Relieved and Proud

This past Friday was my first experience as a guest conductor at an honors festival.  A college friend asked me last May if I'd be interested, and after some hesitation (and nudging from my s-i-l), I said yes.  I was kind of weary because I'm only in my 3rd year of teaching, and I was concerned that I wasn't organized enough in my teaching approach...meaning, would I have enough to teach these kids? And, can I teach it in a way that is enjoyable to these kids?  Because even though this is an honors festival, at this age (middle school), most teachers will agree that we want the kids to have fun so that they continue in music.  I was also nervous because I know that at the festivals my students take part in, I always sit through  most of the rehearsals observing the conductor.  I love the opportunity to see how I can tweak my own teaching style.  You get some great ideas!!  But I know I'm not the only one that does that, and the thought of all these veteran teachers watching me was frightening.  One teacher in particular was of concern, because she had taught me in music camp many years ago.  Obviously you want to do well in front of those who taught you and influenced you.  One thing I had to my advantage is that my s-i-l was my accompanist (I told her the only way I'd do this is if she was my accompanist...so she really had no choice!).  It was so comforting to know that she had my back.  And she helped me pick music. And during breaks we'd confer and she had heard a few things I hadn't and she felt comfortable telling me that, and I wasn't embarrassed by not hearing it. 
Of course, everything went as well as can be expected.  Is there room for improvement?  Of course.  As soon as you think you've got it down perfect, you might as well go home.  As I said before, I am only in my 3rd year of teaching.  And, this was my first experience teaching 4 songs for 8 hours straight to students who are not mine.  Students with varying degrees of talent and interest.  Students who came in with different degrees of preparedness.  So overall I think I did well.  There are definitely things I'd do differently next time.  But here's the thing...you don't know what you'd differently until you've gone through the experience, right?  So next time I have the honor of being asked to conduct a festival, I have a better idea of what I'm in for, so I'll be better prepared and have a few more tricks up my sleeve.  The most important thing is that the kids had a great time and were proud of what they did.  And judging by the hugs and picture requests I got from the kids, I think this mission was accomplished.  
Here are some highlights:
1. an autistic boy sat in the front row...between songs he'd always put his folder on my stand to organize.  many might find that obstrusive, but I found it endearing.
2. after I did some solfege (do-re-mi) with them to switch it up a bit, the same boy was seen at every other break practicing the hand signs.  Before the concert he came up to me to make sure he was doing it right.
3. a teacher that was in the room all day (the autistic boy was her student) came up to me to discuss solfege and how I use it in my class.  It felt really great to be considered more knowledgeable about something and having caught the interest of a veteran teacher was kind of cool
4. There were 3 girls from my hometown in the chorus.  It was cool that they came up to introduce themselves and we joke a lot about my dad (who is their teacher). It was cool to be someone they looked up to from their hometown - someone who's interest in music came from the same music room and auditorium they learn/perform in.
5. It was a really special experience to share with my s-i-l.  Period.  The end.
6. Looking out into the audience and seeing my dad and aunt looking on quite proudly.
7. A soloist forgot her words during the concert.  I found her to make sure she was good....but she was bummed.  I told her I'd rather have a student take a chance and have the courage to audition with 30 other kids and have the guts to sing in front of people - even if she messes up a bit in the end.  Her messing up the words is not what I was going to remember from this day and I hoped it's not what she'd remember either. She has a beautiful voice and I hope she continued auditioning for solos because it gets easier the more you do it.  The look of relief on her face melted my heart. 
8. Giving every single kid a high five and/or hug after the concert to say thank you and good job.  They were pumped!
9.During the pre-concert pep talk, I told the kids this was my first festival - they all stood up and applauded.
10. Kids asking me for hugs and pictures after the concert.

A couple funny things:
1. I forgot to pack pants to wear on Friday so I had to wear the same clothes I wore to school on Thursday - thankfully Cathy is the only one who knew that!
2. the haunted mansion.  OK - this wasn't funny.  It was really, really creepy.  As were the people who owned it.
3. I called Cathy "Mrs. Smith" instead of Mrs. Murray 3 times (Mrs. Smith is my co-worker)
4.Cathy only called me Aunt Nancy 1 time
5. At the concert I looked at Cathy to give her the tempo and count off...before I had the chorus stand.