Singing Youth of Nebraska

So Danielle and I just got home from a short trip back West. Boy was it good to get back and see some friends and old students. Although we only lived in Ogallala for 4 years, we quickly grew to love the town and many of the people there. Leaving Ogallala was not easy, and it was great to go back and see the great friends we have their. Danielle had the opportunity to go run with a friend on Saturday, while I had the privilege of conducting the Singing Youth of Nebraska festival choir in North Platte.

SYN Festival Choir in North Platte; January 26, 2013

Every other year, the Nebraska Choral Directors Association (NCDA) hosts several Singing Youth of Nebraska (SYN) Festival sites around the state. On the opposite years they have a SYN Honor choir in Holdrege. The SYN choirs are for students in grades 7-9. NCDA also hosts Sing Around Nebraska (SAN) in the same manner as SYN, but for 4-6 graders. As many of you know, NCDA has become a very important organization for me, as it has helped me to quickly network with MANY wonderful choral directors in the state. I would go as far to say that getting involved in NCDA has made one of the biggest impacts on my career. I could never thank Phil Hesterman enough for asking me to the the Repertoire and Standards chair for Senior High Choirs, which has opened me up to many opportunities. Last year I had the privilege of conducting a SAN festival choir out west, and then this year the SYN festival choir in North Platte. Having the opportunity to direct at SYN really enlightened me on a few thoughts, which I decided to share below. You may or may not agree with them...but I passionately feel these are true.

1) Music Educators have a dedication to their field and their students that very few people will EVER comprehend. Few professions have individuals involved who give up evenings and weekends for their "clients"...which teachers lovingly refer to as their "kids." Many of us have invested many years in these children, and care for nothing but to see them succeed!

2) Kids CRAVE a place to belong. How awesome is it that 110 middle school kids can come together on a Saturday to make music together. Let me emphasis that again..110 MIDDLE SCHOOL kids. So many adults complain about "kids these days"....and I don't see it. The choir class is an amazing place that helps kids to feel invited, and comfortable with being themselves.

3) Children want to be held responsible. It was so reassuring to see this happen on Saturday. Numerous times we would be singing along, and there would be a mistake happen. Sometimes not a big mistake, but nonetheless...a mistake. I would promptly stop the kids, too which some would roll their eyes or whine because I wouldn't let them "karaoke" on. Then I would simply say..."Will you allow me to be pick?". They would quickly respond back with a yes. I would then explain the problem, and ask them to fix it. After they fixed it, I would then respond as so. "Thank you guys so much for making that mistake go away. The only reason I knew that I could stop you and fix that is because I know you are capable of it. Fixing those mistakes is what takes us from good to great." The look in their eyes, knowing that they could be great, was all I need to keep going.

4) Music connects. What other event or activity can you bring 110 kids together and in 6 hours of rehearsal give a final product. These were kids from different backgrounds. Some are poor. Some have 2 parents. Some aren't sure if they have a place to sleep tonight. And for those 6 hours...they were equal. That is what music does...it takes all of the uncertainty, and if even for just 6 hours...it gives these kids something to invest in and take pride in.

What saddens me the most about having the opportunities to come to these events, is knowing that some students aren't given these opportunities. The opportunity to belong. The opportunity to express. Whether you are a parent, teacher, child, brother, aunt...you can help provide this opportunity for somebody. I encourage you to continue to search for ways to be inclusive...because that is what it is about!