Since I first starting writing music, I’ve wanted to be able to write for orchestra. It’s my dream to stand in front of an amazing full scale orchestra and have them perform something I’ve written.
It’s a pretty big dream. The only instruments I play (so far) are the piano, a little flute and a little violin. It’s one thing to dream about doing something like that, another one to actually do it.
This last week, I went to Riverton Music and found out that they were looking for substitute music teachers. It seemed like something I could do. I imagined teaching piano students, or group music classes. I feel very confident leading music or working with young children.
Unfortunately, they were looking for substitute band teachers. I’ve never been in a band before and I have little to no experience with instruments other than flute, guitar and violin all of which is pretty basic. They assured me that I could fill the position. It was mostly just helping them know rhythm, phrasing and if the notes were correct. I felt like it was probably out of my sphere of ability, but went ahead and applied thinking that maybe if I could substitute enough, maybe I could someday take a more professional music type job later on down the road.
I went to the interview yesterday and not only did they want me to substitute, they wanted me to teach an after-school class – like every week!
The lady who was interviewing me was confident that I could do it, but I wasn’t. I went to the temple and prayed about it. I actually felt good about the idea, which scared me actually. I went to an after school class that the lady who interviewed me was teaching that night and afterwards I told her I’d take the position. I couldn’t believe I was going to do it. She told me that she’d see me the next day (today!). I was expecting that it would be at least next week before I started.
I went to my first band practice today. The whole way up there I was saying, “I can’t believe I’m doing this! I can’t believe I’m doing this!” I was so scared. I did okay though. I had the kids play the piano with me while they were learning one of their first songs. They thought that was pretty cool. As for helping them with their instruments – not so good.
I stopped at Riverton Music on the way home. I rented a trumpet so I could actually learn how to play it and help them. This job is going to teach me to play all the instruments.
It was something I always thought I would do someday in the future… I feel like maybe God is giving me a push in that direction. I usually need a little bit of pushing to get started, but then once I’ve done it once, it’s not so bad.
I’m excited for the next time. I’ve already got a bunch of ideas. It’s definitely out of my comfort zone, but who knows where this will lead… Crazy, huh!