Does Exc-el really need another blog by a guitar teacher?
Well it seems not! After two weeks of technical difficulties I was begining to think there was dark forces conspiring against me.
David Gilmour (Exc-el guru and not, to my knowledge, of Pink Floyd fame) suggests that I should 'publish and be dammed' rather that all this saving a draft to refine nonsense - which seemed to be causing the problems. Un-refined and without the use of the editor commands (Won't work on my ibook) - fingers crossed this time.
I was inspired to 'blog' after reading Alan Coady's informative and humorous offerings, I decided to join him in 'reaching out through the ether'. In comparision to Alan's years of experience I'm relatively new to the Instrumental Instructor's life.
Could I be Alan's Apprentice? ('With out a doubt, I'm your Apprentice' etc)
Watch this space!
As an itinerant guitar teacher, (straddling the highways and byways of EL searching for the 'lost chord') you do get a privileged overview of different approaches to education. Each school has it's own 'vibe' when you walk through the door. Exploring this, and other related topics, I hope will make interesting reading as well as a tool for my own reflective practice.
Some highlights of last couple of weeks....
New Pupils
Always exciting! I've taken on a 2nd year pupil at Ross High with an obbsesion with Jimi Hendrix. He's fantastic and I can't wait to work up 'Hey Joe' etc.
Another pupil has been asking me for guitar lessons every break and lunchtime for the last year. I've finally got him on the timetable. My background is in social inclusion - it pains me that being an Instrumental Instructor sometimes involves an element of 'exclusion'.
I'm sure I write a lot more on this and the selection process! (Incidentally - I failed the test to play a musical instrument when I was at school! I took my guitar in anyway and played the riff for 'Paperback Writer' outside the music room for six weeks until the guitar teacher invited me in.)
Dunbar Grammar Soul Band
After school on a Monday. I happened to mention covering a Stevie Wonder song - without a breath the bass player jumps into the riff for 'Higher Ground' after which the drummer nails the groove for 'Superstition'. I'm constantly amazed at the talent in our schools.
Ross High Soul Band
After school on Thursday. The band came in especially, (they were all on 'study timetable') we set about the Sam and Dave classic, 'Soul Man'. What I did notice was that their playing was 'looser' and 'funkier' than usual - was this because they were not in uniform? Can you play 'soul' in a school uniform? Discuss.
Preston Lodge - Japan Project
Three Concerts/Exhibitions
Joint 1st year venture with Music, Drama, Art and I think, Home Economics and Geography Departments.
I love being involved in the wider school. I was drafted in to play along with an ensemble performing arrangements of Japanese music (a first for me).
Hats in the 'off' position to all involved - including Vera Hoben for overall production, Linda Sinclair for the Music arrangements and of course the pupils.
Well I'm tempted to set the alarm clock to 06:06:06 tomorow being the 06/06/06 just to see what happens.....
Dark Forces indeed!
