25 Miles
Earlier this month, I had the honor of meeting and talking with several groups of aspiring music educators during the Bands of America Grand National Championships. Beyond being an incredible opportunity to connect with the next generation of music educators, it also allowed me to reflect upon my time coming just out of college and what it felt like again.
One of the questions asked was, "What did you expect to be easier than it actually was?" which was probably the most thought-provoking for me. I hadn't thought about it in this way. After a few moments to reflect, I responded, "How patient you will have to be".
In my first year of teaching (much like most people's if I had to guess), I was ready to take on the world. I had studied very hard in college, said 'yes' to any opportunity that I could to give myself real-life experience, and felt very confident in the tasks my colleagues were asking of me. Yet, I found myself frustrated come the end of September when I felt like the group wasn't making the progress that we could have. Culturally, it felt like we were being held back but I couldn't figure out why. It didn't feel like the students disliked being in band or us (the staff), but something was still holding us back.
At a loss for what to do, I reached out to someone who a few days earlier I had seen a video of them having to shoo children out of the band hall. I had to ask them what they had done to foster this kind of environment. Their response was simple yet impactful: "It takes 25 miles to turn a cruise ship". Even if the position you are inheriting has a strong history of excellence, those students are used to a certain way of doing things that will be different in at least some ways from the way you do. What even may seem like a minor tweak can be tough in those initial few months.
I shared with the group that had asked the question to think of implementing change in these ways (and to be realistic about it as well):
- What can be improved within this week?
- What can be improved within this month?
- What can be improved within this semester?
- What can be improved within this year?
Sometimes, no matter the amount of information or determination, it just takes time for something to click. In the beginning, the greatest thing we can work on for our students, colleagues, and community is patience. Patience for us to understand their needs, and in turn, for them to understand ours. Yes, that may mean that you are not playing the program of your dreams in that first year (there is plenty of time for Music for Prague, I assure you).
So to my new friends that I made in Indianapolis, stay patient. Your drive and determination will still be strong but with experience will come patience and perspective. Keep your sights on your vision, lean on those who want you at your best, and always be willing to listen to a concern (sometimes through this discussion comes an even better solution). Your 25 miles will be a journey you won't forget!
Yours in service,
Matt