Hello!!! Long time, no see.

It’s been quite a while since I last updated this blog. While I know the reach of these posts is small (for now), to the readers who have read every update, I’m quite sorry that it has been this long since I made an addition to the website. I assure you, it was not a lack of interest that led to this absence. While this post will be on the shorter side, I would like to put pen to paper (so to speak) and talk a little bit about what I’ve been up to, what I’m working on now, and what the plans are going forward. Don’t stop reading though! Amidst the personal briefing will be (in my opinnion) some worthwhile info about the vision for this site going forward. 

What have I learned?

I initially had this section of the blog listed last, but I moved it up because I felt it was the most important portion of this post. Time off from posting to blogs and social media has granted me the opportunity to ask myself: why am I doing this? I’m sure anyone who posts content important to them and in a public way has to ask themselves the same question, but I’ve found that the question has been especially relevant for me. Motivation is a powerful thing, but there is a big difference between positive motivation and negative motivation. I’ve discovered how easily I can give in to negative motivation when I look to share my work with others. I’ve had to work hard to change how I think about what I do and why I post. A large part of changing my mindset has been achieved by setting specific goals, goals that are less focused on the potential attention that each post receives, and more on the desire to share content important to me, content that I value and think would be worthwhile for anybody interested in reading it.

Beyond these things, time off can always be a good thing. I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to focus on my kids, focus on my trumpet playing, and take time to rest. Sometimes it’s just that simple. As excited I am to get back to regular content creation, I’m grateful for this break. With a new mindset, this will be a great season of sharing! 

So, where have I been all this time?

The last post to this site was shortly before the school year started. That would have been around five months ago. Since then, my focus has been centered on growing as an educator and expanding what I do in the classroom. That’s taken the shape in a few different ways. For one, I’ve been excited to introduce a Percussion Ensemble to the music program. I have a small but mighty group of fourth and fifth graders braving the early rise every Tuesday morning to come before school to rehearse and have fun along the way. In addition, I’ve been blessed to play a handful of gigs interspersed throughout the school year, and I’ve enjoyed performing in the principal trumpet position as a member of the Middle Tennessee Sinfonieta. After fearing an inability to find or take advantage of performance opportunities with the busyness of teaching, I’m very happy to have had these chances to continue working on the craft that made me fall in love with music.

What am I up to now?

The start of this second semester in my second year has come with lots of interruptions to our academic calendar. We’ve used at least five of our inclement weather days in the month of January alone, and covid has finally made its rounds through our school. Teaching still goes on though, no matter how much or little I see my kids, or how many are in the room at the time. I have a few more gigs scheduled over the next couple months, and rehearsals have resumed for the Sinfonieta after a short holiday break. I’ve got several grade levels preparing for spring programs, and the Percussion Ensemble for their end of the year concert. I’ve also planned and put together a content calendar to help me keep up with releasing content on this site and my social media. Expect to see lots more in the immediate future!