A Day in the Life – Our First Gig
Today is our first gig! We are performing for the Kansas Regional Teachers of the Year. Just last year, I was a part of that group- and boy what an experience that was. As a local teacher of the year in Kansas you are afforded the opportunity to visit other school districts in the area as a team to view the things that make each district unique. So today is the day they are visiting our district and this year’s Salina teacher of the year asked if my guitar students would be interested in playing. I always jump at the chance to let the kids show off their hard work. Just two things worried me….
1. I have a new batch of students – so these kids have only played sinced Jan. 2. Our concert is kind of basic. Although…I did bring back two students from last semester to be featured soloist on a couple of songs. Kind of stacking the deck….but I’ll use their performance with us to help introduce improvisation. Once this semester’s students get to see these past student improvise solos…they will be curious to learn how to do the same. It works out well.
2. I have twice as many students as I’ve ever had. So I’m loading a bus with 52 middle school guitar players. They’re a wonderful group of kids…but whenever they outnumber me 52:1 I get a little nervous. We’ll have a great time though!
Here’s our setlist…
HOUR 5
Au Claire De La Luna
Sweet Home Chicago
Let it Be
Evil Ways by Santana
HOUR 6
Ode to Joy
Jambalaya by Hank Williams
Blues
Takin’ Care of Business by Bachman Turner Overdrive
Wish us luck….I’ll post some video footage when we return.