A Week in the Life of an Ed Rep

IT'S BEEN A WEEK
By Kale White
Educational Representative
Palen Music Center - Broken Arrow, OK

I am humbled and privileged to work for amazing directors each week and so impressed with the multitude of things ALL directors do for their students. This Quick Note strays from the typical format and is meant to celebrate YOU, the directors Palen Music proudly serves. Below is a summary of my week's observations while serving my directors. I trust most of it will sound familiar, especially during this busy time of the year. My hope is it will provide a moment of reflection while accepting Palen Music's gratitude for your tireless effort and exceptional work.

Monday:
I knew it was going to be a good week when the band and orchestra directors at the first school I visit were ready to schedule next year's rental meetings. Through snow days, conventions, concerts, and while juggling their normal daily schedule, these directors found a way to get elementary recruiting and instrument testing completed and are preparing to send next year's class lists to the counselors. Another director is truly an inspiration. In the past year, her husband passed away and she was diagnosed with cancer. She continues to teach music appreciation, rehearse her band and choir, and work with student solos and ensembles every day after school, all while undergoing immunotherapy treatments and staying actively involved with her children's interests.

Tuesday:
Faced with the unfortunate possibility of an instrument repo, a director inquires to see if the school's counselors or PTO can possibly assist the family. At another school, a “rock star duo” of directors is pausing rehearsals for a day to kick off a fundraiser and simultaneously preparing to host a rescheduled district honor band event at their school.

Wednesday:
Today, one director rehearses with limited percussion to allow a student to practice his summer arts institute audition during class. Later, I missed visiting with a director because she was covering a sick teacher's lunch duty. And lastly, another director is trying to decide on design changes to her winterguard's show.

Thursday:
Just weeks before contest, directors at two schools have made the difficult decision to change one of their contest selections and are sightreading new music today. Another school turned in 48 marching band instruments for winter repair, with sousaphones and more still to come. And yet another “rock star” team of teachers are hosting their own after-school solo and ensemble event for their middle school students.

Friday:
After setting up on the auditorium stage, a team of directors are forced to change the rehearsal plan to sectionals because they realize nearly half of their group is absent due to illness. And the perfect end to the week, a director reviewing dotted-half notes with 65 engaged beginning orchestra students in a relaxed, but structurede nvironment.

Why didn't I publish specific names and schools? Because your name could likely be inserted in many of the moments mentioned above and our goal is to celebrate ALL OF YOU. Sincere thanks for everything you continue to do for your students and your programs. Please know your Palen Music Ed Reps notice and applaud your efforts as we partner with your successful programs.