As usual with my blog, I want to remind people the blog is written with my students in mind.  I was asked not to share stories with students during class time.  “Work bell-to-bell and only on the subject.” Just a directive I respect.  I do my best to respect the directive and follow it, to [...]

Whenever I express my opinion, I realize I risk losing another friend or client.  It seems to be easier / simpler to lose a friend or client than to get either.  How I get through this fear of losing a friend or a client is telling myself:  I love my friend.  I believe in God. 

In January 2019, I was informed by the "powers-to-be" to spend less time on “non-music-subject(s).”  So, what I would have said to you during class regarding life, I will write on my blog and hope you (my students) will share this “letter” with as many students on and off Oakmont’s campus.  THANK YOU.  On February

If I was ever going to get the “equivalent” to the Oscar for being a high school music teacher, I would be AWFUL / HORRIBLE / TERRIBLE if I did not thank my wife for all she GAVE-UP so I could be an award winning high school music teacher.  SCREW IT.  I don’t need to

I have written and spoken about this topic many times and I will continue to write and speak about this topic because … WE ARE FAILING!!  We need to learn from the LGBTQ community about teaching our youth that it is okay to be LGBTQ as it is okay to be non-LGBTQ.  As I walk

Let's take a minute and reflect on what Martin Luther King meant when he talked about the content of character. This refers to the core ethical values of honesty and integrity, respecting others, taking responsibility for one's actions, being fair and just, and being someone who promotes love and compassion in others.   Sep 30, 2016. Psychology

July 3, 1989 was my first day teaching high school music.  When you multiply 180 times 30, I have taught at least 5,400 days.  In addition to the 5,400 days, all the competitions / Saturday rehearsals / performances / festivals.  I would say it would be close to 6,000 days being a teacher for children

This first sentence in red is my PERSONAL BELIEF - would keep this in my heart.  It how live.  I share it because it is part of the original quote.  The rest of the quote in BLUE is how I will be in public / work.               "In the Christian

So, what are we (teachers / administrators) to do with following law:  As the law stands now, schools cannot suspend students in kindergarten through third grade for willful defiance, but the new law extends that ban to include students up to eighth grade. Beginning in 2020, schools will no longer be able to suspend students in grades four and five. Well, first answer to "what are

Sorry for not writing for a while.  ‘Tis the season.  During the holidays, Thanksgiving / Christmas, I tend to get very busy.  With finding time with the family to getting the band / jazz band ready for concerts.  So, what do I want to write about?  Something “band-directory.” "Band Togethery"   Well, this will be short…