Essential Advice for New Music Teachers on Their First High School Tour

Hi everyone! As a high school student, I can relate to the initial nervousness and adjustments that a new music teacher might face. High school students can be unpredictable, and navigating their emotions and behaviors requires a mix of understanding and patience. With that in mind, here are some tips and insights that might be helpful for any new music teacher planning their first high school tour.

Dealing with Student Behavior

Our behavior as high school students can be a mix of antagonism and support. While we may seem like 'lil shizzes' due to a buildup of school stress and peer pressure, trust development is key. It's important to understand that many of us take our music departments seriously, even if we seem disrespectful at first. Once you demonstrate genuine care and become part of the 'family,' students will be more open to you. Therefore, you should approach with a positive attitude, remembering that building relationships takes time.

Seek Mentorship and Support

Before embarking on your tour, it's crucial to gather advice from experienced teachers who have conducted similar tours. It's also helpful to bring along a school administrator, nurse, and chaperones if the tour is lengthy. This team can provide additional support and ensure the safety and well-being of your students.

Delegate responsibilities wisely. Assign some tasks to reliable student officers and chaperones to lighten your load. Ensure that everyone in your team understands their role and is committed to the success of the tour. This helps in maintaining smooth operations and reduces the burden on the primary facilitator.

Create a Positive First Impression

Start your interactions with a positive and open-minded approach. Begin breaking the ice by showcasing your skills, whether it's playing your guitar or otherwise. Encourage student participation and interaction during sessions. This not only helps in building rapport but also allows the music to speak for itself, creating a memorable and impactful experience.

Planning and Organization

Having a clear plan and organization is crucial. Prepare a list of contacts for mentorship advice and ensure that they are committed to your success. If someone declines to help, don't hesitate to seek assistance from willing mentors. Good experienced teachers are more than willing to support newbies, as it helps them build a network for the future.

Build professional relationships with key administrative personnel like the custodian, transportation director, counselor, department head, and principal. Familiarity with superintendents and business directors is equally important, especially in smaller districts. These connections can ensure the smooth running of your tour by providing necessary support and resources.

Create a to-do list to keep your preparations in check. Lists are powerful tools to pace your planning and paperwork. I personally use a 3-ring binder with monthly tabs to manage my tasks systematically. This helps in keeping track of important details and ensures that everything is planned out efficiently.

Understand Your Role

As a teaching assistant, make sure you have a clear understanding of your responsibilities with the head director. This ensures that your contributions are in line with the overall goals of the program. Yet, if you are coincidentally the main facilitator, it's essential to have a well-defined role to avoid any confusion.

Document your experiences throughout the year to reflect on and improve for the next year. A 3-ring binder with monthly tabs is ideal for this purpose, as it allows you to easily revisit and update your preparations. This can be incredibly beneficial for second-year improvements.

Reflect and Adapt

Remember, there's no one definitive way to run a successful music tour. We all make mistakes, but learning from them is key. If an idea proposed by someone else seems better, don't hesitate to adapt it. These suggestions are more about administrative duties, but when it comes to teaching, know what you are comfortable with and improve through continuous learning and engagement with your colleagues.

Final Thoughts

I hope this advice helps you in your journey as a new music teacher planning your first high school tour. Navigating the unique dynamics of high school music programs is challenging, but with the right mindset and preparation, you can create meaningful and enjoyable experiences for your students.

Good luck, and don't forget to have fun along the way!