Maturing

I got a flight last night. Turns out Cheaopair takes 24 hrs to update their page. LAME.

So today I learned a lot about being the "more mature" individual. I have mentioned that I am the instructor for the local marching band? Well, the Drum Captain and I have been at odds, but nothing has manifested itself. Until today. Its an interesting experience to be an adult teacher and have a student (a junior even) tell me that in order to get respect I need to give it. Interesting. I have been nothing but respectful... Unless maybe I was a peer? As an instructor you instruct. A peer would not instruct... so then maybe I wouldn't be? I have no idea. But as I was being chewed on in front of the entire drumline by a sixteen year old, I felt like I had cotton balls in my ears, and that my vision was narrowing. I'm not going to lie: My feathers were ruffled, but from everything I play back in my head, I was calm the whole time, and rather complacent. I just wasn't going to let him get a rise from me. He undermined me about 8 other times, and at multiple points I thought about just walking out today.

None of the drummers realized I was there as a volunteer. They all thought I was being paid. Trust me: if I were being paid, I would NOT allow many things that happen to happen. If I were paid, I would instruct, and the line would listen to ME. I would TEACH, I would INSTRUCT, and my word would be LAW: Much like the way that I grew up in Marching Band. But this is a small town AAA band: the captains have a lot of leadership: I respect that, and I think its great. I'm there to support more than anything else: give pointers: I've been around, I've seen some GREAT marching bands from high schools all over: I was taught by Drum Corps members... Blue Devils, Cavaliers... I don't know, I just feel like regardless of my experience, I should be respected because I am a TEACHER... an adult... there of my own free will: for THEM. For no reason other than the fact that I want to see others filled with the joy that I experienced in Marching Band...

I went home frustrated for the first time. Ever.

I graded my students' tests today. Oh jeez... Maybe I bit off more than they could chew? Some in every class get it though... So its not the content: they all can access it... I suppose its just overwhelming to some of them.

I'm excited today though: Two of my classes BEGGED for Christmas songs today. Well, 5 more days!