Quick Update: 2.5.2012

The NY Giants won the Super Bowl today.

I've been in Kindergarten for a month now (4 weeks) and have learned a lot. I've learned that I've got a LOT to learn about teaching. Timing, time-management, pacing, discipline, class management, etc.
The last one mentioned has been the hardest, as I'm often unable to keep 100% of the students' attention for 100% of the time, which is what you're aiming for (however unrealistic it may seem). I've been evaluated formally once thus far, and that was one of the things that I didn't do too well. "It's your job to keep the students engaged!" - (Thanks Marilyn!)

In other news, I started another violin student (Alex), and made a (I think) good impression. He's got a lot of bad habits to break, but I think he's got a lot of potential, and looks (from the first lesson) like a quick learner. He's got a pretty good ear, and just needs to clean up bad habits and practice correctly. Susan once said, "I'm teaching you how to practice," and that's one quote I've used many times, and I think it applies heavily in the realm of music. The teacher is not going to be there for the other 6 days of practicing, and thus the student needs to form good, wholesome practicing techniques (supplied by the teacher) to progress. The teacher (in my opinion of this type of personalized music instruction) is there to correct bad habits and ensure correct practicing techniques are being applied. ($32/hour...I should probably increase my rates... : / )

I'm doing a lot more reading in the credential program than I ever did in college. The classes are pretty intense.

I'm feeling a little sick today (probably due to my recent exposure to the newest forms of bacteria and germs emanating from 28 kindergarten students). I'm going to bed.

~K

The Opening

I left my window open
Was it the same over there?
It's been fun.
The snatches and glimpses.

I still don't know you.
Probably never will.
Thanks for being an inspiration.
The Benjamins are rolling in!

I opened the door. You were grateful.
That's how history began.
Lights was the beginning.
Then came the kulture.

All this time. It's been a game.
If school is a game, I've almost won.
Next up: the Bonus Round!
Do I get extra points?!

You wanted to!
You wanted to!
The angels didn't deserve to die
They weren't angels at all.

My suicide is a calculated one.
It's one where I die to live.
Don't live to die.

School: Fall 2011

So my last semester of school for my BA has started and it looks to be a memorable one: 3 singing/vocal classes, capstone (the final project for liberal studies majors at my school), a kinesiology for kids class, and an online music class.
The most interesting class thus far has been the vocal training class. We're learning how to control our inhalation, exhalation, breath control, diaphragm control, and all that good stuff. Gospel choir and the advanced vocal ensemble are equally if not more so enjoyable as it's basically just singing and learning new music.
KIN should be a breeze and the online music class shouldn't be too bad (I think I've found a loophole... : ]).
Getting the capstone topic wasn't as bad as I thought thanks to the help from the instructor (Do Je Ye So) as I think I've got a legit topic and have the right connections...we'll see if it happens.
: ]

2010 Semester (FALL), Senioritis

It's been quite a ride. This semester's gone by pretty quickly [as again, my theory of the Fall seeming to go by faster is once again confirmed (in my personal experience at least)]. Nearing the end of the semester, I started to have feelings of recklessness and a sense of "passing," if you will. IOW, I began to care less and less about grades and was centered more on passing. In addition, I began to drive, how shall we say, a little more precariously than normally...

Some of my peers suggested an early case of senioritis, as I should be a senior this year but due to a switching of majors am still a junior (until Spring 2011). Whatever the case may be, I am back to normal, with some lingering symptoms. My personal physician has prescribed a dose of high frequency/amplitude rocking (with guitar in hand as well as headbanging), serene moments with line in the water, and general YouTube-making.

As tonight is my final final (Math), I feel a celebration is in order, with all of the prescribed meds needed to avoid any more relapses of senioritis. Wish me luck!

KN

I don't know why...

I'm not sure why
This feels like it does
It's not how I
Had seen it in retrospect

Do they really matter?
Does anyone see?
Or perhaps just to get by
Is what is in tune

'Cuz right about now
It feels like I'm done
Like this one is gone
And I'm ready t'for break

Just to get by
Is that good enough?
To find someone here
Who's honestly true?

It's almost over
And then I'll be free
But as of right now
My future will look
Back at my past
And know there's so much to see
Before it's over the edge

To do well is good
To try and pass
Is this the question
That I'm asking...
Is passing good...enough?

school papers

Finished my HCOM papers last night ~4:30 a.m. Where is summer???