This week

This week has been very busy with VBS at our church where I helped out with the band. Here's a picture of us:

The first time I watched this video, it brought tears to my eyes.  It wasn't just the beauty of the music expressed (I've heard this piece many times) but the reaction of the people on the subway as they listened to it.  In the comments below, tell me what kind of reaction this video evokes in you.  It can be as simple as one word or an entire paragraph.  Just be honest!

Classroom Expectations

My classroom expectations are the same whether you are a student at Bertha Barber or Mission.  They are fairly simple and straightforward.

1. You should bring your instrument, a pencil, and your music/book each day to class.
2. You should be respectful of me and other students at all times.
3. You are expected to practice at home 10-20 minutes each day.
4. Mistakes are allowed as long as you are trying your best!
5. Have FUN!!!!

Being a member of a band is like being a member of a team.  If we ALL follow these guidelines, then we will ALL be successful!

10 Picture Tour (Summer Edition)

On the first day, we visited the Animal Kingdom.

I had fun taking pictures with my new camera. The animals were so close!

On Day 2, we went to the Magic Kingdom

Cinderella's Castle

We got to have lunch with Cinderella and 4 other princesses.

On the 3rd day, we went to Epcot (or Apricot, as Brianna likes to call it)

One of our favorites at Epcot, was the aquarium.

Uh oh!  People are friend, not food!

On Day 4, we visited Hollywood Studios

We rode the Tower of Tower.  The kids might never be the same after riding that one!

Introductions

Hello!  My name is Mrs. Watzke and this is my new blog!  I have been teaching since 2000 and have just finished my first year in the Bellevue Public Schools where I teach band to 7th and 8th graders at Mission Middle School and to 6th graders at Bertha Barber.  Previously, I have taught middle school (gr 6-8) band in the Excelsior Springs School District in Excelsior Springs, MO and elementary band and strings at several elementary schools in the Shawnee Mission School District as well as high school band at Shawnee Mission East High School, also in SMSD, in Shawnee Mission, KS.  I grew up in the Kansas City, MO area and attended college at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, MO where I received my BS in Ed in 2000. In 2010, I completed my Master's in Conducting from the American Band College or Sam Houston State University.  I was married in 2002 and have 2 beautiful daughters.  When I'm not teaching or fulfilling my mom duties, I love to read, run, and dance.

I really enjoy technology.  I think it makes all sorts of things 'come alive'.  I am still trying to figure out how to integrate it in the band class room, but I'm keeping an open mind. I am not afraid to jump in to technology, however I am primarily a PC person.  I recently received an iPad for Christmas and am looking forward to learning Macs in the fall!