At the high school this week, I was given the opportunity to teach the Jazz 2 group! After a pretty crazy week in trying to bear my groundings on being able to teach every class at this point, teaching this class definitely helped in the struggle and confusion I had. Although this lesson plan was last minute, I feel I did a fairly decent job! Check out my lesson plan before you proceed into reading further of this reflection:

Johnston Jazz 2 Lesson 10-30

My original objective of the lesson was to focus solely on articulation. Within a few short minutes of teaching, I noticed that articulation was definitely not the route to go. As I started noticing tension and awkwardness in the class with me at the front, I began “improvising” a new goal on the spot to help them feel more comfortable not only with me, but with themselves as performers. From an observational aspect, I’ve always noticed that they’re energy level during class every other day usually tends to be kind of low. So I really wanted to strive for getting them feeling more excited and comfortable, while also really trying to bring out their personality and their playing! Although my video recording of this is only the first 25 minutes of class, hopefully you can see a little bit more of what I’m talking about. Check it out real quick if you haven’t already.

*Due to the safety and privacy of previous students, all photographs and video recordings have been graciously taken down as of August 4th, 2015. Please contact the creator personally to grant access if desired to view independently.*

Title of Video: Johnston Jazz 2 Lesson (10/30)

All and all, this lesson was by far the most successful lesson I taught at the high school level. Although my main objective of the lesson changed at the very beginning of class, I really tried to put my main focus on that and run with it as much as I could, while also touching up on a few things in the piece here and there in preparation for future lessons.

I would’ve never expected the high school level to be this tough to teach, but I am definitely experiencing so much at a higher level that I know will positively effect my future, for the better! As a put an end to the most roughest week I’ve had this semester, I definitely wouldn’t take it back.