I get to work with amazing students and staff members in the marching band at Crystal Lake Central High School. As a young instructor, it is extremely valuable to me that my work environment is a place where I am supported and respected. I get to instruct students the art of color guard, while learning and growing with them through each rehearsal. I am fortunate to work with a band director who trusts my expertise, while also remaining a mentor and role model as I learn how to be the best instructor I can be.
What I wish was different
Advice
When working with high school students amidst a global pandemic, it is extremely important to meet the students where they are at, and go from there. Going into this season, I was eager to continue building the color guard program. However, with virtual rehearsals, and socially distanced in-person meetings, it was essential to remember that at the end of the day, color guard was an extra-curricular activity that allowed them to be active outside, be off of their computer, and spend time with their friends. With this in mind, I was able to teach the students a lot about color guard, while creating an environment where they enjoyed coming to rehearsals to learn skills and make memories in a safe space.
