.C. and at Carnegie Hall in New York City in 2012.

I have known Jane for many years and it was an honor to celebrate her today.  Without her dedication and support, I would not be where I am today.  Thank you, Jane, for your for your friendship.  I congratulate and celebrate you today!!

Until next time...

Teacher Appreciation 2016-17

The collection....

As I gaze across my classroom trying to decide where and how to begin my day, I see a memorial of sorts.  These are gifts my students have given me over the past several months.  

They include a framed photo of one of my senior girls in her Chorus T-Shirt.  She's been with me in chorus for the past four years and wanted to wear her t-shirt in her senior photo session. I was honored by this.  It is truly a gift.

Another is a white teddy bear with a Hershey bar and its companion book, "Why You're the Best Teacher Ever" completed in a student's handwriting.  It is a fill-in-the-blank book in which she did an amazing job reminding me of why I teach in the first place.  I was blessed to glimpse into this child's heart through her writing.

The next is a black and gray monkey with a heart in his hands.  This came from a student I have taught since elementary school.  He comes from a large family and has very little money.  Over the years, I have fed him, clothed him and covered his chorus participation fees.  I have done this with a cheerful heart and "as unto the least of these." He is such a blessing in my life.

Today, one of my 6'5" boys rode his skate board to Duncan Donuts to buy me coffee on his way to school.  The outside of the cup was completely covered in coffee from the sloshing which occurred on his way from the store to the school.  I didn't care.  This was such a thoughtful gesture on his part and I was touched by his kindness.

Yesterday, my principal came into my classroom to do my Formal Observation.  I had prepared my students for this and explained that "I only get one shot to prove myself as a teacher every year and I chose you to help me be my best.  Please be here, be on time, be in the moment and responsive to anything I ask while I'm teaching.  I am counting on you to support me in this."  The energy, the love, the support, the connection between singer and conductor was astounding.  They stepped up and made me shine!  There were lots of teachable moments.  I am forever grateful for their effort yesterday. 

Teaching is tough.  These "random acts of kindness" by our students are what get us through the day sometimes.  There are days when I am struggling in the classroom.  There are days I am questioning myself and wondering if it's time to hang up my "teacher hat."  I wear many of them and it is exhausting.  When I am really down, I read a "gratitude board" in my office filled with thank-you notes from students and colleagues.  On occasion, will scroll through my blog and be uplifted.  This is one of those days.

Until next time...

Catching Up With 2016

Fall Semester has flown by.  I enjoy blogging because it gives me an opportunity to reflect.  It is evident from the date of my last post that I haven't had much time for reflection lately.

Reflecting is important for teachers.  It is grounding.  It helps us center ourselves when the world is swirling around us.  It is validating.  It is an opportunity for an "atta girl" in the world of academia.  It affirms that I am making a difference in the lives of children daily.

So with this in mind, I am going to do what "Life" magazine, "People" magazine and "Time" magazine do.  Present our "year in pictures," thus far....

Selling "Spirit Bandanas" at home football games

Road trip to Douglas Anderson School of the Arts

to preview film on the life of one of our greats!

Robert Shaw, Conductor - Atlanta Symphony Chorus

 Edda's Bundt Cake Fundraiser!!

Fall Concert - pushed out two weeks

due to Hurricane Matthew

Performed at the Duval County School Board Meeting

and bumped into our former principal!

 Rehearsing in the FHS Amphitheatre

Chorus Kids in "Romeo, You Idiot"

Fall Drama Show

Jonathan - Our very own "Mr. Ugly" winner!!

 Touring the Rhoda L. Martin Cultural Heritage Center

Caroling at the Rhoda L. Martin Cultural Heritage Center

Holiday Fun!

"Holiday Extravaganza 2016"

In-School Performance

"Holiday Fest" at the

Jacksonville International Airport

 Jacksonville International Airport

 Jacksonville International Airport

 Jacksonville International Airport

Jacksonville International Airport

Blaze Pizza - River City Marketplace

Gotta feed 'em!

Caroling at Harbor Chase Memory Care Facility

Interact Fundraiser - Slider's - Neptune Beach

Destinations Unlimited to DeLand and Tampa

 Stetson Mansion - DeLand, Florida

 Performance at Stetson Mansion

Tour of Stetson Mansion

Christmas Town - Busch Gardens, Tampa

Busch Gardens - Marrakesh Theatre

December 22, 2016

Until next time....

The 5th Bass

Last night, I was given the incredible honor of playing  "The 5th Bass" with my school's drumline. 
Now, for the back story....

I always wanted to be a percussionist in the marching band.  My dad said, "Drums are for boys!" and refused to allow me to play.  My entire childhood was spent at the high school football field every Friday night.  I watched my aunt play flute, my cousin play the tenor drums, my sister play flute/piccolo and my baby sister twirl flags with the colorguard.  And there I sat.  Wishing.  Hoping.  Longing to play percussion and march with the band.  I had to settle for sitting next to the band at every game, working in the concession stand at the game or chaperoning the band on trips after I graduated from college.  It was the best I could offer.

This is my fourth year at the Fletcher High and my third band director in four years.  Every one of these guys has honored me by allowing me to march in a parade, clang a cymbal, shake a tambourine and play The 5th Bass. 

To be honest, I did not know what that meant, but I wasn't going to pass up an opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream.  The fellow that was on the drum graciously stepped aside so I could play his part.  The 5th Bass is the largest drum they had on the line.  I had the time of my life and a few minutes of glory as part of an actual drumline.

I missed out on the parade last year because of a broken toe.  They asked if I would march again this year.  My answer is and always will be a resounding "YES!!!"

Until next time....