I have very fond memories of this year’s 6th grade class. When I came to Franklin Music Magnet to teach six years ago many of you were my very small, but eager students in First Grade. The excitement all of you had for music back then was impossible to hide. I remember, as I first met you, wondering if I would be successful teaching such young people to play the violin, and if music would continue to be as important to all of you as your class got older. That first year I think we learned many things together!
This past year your experiences in Advanced Band and Orchestra have been quite unique. I made some conscious decisions along the way to treat you more like professional musicians than like 6th graders, and you really met the challenge. I have been continually amazed at your willingness and ability to tackle unfamiliar music that was initially very difficult for you. Remember every time I put a new piece of music in front of you I always prefaced it by warning you, "Now this probably looks really hard right now, but before you know it you'll be playing it!" And you did.
A lot of the lessons we learn from studying a musical instrument in school can also be metaphors for living life. Many of my teachers have told me this over the years, and the older I get the more I realize it’s very true.
Here are two good examples:
Sometimes in Band or Orchestra the music seems impossible and you think to yourself, “I don’t even know what to practice! I want to quit.” But you don’t...and pretty soon the music is making sense and you’re having a great time. So much of life is like that, but now that you’ve been through the experience of not giving up and succeeding you’ll try just a little bit harder at everything else. Believe me you will! Just think of “Knowing” to help you remember.
In musical ensembles you spend time working very closely with people you might not otherwise have contact with. You don't realize how much you have in common with them until you're all together in Band or Orchestra, blending and bonding. Everyone has that musical magic in them, and sometimes it just takes the right situation or person (YOU!) to bring it out.
Thank you soooo much to all of you for being who you are! I have loved working with you as your band and orchestra teacher, and I'll never forget you. I always say this to the 6th graders and you're no exception - if you find yourself in Jr. High or High School without a musical instrument, please get in touch with me. I'll do whatever I can to help you and your family find an instrument so you can continue being a musician.
This is my email address and phone number: kari.howard@spps.org (651) 645-7525
Always your teacher and friend, Ms. Howard
Click on the link below to see the movie I made of you!
