Counting Down or Building Up??

The SWHS staff has been challenged to finish the year strong by building up to a finale.  Prompted from a Tweet by Noah Geisel @senorG, I see it basically as an "is the glass half full or half empty?" argument, but believe it can make a difference!  I was initially convinced that with all of the challenges of being in a new position, how could I be blamed for counting down the days until the end of the year.  Then, I decided to accept the challenge and began to look for ways to build up to at least a "good" finale.  Some ways I am doing this include:

1. Getting to better know the musicians in my groups, so I can plan for more effective future instruction and performances.  This includes "Cover Projects" by members of the Junior High Choir.  Sight-Reading some new music with the Junior High Band.  And, sight-reading music with the HS Choir.
2. Holding brainstorming sessions with members of the HS Band and HS Choir to discuss things we can do better in the coming year, and reflecting on what we have done well this past year. This will include an analysis of the calendar of events for next year's concerts and other activities.
3. Putting together strong performances by both the band and the choir at this year's Commencement Program!  Both ensembles will include 7-12th grade students.

I am very proud of the growth that our students have had this past year.  But I also believe that we can be even better in 2016 and beyond!  Let's count up to a big finish to 2014-15 while looking ahead to the future!