patience

Last night we had a live chat for my class. At first it was just myself and a professor from a college down south, Shane. I mentioned how everyday of my job is filled with trepidation and a lessening of my patience. Today is one of the days that I am getting frustrated and impatient.

I have a stduent who pays no attention in class, does not listen, and didn't show up for 2 months straight for lessons. As well, he blames his 3 year old brother for his broken saxophone reeds and will not listen to me that he does not hold the instrument correctly, I am told that I'm wrong. There is no home practice, and the father asked me in the parking lot on my way to my car why his child is making no progress. I suggested making sure he comes to lessons and practices at home. I was told its hard because he doesn't make a good sound. HOW DO YOU EXPECT HIM TO LEARN HOW TO MAKE A GOOD SOUND IF YOU DON'T LET HIM MAKE ANY AT ALL!??!?!!?

So as the child's lesson was two days ago, and in my grand attempt to musically educate EVERYONE I told him to go home and practice and come back on Friday for an extra lesson. I thought this would be great. Friday is beginner Band as well, and thus all 4th grade students should have their instruments with them. To no surprise, He was late to his lesson. Then went downstairs and came back to tell me he did not have his saxophone, but he was here. I said no sax, no lesson.

I really don't know how many more days this year I will be able to last. I'm trying so hard, but I think it may be that I just need a change from teaching. Teaching has been my life for 6 years (4 for college and now 2 that I've been teaching). I need to go email the folks at JALC.