A quickie for you all......busy correcting exams - 15 to go out of 100.
I have learnt through this marking that the 1930s were medieval times.....I am yet to find out what neo casticismo means....anyone?
Whilst having lunch I flipped on the tv and watched a few film clips -which I don't normally do. Here is my new favourite.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
catch up
Evening all. Long time no write.....
It is stupidly hot here at the moment. Over 30 for the last 4 days and more of the same for the next few.......OMG! Apparently the last time November was this hot was 80 years ago.
About 3 weeks ago we were snuggling under warm blankets. Now, I am realising that I don't have enough warm weather clothes.
I love the end of Spring - so full of surprises. I just wonder what Summer is going to be like if the weather is like this and we haven't hit that season yet!
On other news - I hate the amount of correction that I have to do. My student teachers - whilst they were busily correcting - did Sweet FA in relation to leaving me with any decent marks to work with. I have to chase too many kids for my liking. What a complete waste of time they were for me!
It is stupidly hot here at the moment. Over 30 for the last 4 days and more of the same for the next few.......OMG! Apparently the last time November was this hot was 80 years ago.
About 3 weeks ago we were snuggling under warm blankets. Now, I am realising that I don't have enough warm weather clothes.
I love the end of Spring - so full of surprises. I just wonder what Summer is going to be like if the weather is like this and we haven't hit that season yet!
On other news - I hate the amount of correction that I have to do. My student teachers - whilst they were busily correcting - did Sweet FA in relation to leaving me with any decent marks to work with. I have to chase too many kids for my liking. What a complete waste of time they were for me!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
transition
The world is an amazing place. There are so many twists and turns that can both delight and daunt you.
If anything in the past fortnight has taught me something - then it is this. Nothing is as it seems. Take nothing for granted and assume that there is always something that you are capable of learning.
Since T's passing, the school has had a different feel. I can't put my finger on what exactly as it is a changeling. All I can say is that I have felt, witnessed and been part of something quite different.
It is not just the school that I have noticed differences - my perceptions of the world seem to be changing. Good. Bad. I have no idea. I feel that I am just more aware of what is going on.
I often don't know what is the 'right' thing to say or do. Often there is no 'right' - just to be. Once upon a time I used to think that I could fix everything. Now I am of the opinion that I can just keep my space that I inhabit in some sort of order. Those that come into my space can work with me or not. I cannot fix what is not mine to fix.
I am feeling very philosophical and cannot go into specifics. One - where do you start and then how do you finish? Two - what is a 'fixable' for me is not something that others need to be part of, and vice versa.
My heart is going out to those family and friends of mine who are facing some challenging and interesting situations at the moment. Some of them didn't sign up for this part of the journey but they are taking the journey because they have been asked. I love them and am here as a witness to their strength and beauty. I have a lot to learn from them.
If anything in the past fortnight has taught me something - then it is this. Nothing is as it seems. Take nothing for granted and assume that there is always something that you are capable of learning.
Since T's passing, the school has had a different feel. I can't put my finger on what exactly as it is a changeling. All I can say is that I have felt, witnessed and been part of something quite different.
It is not just the school that I have noticed differences - my perceptions of the world seem to be changing. Good. Bad. I have no idea. I feel that I am just more aware of what is going on.
I often don't know what is the 'right' thing to say or do. Often there is no 'right' - just to be. Once upon a time I used to think that I could fix everything. Now I am of the opinion that I can just keep my space that I inhabit in some sort of order. Those that come into my space can work with me or not. I cannot fix what is not mine to fix.
I am feeling very philosophical and cannot go into specifics. One - where do you start and then how do you finish? Two - what is a 'fixable' for me is not something that others need to be part of, and vice versa.
My heart is going out to those family and friends of mine who are facing some challenging and interesting situations at the moment. Some of them didn't sign up for this part of the journey but they are taking the journey because they have been asked. I love them and am here as a witness to their strength and beauty. I have a lot to learn from them.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Its in the cards
I read this on Celticbuffy's site and liked the look of it. I followed the link and had a quick tarot reading......
I had one question - which I think is the question most single people ask themselves...... I clicked and here is the answer....
The opportunity is interesting as this is going on at the moment for me, having just been appointed the new head of classroom music at my school.....woo hoot!
The challenge - I have been asking myself what is stopping me from having it all?
And The resolution? Well I have been working on just this.....
All up - interesting!
Try it out and see.
I had one question - which I think is the question most single people ask themselves...... I clicked and here is the answer....
| The OPPORTUNITY |  | The CHALLENGE | | ||
 |  | ||||
| 19 - the Sun Radiant joy You have the opportunity to shine in the world. You may find a big smile on your face. With a huge burst of energy, your spirit is shouting out a great big YES! Perhaps you have accomplished a long term goal or are receiving accolades and attention for the good work you have done. You are healthy, energetic and enthusiastic with a warm and generous heart. It's time to celebrate and get out and play in the sunshine. Sing, dance, make love, let your creativity flow. Shine on! | 15 - Bindweed Life out of balance You are being challenged to ask yourself what holds you in bondage. What is out of balance in your life — what takes more than its fair share of your attention, energy and life force? When our addictions (whether drugs, alcohol, sugar, shopping, TV or any other drug of choice) run loose in our lives creating chaos, we need to take action to bring our lives back into balance. |
| The RESOLUTION |
 |
| 14 - Temperance Combining opposites Resolution comes with finding the serenity of the middle way between polarities. You are ready to embrace the different parts of your personality, both light and shadow, that combine to make your own unique self. Your inner, spiritual life harmonizes with your life in the workaday world. You have discovered that your whole life is a work of art. You may be in need of healing on a spiritual or physical level, and the Winged One — a descendant of the ancient Bird Goddesses — is here to facilitate that for you. She may also aid you as you move into the role of healer yourself. |
The opportunity is interesting as this is going on at the moment for me, having just been appointed the new head of classroom music at my school.....woo hoot!
The challenge - I have been asking myself what is stopping me from having it all?
And The resolution? Well I have been working on just this.....
All up - interesting!
Try it out and see.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
hard
It has been a whirlwind this week emotionally. The year 12s had a festive end to their year - Tuesday dress up day, Wednesday sign the uniforms and valedictory dinner and Thursday - their assembly which was highly entertaining.
I love my year 12s and some are definitely favourites in my world. Others, I am pleased to see the end of - but then you get that with every group of people.
Friday morning the bubble of high energy was burst with the sad news that one of the girls in Year 12 had taken her own life earlier in the week. I didn't personally teach this girl but I knew her through others that I did teach.
Her funeral was today and I found it to be one of the most moving experiences I have been to. I was there to support the kids I teach who knew her and I was struggling with the whole situation.
Frogdancer was one of her teachers and her account is quite moving........
All I have to say is RIP T.
I love my year 12s and some are definitely favourites in my world. Others, I am pleased to see the end of - but then you get that with every group of people.
Friday morning the bubble of high energy was burst with the sad news that one of the girls in Year 12 had taken her own life earlier in the week. I didn't personally teach this girl but I knew her through others that I did teach.
Her funeral was today and I found it to be one of the most moving experiences I have been to. I was there to support the kids I teach who knew her and I was struggling with the whole situation.
Frogdancer was one of her teachers and her account is quite moving........
All I have to say is RIP T.
Monday, October 12, 2009
scaredy cat
How do you scare a cat when watching tv?
Watch 'Top Gear' whilst they are reviewing a high-powered engine with an incredibly whiny sound.
Cat jumped off the couch and sat on the floor behind me......I laughed.
Poor cat.
Watch 'Top Gear' whilst they are reviewing a high-powered engine with an incredibly whiny sound.
Cat jumped off the couch and sat on the floor behind me......I laughed.
Poor cat.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
tea for two
Last night I went out for dinner with the social group that I am a member of but it didn't quite work out the way I planned.
This particular group usually book into a particular restaurant but decided to change venues - new place for some variety. I arrived at the venue and saw people I knew at a table so I sat down with them. Another guy arrived in and joined us.
It wasn't until a second guy and girl joined us that I registered that I might not be with the group that I thought I was going to meet - by which stage I had brought a glass of wine and was enjoying a good catch up. This last guy and girl were meeting the other group of people that I thought I was catching up with.
The group I was sitting with had booked into the restaurant and HAD been part of the social group, which was how I had met them all, and they were having a casual catch up which I had stumbled upon. As I know many of these people well I didn't think anything of it! It wasn't until the current social group people showed up that I realised the confusion. It was awkward there for a moment or two.
I moved between the two tables and it was ok......but it was weird.
This particular group usually book into a particular restaurant but decided to change venues - new place for some variety. I arrived at the venue and saw people I knew at a table so I sat down with them. Another guy arrived in and joined us.
It wasn't until a second guy and girl joined us that I registered that I might not be with the group that I thought I was going to meet - by which stage I had brought a glass of wine and was enjoying a good catch up. This last guy and girl were meeting the other group of people that I thought I was catching up with.
The group I was sitting with had booked into the restaurant and HAD been part of the social group, which was how I had met them all, and they were having a casual catch up which I had stumbled upon. As I know many of these people well I didn't think anything of it! It wasn't until the current social group people showed up that I realised the confusion. It was awkward there for a moment or two.
I moved between the two tables and it was ok......but it was weird.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
procastination
Last day of the school holidays and all and I don't think I really remember them going so fast before.....maybe I didn't have as much correction to do before...
I was at dinner last night with a good friend of mine who is a physics/chemistry teacher at her school and both of us agree that this year has been the craziest year for year 12s. We both have felt slightly bombarded with year 12s this year. Same with a music teacher friend of mine from another school.....Might be the year for it.
I am also a little befuddled at the moment......Daylight savings has begun. A couple of years ago they decided to bring forward the starting date of daylight saving, which was after a successful delaying of the end of it. Essentially we have 6 months with and 6 months without. The only way I remember which way my clock goes is through a mantra I got from someone on the internet - thank you.....Spring forward. Fall back. You should have heard me last night with muttering as I changed all the clocks in the house. Perhaps it's best that you didn't.
I do like this particular time of year - each day holds so much promise as you feel like you are getting more into the day. But then I love all times of the year. Winter, when you can snuggle up and watch the tv without feeling like you should be out. Summer - spending long evenings enjoying the warm weather. Autumn with the falling leaves......I love all seasons. I just hate extremely hot days.
I suppose I should finish the corrections.
I was at dinner last night with a good friend of mine who is a physics/chemistry teacher at her school and both of us agree that this year has been the craziest year for year 12s. We both have felt slightly bombarded with year 12s this year. Same with a music teacher friend of mine from another school.....Might be the year for it.
I am also a little befuddled at the moment......Daylight savings has begun. A couple of years ago they decided to bring forward the starting date of daylight saving, which was after a successful delaying of the end of it. Essentially we have 6 months with and 6 months without. The only way I remember which way my clock goes is through a mantra I got from someone on the internet - thank you.....Spring forward. Fall back. You should have heard me last night with muttering as I changed all the clocks in the house. Perhaps it's best that you didn't.
I do like this particular time of year - each day holds so much promise as you feel like you are getting more into the day. But then I love all times of the year. Winter, when you can snuggle up and watch the tv without feeling like you should be out. Summer - spending long evenings enjoying the warm weather. Autumn with the falling leaves......I love all seasons. I just hate extremely hot days.
I suppose I should finish the corrections.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
two quotes
I have just heard two quotes that I think I need to make part of my choir rehearsals....
I was watching "Glee" which I think is one of the cheesiest tv shows I have ever viewed.......
My quotes - from a teacher to a student wanting to join the singing group..... "You stuff this up for me and I will shove my fist so far down your throat you'll taste my armpit hairs." I think that this is an inspiring line - one that I am sure I can make work in a choir rehearsal.....
The other from another teacher "I want you to smell your armpits. That's the smell of failure." something to tell a kid when they have no idea how to succeed.
Help me - where can I make these work?
I was watching "Glee" which I think is one of the cheesiest tv shows I have ever viewed.......
My quotes - from a teacher to a student wanting to join the singing group..... "You stuff this up for me and I will shove my fist so far down your throat you'll taste my armpit hairs." I think that this is an inspiring line - one that I am sure I can make work in a choir rehearsal.....
The other from another teacher "I want you to smell your armpits. That's the smell of failure." something to tell a kid when they have no idea how to succeed.
Help me - where can I make these work?
Monday, September 28, 2009
changing plans for the day
Week two of the holidays and I had an appointment with the dentist - to have another look at that tooth that broke around my birthday...it still hurts when I eat or the right side of my mouth. I changed my appointment as I have the beginnings of a cold......nothing like being a sneeze-head and struggling with the whole breathing thing (although not so severe now) and having work done in your mouth.....
Considering I have a little time to myself, I haven't dressed yet - such bliss.....and I have just about finished writing up 2 exams. I have one more to go! Then I have the CDs to go.
Did I tell you that I am on Facebook? I have become addicted to the farming application here......I have this thing about seeding fields and yielding the harvest - even if it is only virtual.
My thoughts today are with my sister who is having chemo for breast cancer. Just sending out my love to her! If you can send her love that will be awesome!
Considering I have a little time to myself, I haven't dressed yet - such bliss.....and I have just about finished writing up 2 exams. I have one more to go! Then I have the CDs to go.
Did I tell you that I am on Facebook? I have become addicted to the farming application here......I have this thing about seeding fields and yielding the harvest - even if it is only virtual.
My thoughts today are with my sister who is having chemo for breast cancer. Just sending out my love to her! If you can send her love that will be awesome!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
80s retro
The last two posts have been a bit of a rant - some of you may have wondered where my head was when I complained about the skirt/pant thing. Yes, a bit of a non-issue but I just hate that look.
Yesterday was a more obvious dabbling with the idea of blogging as a stream of consciousness. I am thinking that instead of going through and editing my ideas I might just play with the idea of letting it all go in one session.......not sure if it will be good or not but....meh!
Today I have discovered how 80's like fashion is becoming. I lived through the vibrant colours then, and they were relatively cool then but there is no hiding when you where the ultra lime green, brilliant orange or hot pink.....
I have heard and read about the desire for shoulder pads - which I hope will not be jet wing wide..... and I am also hoping the bubble skirt is not on for a revival..... Again, I may be creating more out of this than it is worth but I really have a hard time looking at the 'victims' who haven't quite worked out what suits them or not. In teenagers it is not really an issue - but in older women .....
Now I am out to purchase a hot pink something......I need to improve my victim status......
Yesterday was a more obvious dabbling with the idea of blogging as a stream of consciousness. I am thinking that instead of going through and editing my ideas I might just play with the idea of letting it all go in one session.......not sure if it will be good or not but....meh!
Today I have discovered how 80's like fashion is becoming. I lived through the vibrant colours then, and they were relatively cool then but there is no hiding when you where the ultra lime green, brilliant orange or hot pink.....
I have heard and read about the desire for shoulder pads - which I hope will not be jet wing wide..... and I am also hoping the bubble skirt is not on for a revival..... Again, I may be creating more out of this than it is worth but I really have a hard time looking at the 'victims' who haven't quite worked out what suits them or not. In teenagers it is not really an issue - but in older women .....
Now I am out to purchase a hot pink something......I need to improve my victim status......
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
musing to the percussionist
I am sitting in the office of the music department at the moment listening to one of my year 12 students practice for his performance exam. This is the issue when you don't play a portable instrument, you have to find people to help you get practice time. He is a percussionist and he has a drum kit at home. For his exam he will play drum kit, marimba, xylophone, snare drum and timpani. He hasn't done any timpani practice today as he left his music for that piece at home......
I will be in again tomorrow with the kids not doing solo (ie group) and the same boy is coming in to practice. He has assured me that he will have his timpani music. You should see this piece he is playing, it is very entertaining.
I was only intending to be here for a couple of hours - to take the kids through the two versions of one of the pieces they have to write about in their written exam. We seemed to have run out of time during the term to get everything done due to many rehearsals for the big concert. I arranged for the kids to meet me for about 3 hours today to run through this final part of the course. All but one turned up.......not a bad effort really. We wrote about the two versions on all elements and discussed how to answer various questions. The kids seemed to do get a lot out of it.
Tomorrow when the group kids are here I will be revising everything in their course - aural/written, aspects of performance, analysis, improvisation.
It's funny - I have had solo and group together all year and have found the going tough. The basic principles of the course are the same. 50% for a practical performance at the end of the year, 25% for school assessed coursework (solo - all prac, group -mostly written) and then 25% for the end of year exam. It's when you get down to what they are being assessed that everything becomes a nightmare. There are similarities but no direct correlations between the two courses.
Here is a basic idea for the written aspect:
Theory /Aural
Scales - both have to write them but completely different types and in different keys!
Intervals - again both have to know them but how they are assessed is different. Group is aural in this aspect.
Melodic Dictation - both write but Group are given all but 2bars. Solo have to sort the whole thing out themselves - no key signature given. Again different scale types used in both courses.
Rhythmic Dictation - not assessed in Solo (only in the Melodic dictation)
Chords - Solo has to know them from the scale types they learnt, Group have to know how to build on any note.
Chord progressions - group have a list to choose from but are not given any information about the opening chord. solo have the opening chord given but that is it!
Analysis
Group have to write about very, very short excerpts from popular Australian music. Something that could have been released this year. They are played it a few times and write about 7 different elements.
Solo have two different versions of one piece played to them and write about 5 elements and how they compare and contrast in the two versions.
Solo then go on and write two long answers to two prepared pieces. They have about 15 minutes on each........
Group have to then write about Aspects of Performance - including acoustics; and either Part Writing or Improvisation. We did improvisation. Again about 15 minutes on each.
The whole exam is 1 1/2 hours long.......
As you can see, there are similarities but no direct correlations......Frustrating as a teacher and I think more so for the kids in the class as you teach to one lot, while the other do something else. The attention span of most of these kids is about 10 minutes maximum.......you then have to swap activities. I will be quite happy when they have finished as I wont have to do the intellectual tap dance of which course has what......
I will be in again tomorrow with the kids not doing solo (ie group) and the same boy is coming in to practice. He has assured me that he will have his timpani music. You should see this piece he is playing, it is very entertaining.
I was only intending to be here for a couple of hours - to take the kids through the two versions of one of the pieces they have to write about in their written exam. We seemed to have run out of time during the term to get everything done due to many rehearsals for the big concert. I arranged for the kids to meet me for about 3 hours today to run through this final part of the course. All but one turned up.......not a bad effort really. We wrote about the two versions on all elements and discussed how to answer various questions. The kids seemed to do get a lot out of it.
Tomorrow when the group kids are here I will be revising everything in their course - aural/written, aspects of performance, analysis, improvisation.
It's funny - I have had solo and group together all year and have found the going tough. The basic principles of the course are the same. 50% for a practical performance at the end of the year, 25% for school assessed coursework (solo - all prac, group -mostly written) and then 25% for the end of year exam. It's when you get down to what they are being assessed that everything becomes a nightmare. There are similarities but no direct correlations between the two courses.
Here is a basic idea for the written aspect:
Theory /Aural
Scales - both have to write them but completely different types and in different keys!
Intervals - again both have to know them but how they are assessed is different. Group is aural in this aspect.
Melodic Dictation - both write but Group are given all but 2bars. Solo have to sort the whole thing out themselves - no key signature given. Again different scale types used in both courses.
Rhythmic Dictation - not assessed in Solo (only in the Melodic dictation)
Chords - Solo has to know them from the scale types they learnt, Group have to know how to build on any note.
Chord progressions - group have a list to choose from but are not given any information about the opening chord. solo have the opening chord given but that is it!
Analysis
Group have to write about very, very short excerpts from popular Australian music. Something that could have been released this year. They are played it a few times and write about 7 different elements.
Solo have two different versions of one piece played to them and write about 5 elements and how they compare and contrast in the two versions.
Solo then go on and write two long answers to two prepared pieces. They have about 15 minutes on each........
Group have to then write about Aspects of Performance - including acoustics; and either Part Writing or Improvisation. We did improvisation. Again about 15 minutes on each.
The whole exam is 1 1/2 hours long.......
As you can see, there are similarities but no direct correlations......Frustrating as a teacher and I think more so for the kids in the class as you teach to one lot, while the other do something else. The attention span of most of these kids is about 10 minutes maximum.......you then have to swap activities. I will be quite happy when they have finished as I wont have to do the intellectual tap dance of which course has what......
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
gripe
I have a couple of things that have annoyed me over the past few days.......
What's with pants and dresses being combined? I know that this was a fashion statement a couple of years ago - why? I have no idea BUT I thought we had all grown up by now......If there is a legitimate reason to where pants and dresses - I haven't heard or seen it! Yesterday I saw a woman wearing wide leg pants with a v-neck, no sleeve dress......Huh? What made it worse was the fact that she worked in a clothing store! The dress was not a long shirt, nor was it a short dress. It was in fact a long, long dress. Below the knee length. What is the go?
I am NOT a fashionista (just writing that makes me laugh as I am sitting here in my tack pants and polar-fleece) but this is a fashion that I am struggling with. Who thought this up? Why were they allowed to get away with this? I just do not get it!!!!
Why do people need to take up the whole road when they are driving? Many times in the past few days there have been people with mobile phones in hand (so illegal!), arguing with their passengers, or helping their kids (who are in the backseat) get something. As a consequence there has been a diversion to the other side of the road - sometimes in a near accident.........
Concentrate people!
Ok - I am fine now. Just had a massage and I feel much, much better.....
What's with pants and dresses being combined? I know that this was a fashion statement a couple of years ago - why? I have no idea BUT I thought we had all grown up by now......If there is a legitimate reason to where pants and dresses - I haven't heard or seen it! Yesterday I saw a woman wearing wide leg pants with a v-neck, no sleeve dress......Huh? What made it worse was the fact that she worked in a clothing store! The dress was not a long shirt, nor was it a short dress. It was in fact a long, long dress. Below the knee length. What is the go?
I am NOT a fashionista (just writing that makes me laugh as I am sitting here in my tack pants and polar-fleece) but this is a fashion that I am struggling with. Who thought this up? Why were they allowed to get away with this? I just do not get it!!!!
Why do people need to take up the whole road when they are driving? Many times in the past few days there have been people with mobile phones in hand (so illegal!), arguing with their passengers, or helping their kids (who are in the backseat) get something. As a consequence there has been a diversion to the other side of the road - sometimes in a near accident.........
Concentrate people!
Ok - I am fine now. Just had a massage and I feel much, much better.....
Monday, September 21, 2009
set up
Saturday night I believe I was invited out to dinner as part of a set up. Interestingly I said 'yes' to an invitation to dinner for a person's birthday.....I don't know this person. I thought there might be few people there. Few is the word we need to focus on. 8 altogether.
Actually the conversation went like this
Friend: Are you doing anything on the 19th?
Me: Not at this stage (was 4 weeks ago!)
Friend: We're going out to dinner are you interested in coming?
Me: Sounds good. Where are we going?
Friend: Not sure at this stage. I'll let you know as soon as I know.
Me: No worries. What time?
Friend: Probably early. It's So and So's birthday.
Me: Who's he?
Friend: You remember? He came to a bbq at our house.
Me: Not really.......(thinking it is now too late to pull out of dinner....bugger!)
I sat next to the birthday boy - I was interested in catching up with the people that I did know but didn't really get much of a chance.......
This man is nice enough except for one thing that will drive me to distraction. He is, in my opinion, sickly sweet. Maybe I am picky but that is something that I would rather be.
I could be reading way to much into it.....maybe it was just his birthday and I was invited a long to even up the numbers. That's it.......
Actually the conversation went like this
Friend: Are you doing anything on the 19th?
Me: Not at this stage (was 4 weeks ago!)
Friend: We're going out to dinner are you interested in coming?
Me: Sounds good. Where are we going?
Friend: Not sure at this stage. I'll let you know as soon as I know.
Me: No worries. What time?
Friend: Probably early. It's So and So's birthday.
Me: Who's he?
Friend: You remember? He came to a bbq at our house.
Me: Not really.......(thinking it is now too late to pull out of dinner....bugger!)
I sat next to the birthday boy - I was interested in catching up with the people that I did know but didn't really get much of a chance.......
This man is nice enough except for one thing that will drive me to distraction. He is, in my opinion, sickly sweet. Maybe I am picky but that is something that I would rather be.
I could be reading way to much into it.....maybe it was just his birthday and I was invited a long to even up the numbers. That's it.......
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