More or Less

 

Back in my early days teaching workshops, I pressured myself to do everything I had planned, felt that I failed if I fell short and would sometimes do a quick superficial run-through of something just to make sure I did it. Time and maturity helped, as I got a better sense of estimating ahead of time how long something might take. What helped even more was the ability to send notes via e-mail after the workshop so no one knew what I actually had planned. 

 

Today I had hoped to share three Ghana xylophone pieces, yet another from Uganda and two jazz pieces. It quickly became clear, “What was I thinking?” and told the people that the Uganda border was closed today and never mentioned the third Ghana piece or the second jazz piece. It was crystal clear that it would have been worthless to just rush through them and of course, absolutely no was thinking, “If I don’t learn a Uganda xylophone piece today, this whole 5-day course will be a grave disappointment!” 

 

So happy to report that it’s fine to have a big appetite, but wise to know when to stop and not put another helping on your—or the students’— plate. We had already done so much! With two hours left in the afternoon, I wrote a summary of the 4 ½ days (see photo) grouped into games/ body percussion, dances and Orff Ensemble pieces. We zipped through shorter versions of each activity just to remind ourselves in our body and voice what we had done once and what we all could benefit from by doing again. This also prepared them all for the final reflection where each in turn choose one or two activities or ideas that are their “takeaways.” Very satisfying when they named the things that I care about that seemed to touch them. From there, a closing spiral while they sang a Mongolian lullaby for the perfect musical ending. 

 

Now I have a whole day of rest ahead before the 3-day Jazz Course, but truth be told, am not happy about the 100-degree temperature prediction for tomorrow and being in a hotel without a swimming pool. I continue to testify that my 6-hours daily teaching is a wholly happy place, but I really need some fresh air and exercise as well. Can’t imagine being out in the heat nor staying in my hotel room the whole day. Aargh!

 

Maybe I’ll just grab a xylophone and practice the Ugandan xylophone piece.