After warm ups, and all of the regular daily activities, I took the sopranos to the adjoining room. We skipped the sight reading because we were learning new music. I was fortunate to have the class accompanist to assist me. Unfortunately, the girls attention and effort was not greatly increased by her presence.
I am very used to teaching the Burcham Singers, but they never talk out of turn, so this was a very new experience for me. I have also never learned a piece entirely on solfege, which is their method. I struggled to keep the girls focused and interested. Girls constantly asked to get a drink of water. Some girls didn't stand until directly asked. We struggled to find the same spot. A few times, I attempted to double check their solfege, but the girls were quite hesitant to give solfege in front of the class. And I struggled to understand their syllables while they sang. Learning the piece on solfege, although efficient, is not very entertaining. In order to get them out of sight-reading mode, the accompanist gave a speech about singing with real intention that I am sure they hear regularly. For me, it was pretty uncomfortable to be in front of a group of singers that I don't know, especially because I don't know what they have learned already or how things are explained to them.
All that said, it was my first teaching experience with this class, and I'm sure I'll get better and more comfortable as time goes on.
You did it. You did it and didn't give up. You did it and while you felt uncomfortable, you understand you need time and space. Good for you.
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