The past school year may already be just a memory for you. For two MENC choral members, the last ten months were recently re-visited.  Below, they share their thoughts on the end of another year with MENC.

How do you wrap up your school year?

KW: Purchase orders are due at the end of the year, so I spend a great deal of time deciding what music, musicals, etc. to purchase. In the high school classes, as soon as we finish the last concert we view a musical, then I have the students go to the files and select some songs to direct. This year, the students really enjoyed that and kept singing until the second to the last day. They really just wanted to talk the last day, and they were relatively quiet so I let them. The middle school students sang some new music and then spent some time outside when the weather permitted.

JC: Once the party is held to celebrate the final performance, I look for "DDDs"---Dull Day Devices that engage the group as a group (continuing to keep our identity tight!) and are fun. . . light-hearted music to read, musical challenge games to play, passing the baton around (that can be very rewarding). Kids really pick up on "busywork" quickly, so the real challenge is to continue forward motion with meaningful work. "Doing nothing" should never be an option.

What was the most rewarding thing that happened with your teaching/classes this past school year?

KW: Always the development of friendships within the choir between students who started the year “hating” the ones that have become their dear friends, because of working together.

JC: Getting to be accepted by the group (as a new teacher), and taking top honors in our spring competition.

Do you have any special way you say goodbye to your students? Any special year-end activities/ceremonies/traditions?

KW: I had the underclassmen write down special memories to give to the seniors.

JC: At our final concert, we say "Godspeed" to our seniors who are graduating, and this year the seniors had their own special (event) during that concert. We also recognize any outstanding contributions or individual achievements of the past year, and thank the parents for their patience and support.  Afterward, we have a party/reception where all can mingle for a time.

MENC recently sent a small questionnaire to about 200 MENC choral members chosen at random.  If you're interested in taking quick e-mailed questionnaires on various topics (some responses will be shared in this space, but only with your permission!), please write info@menc.org. We welcome your input.

Next week: Past Challenges, Future Plans: Questionnaire Part 2

Sue Rarus, June 25, 2008, © MENC: The National Association for Music Education