mark waxler musings

Tuning with your Ears 2

2012-01-26T19:39:00.000-06:00

I'm finally following up on a series of posts that I began a few months ago about teaching students to tune themselves by ear rather than relying on a visual tuner all of the time. In this post I'm going to share some real world ideas of how I use the Harmony Director(HD) and/or the 5th CD in the classroom on a daily basis.

Note: This is not a plug for the Harmony Director but rather a plug for the concept of teaching kids to listen as they play. The HD is just a really great tool for doing this with ease and little effort.

We begin the year by playing Concert F long tones with a steady F playing on the keyboard. I want them to hear what they are meant to play before they actually make a sound. In the beginning, we don't spend a lot of time with the HD but work to first make a clear sound as we dust the cobwebs off after a long summer. When we have a somewhat clear sound we quickly move to playing Concert F Remingtons while the drone of an F is playing loud enough to be heard. My goal in this is for them to match the 1st and 3rd notes of the Remington Exercise. I find that as the notes get further apart the students struggle to get the pitch back to a center on the Fconcert so we pause on these notes to listen and adjust to the true pitch. For even clearer hearing (and the next step) I play a drone of F and C (5ths) to fit into. This is where the CD can be used to play the 5th and it is acceptable to begin with this if you don't have the HD keyboard. (Side note: I use the Pure Tuning on the HD to get a pure 5th in the key of F). So, basically, whatever we are playing for warmup (Remington or Chickowicz or whatever) I try to find something that they will hold out and can focus their listening ears to match.

As we progress, I will have the brass buzz on just their mouthpieces while I use the HD Keyboard to play the Remington Exercise. We are currently doing this sort of thing in my class. I play the first group (F - E - F) so they can hear the interval. Then the brass buzz it back to me with the woodwinds playing while I play the interval again so they can match. Then I move to the next group (F - Eb - F) and they buzz (brass) and play (woodwinds) back to me. We work our way through the excercise, both decending and accending, focusing on all players really listening to each pitch and matching. The brass benefit from buzzing the pitches and the woodwinds benefit from not having the loud brass to interfere and it is easier to listen and match. (Side note: This a great way to use the Berp aperatus for brass instruments) In the last few weeks I have noticed that my brass are stronger players and have a clearer tone and woodwinds are more in tune. We still have a lot to work on with this and it will take time for them to really get it, but I can see progress in just a few weeks. It is difficult to do this excercise with the 5th CD, but can be done with the brass buzzing and and woodwinds playing and matching the drone as before.

When we are working on a Chorale as part of our Ensemble Time I find it very useful to have the HD Keyboard and its ability to create Pure Tuning in any key. The 5th CD can give you 5th in any key to work with, but the keyboard can provide the 3rd to listen to and can (of course) change chords as the students play. I play the first chord for them to match and we play the first chord together listening some times to individual notes. I don't spend anytime at first talking about correct chord tuning (3rd lowered and 5th raised) but just force their ears to hear it and match as best they can. Later, I may get into those concepts if they seem mature enough. After we play the first note and tune, we pause and then begin the chorale. At first I focus on the 1st and last chords for them to hear because they are usually the same chord. As we progress, I will add a hold while playing other chords to make sure that we are matching. This can also be used in any piece of music to be sure that the students are listening and matching to correct pitch.

At this point in the rehearsal I will usually only make use of the metronome part of the HD Keyboard but will refer back to these concepts of listening when we have a spot in the music that needs adjusting. Some might say that using technology can get in the way of doing the real teaching of how to play the instruments. I completely agree that the first priority is for students to be able to play with a clear sound. I would say, however, that as long as it is used in a good balance, technology can be extremely useful in the band rehearsal. There is a time to strap in and work on the music. There is also a time when the students know the notes and rhythms well enough that we can begin to use these tools to improve their overall performance. The HD Keyboard will get lots of use in my section rehearsals and as we get closer to our UIL Contest date.

But overall, I am more and more convinced that it is better to help students to listen for their tuning rather than to always rely on the wheel or needle of a tuner. Climate, room size, muscle fatigue and stage lights all will effect the pitch of the instruments in so many different ways and there is not always a tuner available. So, let's make an effort to really teach kids at the younger levels to listen and trust themselves to play in tune. Because after all, they are the only ones that make themselves play in tune!!

-waxler

Tuning with your Ears 1

2011-09-12T19:00:00.001-05:00

In my last post I shared a terrific article by Si Millican in the August issue of SBO Magazine. It discussed the concept of making students use their ears to adjust their pitch rather than relying on a tuner to find what is "in tune". In this post I want to share why both a CD with Perfect 5th drones and a Yamaha Harmony Director 200 can help students understand these concepts and put them into practice. In a second post I will share some practical ways to use these in the classroom setting to help students use their ears better to tune as they perform.

The Perfect 5th Drones CD (5th CD) has perfectly tuned drones at an interval of a 5th. These drones are in all 12 major keys in both low and high registers. When a student plays any note in that key it becomes very evident when they are not in tune with the drone because they will hear loud beats when the sound waves do not match up. The interval of a 5th is the purest interval (next to the 4th) and, basically, the note that is played fills in the chord causing the student to adjust to both notes rather than just the single sustained note. This allows for little if no wiggle room to be out of tune with the intervals. This is a practical way for students to hear their note as compared to a set (in tune) interval and decide what adjustments need to be made. However, with only the two notes sounding, you can't adjust chords and other intervals involving more than one note for students to hear. You also have to make sure that your CD player is on Single Track Repeat so the drone can continue for a long time.

The Harmony Director Keyboard takes the these concepts of playing against a 5th and adds the ease of a keyboard with the ability to play more than two notes at a time, the ability to have real tuning for chords (as apposed to even tuning like any other piano) and to instantly change the notes as the students play. For instance, when my students play a chorale, I will set the keyboard for the real tuning of the key they are in and give them the beginning chord before they play, but then play the major (long) chords as they get to them. We will pause on that chord long enough for them to adjust their tuning before we move on in the chorale. This takes many weeks to get the hang of and the students often want to "get bored" and complain about the drone sound before they begin to grow excited about getting it right.

Next, I'll share some daily drills using these tools to improve student's tuning tendencies.

-waxler

A Great Article on Tuning

2011-09-06T21:28:00.001-05:00

I saw this article in this last month's SBO Magazine and I thought it was worth sharing with those who maybe don't get that magazine.

Article: Turn Off the Tuner for Better Ensemble Intonation

In this article Si Millican plainly speaks to the concept of making the students use their ears to tune rather than the wheel or needle of a tuner. For years I have been working this concept with my students and I have seen a dramatic change in their tone quality and their performance. At that time I was using a CD that sounded a drone of perfect 5ths in all keys for students to listen to and match. Recently, I moved schools and one of the first purchases I made with my new budget was a Yamaha Harmony Director 200. Those who work in my district asked me why I bought it and how I use it. When I saw this article, I thought it put together all of the reasons I believe in using the Harmony Director into one article so I immediately shared it with them.

You don't have to have a fancy keyboard to work this idea, though. Sometimes, when I don't have access to my Harmony Director, I will play the note on my instrument (trumpet) for the kids to match. This will remind them of the concept of unwanted beats in the sound and begin to make them want to fix it.

I so appreciate the way Dr. Millican provides a basis for this idea of listening rather than seeing to tune in his article. In my next blog installment I will share some ways that I have used the 5th CD and the Harmony Director Keyboard with my classes to work the students' ears to become independent tuners when they play.

-waxler

Prize Shirt

2011-08-11T14:34:00.000-05:00

This last week we have hosted a Band Camp for my students. The purpose was to begin learning the "football" music for the Fall and to get the cobwebs off of our instruments before school begins in a few weeks. We have had a great week with over 30 kids committing to come up to school for 3 hours and play their instrument rather than sit at home and play video games. I'm really proud of them for being so dedicated. As an incentive I told them that if they come to all 5 days they would get a prize for their effort. I did not tell them at all what it would be.

So, I thought all summer, "What would be cool to a middle schooler that is affordable?" My wonderful wife had a great idea that turned out to be amazing. We will give them a shirt that looks like this:

With our great Tshirt companies offering affordable prices on shirts, it turned out to be a great thing that the kids will love. I can then use these as incentives for the entire year. Make District Band - get a shirt, Pass off all your scales - get a shirt, Earn "Good Discipline Points" - get a shirt, etc., etc., etc...

AND when they wear it on spirit shirt days at school and someone asks why they recieved the "Prize Shirt" they can tell what accomplishment they did to earn it. I think it will be a really positive thing for the band this year!

I'm even to going need to earn my "Prize Shirt" this year by accomplishing something big - yet to be determined.

"You've got to come hear this..."

2011-06-16T17:00:00.001-05:00

I was thinking and dreaming today about what it would be like to have a band at a certain place where I could call my friends and supervisors to invite them to my rehearsal and say, "You've got to come hear this..." because the band is sounding and performing at such a high level. I've not had that so far in my career, but of course would love to experience that and I think I can have that at my current school in the coming years. I would love to have comments from anyone of you that has experienced that with a group.

But then the other side of me makes me ask, "Is it truly about that?" "Is that a worthy goal?" "Am I looking at it wrong?". (I so quickly doubt myself so much.) I wonder if I am setting myself up for failure or if I can hang on to those dreams until I achieve them.

I am excited about the potential that I have coming in the next year. It really challenges me to be even better to make sure each day is productive. Maybe that's why I'm thinking about this even while on summer vacation? Go figure...

End of School Reflections

2011-06-07T09:52:00.003-05:00

The end of every school year is an interesting time for me. I find myself genuinely excited to close a chapter and take a break. But at the same time I miss the rigor of doing what I really love best...teaching kids to appreciate music in their lives.

This year has especially been tough because I was at a new school. Sometimes learning "the ropes" about my new school got in the way of the ability to do my best teaching. So I look forward to next year and starting again. This time feeling more comfortable in my surroundings.

But at the same time how sweet is it that I am blessed with the chance to take a break to plan and grow as an educator. This summer I want to attend some workshops that my district has provided. I want to plan my bands webpage more fully and take time to make it great. I get a real chance to plan well the approach I will use to accomplish our goals as a band for next year.

Personally, I want to finish at least one composition of the 4-5 that I have started right now. There are some books I'd like to take in. I have new friends that I would love to play golf with or just go to that great burger joint that my friend Ben tells me about.

Most importantly, I get the chance to play with my boys and spend quality time with my wife before the craziness begins again in August.

What are your goals for summer break? I'd love to hear them.

-waxler

Band Clinic/Concerts

2011-01-22T16:59:00.002-06:00

Today, I was at a District Band Clinic that ends with a concert later this afternoon. For those of you that are not sure what that means, I'll explain...

I blogged before about how music students audition for the prize of a place in a District or Region Band. Well, the prize includes a day of rehearsing with students from other schools under the direction of a guest conductor. This culminates in a Concert performance for parents and the community after only 12 hours of rehearsing. Picture an All-Star Game of the sport of your choice.

This is great for the students. But what good is it for the Band Directors who have taught these students?...

We as directors are given a tremendous opportunity to not only network with other directors, but to literally go to school for a day and learn from the guest conductor as well. The guest conductors are considered Master Teachers in the Music World and display some of the highest levels of teaching models. It is priceless to watch another director work with a group and pick up new tools of teaching to use with my students. I have begun to have a notebook with me when I come to take notes and reminders of the things I should take back to my classroom (I have a horrible memory). And it's free... with no registration or convention fees.

I, as a director, cannot wait until these days in the school year when I can sit down or stand in a hall with fellow directors in the area and brainstorm. After years of teaching, I am not afraid to bounce ideas off of others to test and see if they are really great ideas or just stupid ideas that I should change or forget all together. It is a pride issue when I risk the chance (and often it is the case) that my idea is truly off-base and I am embarrassed to have spoken. However, I have most often discovered that my colleagues are forgiving and willing to help me find a solution to my issue. Sometimes, I will even come to the conversation having a full knowledge and be able to help someone with an issue they are struggling with. Still further, is the chance to make connections and schedule with fellow directors from another school a time when they can come and work with my students during class time. These conversations are such an encouragement for me as I go back to my classroom the next Monday to work at improving my students. We cannot be the best teachers we can be by ourselves. We may be very intelligent. We may have loads of experience. We may even have 5 degrees to our name. But, the world of teaching music is changing almost daily and the only real way to keep up is collaboration and communication with others who may have different contacts with the music world than we have.

The Band Clinic/Concert experience is a microcosm of the best in Music Education. Students work hard like athletes for 12 hours. Teachers go to school to improve their teaching. Friends and colleagues are given an open opportunity to network and brainstorm for the betterment of the students who are not even at the event.

Because, after all, it really is all about improving student's lives in the end... Right!!

Music!!

2011-01-01T21:14:00.002-06:00

Whenever I have taught a General Music Class I have always begun with the same question: "What is Music?" When I have asked this question, my students usually answer with nothing more than blank stares and the sound of crickets. Granted they are usually not music students and are simply in the class because nothing else was available, but I hope the wheels begin to turn for them with that question. I also hope that it serves as a background for the discussions that we have over the course of the semester.

Dictionary.com's first definition of MUSIC says it is "an art of sound in time that expresses ideas and emotions in significant forms through the elements of rhythm, melody, harmony and color." I love this definition because it opens up so many discussion points and I think it boils down four years of university education in one succinct sentence. I especially love that "color" is a part of this discussion about sound.

Beyond the dictionary definition, though, it must be noted that music is a very emotional and personal thing as well. You may enjoy listening to Speed Metal Rock music while your close friend cannot tolerate the noise and prefers to listen to Mexican Tejano instead. Personal preference is inherently emotional and many people have rather strong feelings about others' preferences concerning music choice. At this point, I could easily begin my own rant about my personal likes and dislikes of the music that comes on my radio or in the various stores I walk into or the car that drives by my apartment or that pulls up next to me at the stop light, but that is not what this is really all about. Maybe another day...

So, after an inspirational talk with my wife (my biggest fan), I am going to focus on my views of music (music education, music composition, and the music heard on the radio) as I see it. After 13 years of teaching music and many more years of listening to and analyzing the music around me, these are my thoughts for all to read. I plan to discuss music that I have discovered and music that I have written.

I hope that you gain some knowledge and inspiration from my musings on this subject. I'd also like you to be entertained as well. If there is something you would like me to discuss specifically or if there is something you would like to share yourself, feel free to share via comment.

-waxler

Band Concerts and Tipping Points - How Great is Our God

2009-12-09T04:57:00.000-06:00

This morning I woke up at 4:30 and couldn't sleep. I do that sometimes when there is a lot on my mind. Today just happens to be the morning after my band's Winter Concert. (I wish we could call it a "Christmas" Concert, but that's another blog.) You would think that I would have gotten a lot off my mind and could rest, but that is not the case.

So, I think to myself (while lying in bed) that I have options here:
1. I could just lie here and think about upcoming events (and how I'm going to deal with them as well) along with other random thoughts that creep in (again, another blog).
2. I could go running in 28 degree weather to run off some energy (how stupid would that be).
3. OR.... I could blog.....

Our concert was really a great success and that is saying a lot considering all that we go through to put it together.

Disclaimer: I don't normally write about school in my blog because that can get me in trouble if I say the wrong thing. But this is a good thing and what is truly on my mind, so here goes....

You see, we have a particular schedule at our school that does not allow for my 7th and 8th grade band students to have a class together during the day. This schedule works well for academic classes and allows teachers to plan together for better student success. I agree with that. It just makes it difficult to keep the band as a whole (and all fine arts) performing at the same high standards as other schools. So we have to hold a Rehearsal every Tuesday Afternoon for an hour so they get time to practice with each other, challenge each other among their sections and just generally mingle with each other (to create an atmosphere of kinship that leads to high school band in the future). Holding these rehearsals is quite a challenge with all of the events that students are involved in at school (especially intelligent and well rounded band students). But many of our students this year have done a really good job of getting to rehearsal each Tuesday. It is also becoming evident that many of our students are choosing to become musicians and focus on band as opposed to athletics ... or just nothing (as is often the case). We are moving toward a "Tipping Point" in our band program.

Malcolm Gladwell describes a moment when some thing or idea becomes popular and well known seemingly over night or all at once. This moment he calls the "Tipping Point". When I read his book it was interesting to see how I have been running band programs in a certain way as to obtain this point when band becomes a really popular and important part of the school environment. Gladwell notes that change happens slowly over time but will climax at a certain unpredictable moment when, without realizing it, people just have to be a part of some thing because it is cool to do so. (He relates it much like a Sickness Epidemic moves across a people group or how a certain shoe becomes popular to wear).

I would take it one step further and realize that this unpredictable moment is ultimately controlled by a Sovereign God who is in control of the whole universe. This relates to me in that He loves His children and wants what is best for me. He has given me talents and intelligence to understand how things work and how I should go about each day to Glorify Him in every decision and action that I make. In learning about "Tipping Points" I learn that Malcolm Gladwell has again proven that we serve a Mysterious God that reveals Himself in a myriad of ways. Some may say that the changes that occur in this process are a result of man having grand ideas and the patience to work the problem out. I say, who gave man those ideas and that patience. I know I don't think of a lot of brilliant things on my own but rather get most of them from the truths found in Scripture as I read them from the Bible. And the patience thing is still working on me after 12 years of teaching band.

No... any success that we have in our band program (like our Concert last night) is because God blessed the efforts and rose up within our students the ability to perform well under pressure. They don't get to practice the music with all of the parts together except every once in a while, yet they performed last night as if they had worked each day as a unit together. That is a blessing from God that I cannot make happen on my own.

How Great is Our God

-waxler

Running a 5K Race

2009-11-22T12:44:00.000-06:00

I recently ran a 5K race. (If you're reading this, then you probably already know that since you are a friend of mine.) I ran the race because of a few important reasons:

1. My doctor told me that I needed to lose weight after discovering that I was at the beginning of the "Morbidly Obese" section of the weight chart.
2. I thought this would be a great motivation to do something that would cause my weight to drop and be more healthy.
3. I've always wanted to run an "official" race with a number on my chest and official time clock at the end. When I see those races on TV I think, "That must feel great to run across the finish line and have accomplished that."
4. I turn 35 on Nov. 25 and figured it was about time I did something like that.

At the end of this summer, a friend told me about a "Couch to 5K" program that let you ease into the long-distance run at a slow pace. It really is a good program that is manageable and not too stressful (and works) if you make the time to run for about 30 minutes a few times a week. There is even an App for iPhone that helps you keep the timing as you run. SHOCK!!! So, I thought about all the reasons from above and started the program in August. Unfortunately, at the same time, I kicked the hearth in our apartment and apparently (according to the X-Ray) broke a small bone in my foot and had to wait 3-4 weeks before really starting the program. And keep up my motivation while beginning to teach school.

So, after some healing I began the program again. You are supposed to run 3 times per week and build up to longer runs as you go. My "days between runs" were actually more like "10 days between runs", but I got them in. (At least the first 4 weeks of it).

I was a little frustrated the day of that I had not finished the program, but, I had set a goal (and paid $20 for the entry) so we were going to go running on Nov. 21.

The morning was early but really great with Lissa being so supportive and getting up with me and planning ahead for the boys to be woken up on the first Saturday of Thanksgiving Break. We drove toward Richardson and were doing great until I took the Dallas North Tollway instead of waiting until the North Central Expressway. Ten minutes later, we were $1 (in change) poorer from the two toll booths we HAD to go through and back on the The George Bush Turnpike for another 5 miles to get to the right "Expressway" and found our way to the place of the race. We had no idea where the festivities would begin, but soon found the arch of balloons and heard the noise of the crowd. The pre-race was interesting as the kids got to bounce in a bounce house and I had all of the anticipation of "what have I gotten myself into".

I read somewhere that your first race you should begin at the back of the pack so as not to be run over by the more "experienced" racers. So, I started near the back and walked right up to the starting line so I could save as much energy for the actual timed portion of the race. I saw Lissa and the boys there and jumped across the starting line only to be told to "STOP" because the camera was messing up and she was not videoing my start. In hindsight, that's pretty funny.

So, I took off running (well more of a jog that was surprisingly faster than alot of people). I had decided I would try to run for 5 minute intervals and walk for 1-2 minute intervals alternating. I made the first 5 minute, but after that it was whatever I could muster up the strength to do depending on whether it was up hill or down hill. The website noted that the course was "flat with an occasional incline". It was not the Texas Hill Country, but it definitely was not flat. I walked most of the uphills and jogged the downhills. That seemed easier at the time.

The other runners were quite nice and considerate as we went along. I didn't feel bad when older people passed me by. I figured they had actually done this before and was kind of glad they were there still doing this sort of thing. And, I knew that if worst came to worse I could pass them easily. One lady did inspire me a few times when as I was just walking and she would trot past me. I would think, "Uh-uhh" and begin to jog again. (I did beat her to the finish line.) I learned that when you are by yourself you should wear your iPod to keep your brain distracted as you run. That may have helped me shave 3-4 minutes off my time in the end if I would have done it, but then I couldn't have "soaked up the experience" as I was able to do without it.

I planned ahead and jogged the entire last 1/4 of a mile or so so that I could come across the line running. It really was lots of fun to come across with the crowd cheering on. That's the part that makes me want to do it again, actually. Also, I saw a picture of a friend coming across the finish line of a marathon that he had run. I thought at the time what a great feeling and sense of accomplishment that must have been for him. I by no means think that my little 5K compares to his marathon, except that this same friend told me that his first race was also a 5K. I don't really think I'll end up at a marathon some day, but you never know.

Today I got an email with a picture of myself going across the finish line. I also found out that I finished 42 out of 46 in my age class and 454 overall with a time of 41:10. This is just the beginning I know. I am already looking for the next one that I can run.

If there is a moral to this it is that you should set goals and follow through. Even if you aren't able to finish all the parts, do what you can and enjoy the challenge. For my 35th birthday I ran my first 5K race and lost a little weight along the way.

But there is still a long way to go......

Judging Band Auditions

2009-11-12T22:16:00.001-06:00

Have you heard of "Band Auditions"? If not, then you either were not in band in junior high or you don't happen to know any band people (directors or students). If you don't know, it's okay... we still love you.

Band Auditions are a very interesting experience in which a band student (of course, it could also be a vocalist or string player, but then it wouldn't be a "band" audition would it?) puts themself up against a number of other students who play the same instrument in a search to see who is the better player. The best players are rewarded with a spot (or chair) in a band that will, on a given day, rehearse for 8 or so hours and then perform a concert for doting parents and friends. In the end, it may seem trivial and not much of a prize, but many a day has been ruined or celebrated based on the results of mere minutes of instrumental playing. (Don't get me started on my own experiences growing up in the "band world". I'm still bitter about some of those auditions). But I digress....

There are two sides to this audition process.

One side is that of the student who has worked for months (or in some cases only days) on special music that will be picked over with a fine-toothed comb (or ear) as they perform for 3-5 adults who sit behind a screen and place judgment upon them anonymously. Imagine a combination of a job interview and The Dating Game and you can begin to get the picture. It is tough being the student, but I always say that it is an important step in growing up into maturity as a musician (and often as a person). When he/she enters the room there is a monitor that announces their letter to the judges. What's fun is that the monitor comes up with some word to represent the letter as in: "Letter D as in Delta" or something like that. We used to give them free range to make up their own but then some would say things like: "D for Dummy" or "L for Loser" so we now stick to a phonetic alphabet or musical terms. Then the student plays the required material and either leaves pleasantly or in a huff if things did not go so well.

In the olden days (yes I turn 35 this month) all the students would be in one room and would not only face the judgement of the judges but also the room full of competition. It was gruelling and many a person did not play well when faced with "the eyes" from all around the room. Now students get to be in a room by themself without "the eyes" staring at them. I wonder if it really is the same in the end.

On the other side of the screen are the "judges". They are (most often) band directors, private music teachers and other professional musicians who know what the before mentioned music is supposed to sound like. They are equipped with little more than a pencil and some papers that look a lot like a blank accounting spreadsheet. As the students play they score each performance with a number based on a predetermined standard. Such a standard should already be known before the auditions begin. (If the judge doesn't know what the standard is, they won't be asked back again to judge any time soon. I can tell you that). The process of coming up with all these numbers is kind of boring to explain so I'll spare you the details now. If you truly are curious, I'd be glad to tell you about it in a personal message sometime. But, when it's all said (played) and done we end up with individual orders of letters that represent students who still remain in anonymity to the judges (remember that all the judges have is a bunch of letters to organize). At one point in this we get to put bar code stickers on a page and it seems a lot like elementary school. That's always fun!! Then these are turned in to the contest officials who put them into a computer program to determine the final "chair" order for that section in the bands.

But the real fun for the judges is getting to visit with friends. You see, most normal people don't really understand musicians and all of their oddities. (To this you say DUH!!). So when we get together we speak a different language and laugh at the strangest things. Like this weekend one audition sounded more like a lawn mower than a trumpet or the student that sped up and then suddenly slowed down or the one that ..... (sorry I got caught up in that world for a moment). Anyway, we have a good time behind the screen but we also must remember that the students have worked very hard and it is serious business to place them in the best order possible. This is why there is always more than one of us behind the screen in case one of us goes to sleep and misses something important. (Not that that ever happens when listening to 50 of the same instrument playing the exact same music for 4 - 6 hours. That's NEVER happened to me!). That's also why they provide really great food for the judges in the form of catered lunches and a food cart that travels from room to room providing snacks to keep us energized for optimal listening. Or maybe it's just to bribe us into agreeing to do it again next time. Who can really tell?

So, there is a little taste into the world of band auditions. And the next time you hear someone say they have "Region Band Auditions" next Saturday, you'll have a little insight into what in the world they are talking about.

Of course, now I have to wonder if I should worry about my band friends taking me out for giving away this secret.

-waxler

Galveston

2009-07-29T22:45:00.001-05:00

We had a great time today at the beach in Galveston, TX. We got really sandy and a little sunburned. But doesn't that go with the whole experience anyway.

We went with some really great friends of ours that we only get to visit with maybe a few times a year. They are the Muirs. John is a band director and former colleague (and roommate as well) and Shannon is a friend from high school that is such a blessing to Lissa. It's always fun to be with them because there is no pretense. They "get" us like no other people do. And we usually talk music and politics which always is just fun to do.

But I digress ....

We did silly things in the sand like make castles and homes for hermit crabs. Peter's favorite game was to watch me spend lots of effort on building a sand mold of a tower or little turtle figurine and then immediatey say "Ohhhh!" and step on it ala Gonzilla back in the day. (Fortunately they were small molds.) Then I covered my legs in sandy mud and caught some waves in the choppy .... umm .... "sea" at Galveston. It was a PHUNN time had by all.

Then we were able to clean off at the public showers, pack the kids in the car, drive down the Seawall and gawk at the subtle changes that are present since Hurricane Ike a year ago and make our way back to my mother's home in Conroe. It was a great day!

-waxler

I thought I was hip....

2009-07-16T21:06:00.000-05:00

Well, I decided yesterday to try Twittering ....... or Tweeting ...... or Twitting ....... or whatever it is. I thought, "I know enough people that I could keep a conversation with and they would love to hear the pithy things that I thought about throughout the day". But alas it seems to not be so.

I signed up at 11:00PM last night and began the process of finding friends in which I could follow. I was excited to find people that I know well and are also friends in Facebook. Then there were the really cool people like Marc Driscoll, Matt Chandler and even John Piper himself (Piper seems to usually send encouraging words to his followers). I also started to follow Newt Gingrich (who might be our next president and I could be in on it from the beginning). It all seemed really promising for my getting into a world that I would normally have avoided for months to come when it becomes the only way to communicate in our world. After all, even John McCain is Twitting now..... surely I could do the same.

I figured that those that I was following would get a message that says that this guy they know was following them and then they would follow me too. Surely that's how this works. After a full day (22 hours in) of following these friends, I have only one follower. But, that one follower is merely my favorite band who are only following me so they can post on my account from their phones while on tour. Me and 22,500 others. Oh, and there were two guys that I don't even know.

Not really what I expected.

I refuse to send any notes to anyone else to say, "Please follow me and make me feel better. Help me become hip and a part of the right group. That will give me a place in the world that I want to be in." If I have to get in this way, then I guess I'm just not supposed to be that cool.

So, I'm going to give another 12 hours or so and then give up. Twittering is not for me. At least not at this time. Someday, it might be the "way" to communicate. But, I can say that I experienced it, tried it out, discovered what it was like. I learned that people (at least my age) don't really Twit all day long; they just do it about as often as they update on Facebook. Huh!

I say all this not out of complete depression, but rather out of simple observation. God has put me in my place and has given me the friends that I have. As hard as I work, I cannot become someone that I am not. I've been given the friends that I have and my job is to show Christ to them in whatever way I can each time I communicate with them (by whatever means). Maybe Twittering is not the means I need to use. I do have alot of friends on Facebook and love to hear from them and their posts. (Of course, I don't get alot of people reacting to my pithy things there either, but I'll let that issue go for now.) At least I know that people are reading my pithy posts there too.

On a positive note: I am looooving my new iPhone. It is the most wonderful invention in the world. I am more organized and much more relaxed about the things that I need to get done. This will truly be the way that people communicate in the near future, and I am glad to be on the upswing of that one.

waxler

Early iPhone Morning 2

2009-06-23T12:51:00.001-05:00

Yes, I woke up last Friday morning at 4:00AM and went to the AT&T store before 5:00AM to wait in line for the new iPhone. (I have been planning for this for 3 months and was not intending to miss getting one on the day that they were finally coming out.) When I drove into the parking lot there was only one car that belonged to a worker (yes, he was there before me) and a Constable (ready to break up any riots that might insue in Flower Mound, TX I guess). So, I thought, "I'll wait a minute before I get my chair out and get in line". Then two teenage girls drove up and immediately got out of their car and went to sit by the front door.

So, I missed being the first person in line.

But, I went ahead and staked out my place and, (after some introductions) began to read my book. I got 2 paragraphs read and two teenage guys walk up. One was an Apple Freak and proceded to tell me how they had stayed up all night in anticapation for this wait, about all of his Apple gear, about his online business of buying and celling things (including the iPhone that he had a year ago, but wanted to try out the Blackberry Bold so he sold it and bought another one), and about his wonderful car that he loves so much (older car - "redone") and what all of his friends drive (Beemers, Mercedes and the like) and how he has trouble with the Flower Mound police because of his car. And he won't stop! I pulled out my computer (a Dell) to see if there would happen to be a wireless connection (I don't have the iPhone yet) and he goes off about how he "hates Windows" and Mac is the only true computer. At some point he is showing me (without my asking, mind you) all of the pictures of the things that he has sold on Ebay. Let's just say, I didn't read much of my book in the time that I waited. Oh and his friend was just there to be with him and hang out at 5AM. What a life!!

As I sat there and people joined the line, my friend Sarah got there and joined me allowing a little bit of a buffer from the conversations. About that time I learned that they were going to let those who had preordered ther phone to go in at 7AM and the others would have to wait until 10AM. So, I would be the first to buy the iPhone that day without preordering!! YEA! FIRST IN LINE FOR SOMETHING!!! Then we realized that there weren't that many people in line who had preordered. Surely they would take us in before 10AM and not make us sit in the heat for 3 hours.

Well, they did and at 7:30AM I walked in with hands raised into the air-conditioning and said (as a truly knowledgable iPhone user would say), "I'd like a 32 black".

It felt so good to be hip for just a few seconds.

From this point on, it was pretty anti-climactic as my helper tapped on her computer and set me up with my new iPhone. And after all of the wondering about if and when I would get my new iPhone, I was out of the store by 8:00AM on June 19, 2009... my life forever changed by my ability to search the web, check on traffic and weather, check my bank account, check sports scores, check email and my Facebook (and even make farting noises).... anywhere I happen to find myself at that moment. WOW!! I am in awe.

It was a great memory. And it's a great phone too!!

Early iPhone Morning

2009-06-18T17:39:00.000-05:00

Yes! I am planning to meet friends at 4:30 in the morning to wait in line for a new iPhone. Hopefully, it will be a positive experience. I'll let you know.

THE STORM!!

2009-06-11T16:39:00.000-05:00

We had quite an evening last night with a 70 mile-per-hour wind come through our apartment complex tearing things apart as it went. At the front of our complex, the wall was torn off of the side of one building. Then I guess the walkways through the buildings diffused the force until it met up again at the back of the complex right on top of our building. The big tree next to our apartment (that provides great shade) was thinned out greatly by the wind. The chimneys were ripped off the top of our buildings. But here's the thing..... of the four chimneys on top of our building, ours was the only one that remained. It had only minor damage, but caused no leakage at all into our attic. God really provided protection for us that is unbelievable. I really can't explain it any other way. We had things on our back porch that included light canvas chairs and potted plants that were barely moved more than a few inches. Although, one of the plants was knocked on its side.

The other cool part was that we weren't even there when it all happened. We decided (rather quickly in fact) yesterday evening that we would run out to Walmart and take care of some errands before our trip to my sister-in-laws wedding in Longview. So while we are there we hear the big wind and the rain begin. I could tell it was rather violent, so we stayed for a little while in the safety of the Walmart until the rain passed. After it died down, we left and drove home. On our way, a friend from our apartments called to see if we were okay. We said, "Why would we not be?" They then told us that the apartments were hit pretty badly. So we then began to notice all of the trees down and debris laying on the road. On our arrival to apartments, it feels sort of like entering a war zone. (That seems a bit dramatic, but this is the first time we have really had such a thing happen to us. Usually, big storms pass us by to the north or south. This time it came right on top of our world.)

So, then begins the being cautious where you walk, the looking around in the rain at what was damaged and what was not, the checking on neighbors to make sure everyone is alright and the checking on my truck to see if I get to claim insurance. (I can't get rid of it yet) And we had those who checked on us to make sure we were okay after they saw our complex on the local news. Glad to know that God has given us such great friends! In the end we find that our world is fine and that God truly did spare us from the worst. It feels that the Isrealites with the blood on the door when the Angel came by (and knocked down chimneys?). We were spared. It serves as a reminder that God still watches over His children. Prasie be the Lord!

The last interesting element is that James and Peter were really kind of freaked out by the whole thing since there was debris all over the area around our apartment. A place that is usually safe for the them to play in. Then we had more storms throughout the night and morning with loud thunder and lightning. (James ended up on the floor of our bedroom during the night and Peter woke up crying after a loud crack.) James' whole world came crashing down it seems and we have talked alot about how God really did take care of us and will keep on taking care of us. Then, it really hit me this morning: If James was freaked out this much and we weren't even there when it happened, what would he be like if we had not needed to go run errands and we were there huddled in the closet of our upstairs apartment not knowing what was actually happening on top of us at that moment?

Again, "Thanks be to God our Father above who watches over His children!!"

Rush week for Gangs?

2009-06-05T16:35:00.001-05:00

So, I am standing outside with some of the other teachers at school this morning. We are checking kids pockets to make sure that they are not bringing any contraband into the school on the last day of school. One of the young men comes with his yearbook and about 12 markers in different colors for friends to sign his yearbook. We are very careful about kids displaying gang colors for our area at our school. So, one of the teachers comments on how he has a blue marker, red marker, purple marker and other different colors as a joke. Then he says, "What? Is it rush week for gangs?" Of course, this young man is one of the nicest, clean cut gentlemen in our school.

But, this got me thinking..... What would that look like?

Would there be a backyard bar-be-que? .....What about a "pool party" mixer for all to come and try them out before they commit? .....Would it do any good to put up signs in the neighborhood as advertisement telling exactly where those interested should go at a particular time to "get more information."

Really makes you think though..........

Near the end (of school that is)

2009-05-28T23:13:00.000-05:00

Each year in the Education Industry (yes I said it right) we go through this interesting transition. It occurs sometime around mid-May and lasts until mid-June. If you're keeping track, that means we are in the middle of it right now. This transition is that of ending up our school year and beginning our summer vacation.
In my 11 years of teaching, I have experienced years in which this transition is very crisp and clean on the last day of the school year and then the first day without children. Other years, the two seasons sort of blend together, making it difficult to do either of them well. This time around, it is very much blended together.
Some factors that have made it so difficult to continue until the end of the year are as follows:

We are still going, even though June starts next week. Come on already!
We got a break just a few weeks ago (N1H1, Swine Flu, Pig Flu, Pork-Rind Flu or whatever break we want to call it) with beautiful weather. Can't I just stay home and play!
This has been the by far busiest year of any of the 11 years. Good.....but extremely, excruciatingly busy. It is just time for a break!!
I am just overwhelmingly tired. Tired of waking up each day. Tired of having to think. Tired of missing my family each day. Tired of stress. And a little tired of people (actually, alot tired of that).

However, in spite of all of this, I will endure as I have each and every year thus far. We will make it to the end of the school year and this summer will be a great time of reflection and of planning to do it again next year...... Go figure!

God has blessed this year through the victories, the mistakes and even the annoyances. I am stronger and wiser than I was a year ago. He will always get the credit for the times that things go well. He always has a purpose for when things do not go so well. And we all annoy sometimes.

In the end, I must remember each and everyday, that I am truly blessed!!

But, I still can't wait for this school year to be over..........

Dueces,
mw

Sons!!

2009-05-07T22:16:00.000-05:00

I have some friends who had a first born son today. I am so excited for them. (Here's a shout out to the Fletchers!) This got me thinking about my two boys, James and Peter.

They are all boy, both of them. This evening, they had some sugar or something and were running around our small apartment in circles, following each other and yelling (and I mean yelling at the top of their voices) AUGHHHHHH!!! as they ran. It was both annoying and wonderful at the same time.

After a long day of work just after having an unexpect break and just a little taste of Summer Break a month early, the last thing I really wanted was noisy children screaming at the top of their voices. However, it was really great how they were interacting with each other. James loves his little brother more than just about anyone right now. Peter idolizes his big brother and wants to be around him whenever he gets a chance. (I know all of you older parents are laughing and saying, Yep, Yep, Yep.... that's what they do. But this is my first time and it is so much fun!)

The best part, though, was when they would be running around and then suddenly run smack into each other at close to full speed. Normally, a 22 month old child would be crying at that point. Not Peter, he just laughed and loved every minute of it. Then he'd get up and go again looking for more. Then, James begins to hide behind things and jump out to scare Peter. Again, normally a small child would be crying soon after falling face first on the floor from fear. But not Peter, he just laughs and gets up for more. They tell me that girls don't get so rowdy when they play, creating a little more quietness around the house. But I wouldn't trade my boys for anything right now. So, Jesse and Amy, I hope the same for you in a few years.

God has truly blessed both me and Lissa with our boys. I just hope I can be a great dad to them their whole lives. Especially, when they get to be big enough and I get old enough that they could beat me up without much effort.

waxler

Joining the rest of the world

2009-05-06T16:32:00.000-05:00

This is a monumental day for me. I have always been a bit behind the times on most everything. Some would say that I am behind on this, but those people just need to keep their mouths shut for now.

It was a big day when I finally joined Facebook at Christmas Day 2008. I "took the plunge" then after watching others (namely my wife and in-laws) make contact with their friends and family through the world of Facebook. I finally thought, that it seemed somewhat safe (that's important to me) and so I did it. In just over 4 months I have over 200 friends. Yes, I am one of those people who everyone seems to know.

It was also a big day when I finally got a cell phone back in 2004. Of course, everyone else had had a cell phone since the late 1990s. And I always get the upgrade to the next new "cool" phone after I see everyone else with them (or when they become cheaper).

So, I am now going to begin to blog at about the same time that others are getting a blog. Sometimes it will be nothing much more then boring (a lot like this first one) and other times I hope that you are entertained by my musings.

I hope you enjoy!

waxler