Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Friday, October 21, 2011
Lose with Grace and Win with Dignity- a repost that touched me
I found this blog post on my feed this morning and wanted to share it. I have worked with kids in the arts in both competitive and non-competitive arenas, and wish that all instructors would read this and take it to heart...
Are we really encouraging our young performers to thrive when they bear witness to immature, selfish and thoughtless actions from their adult leaders??
Obviously, contests are the culmination of a lot of hard work, both on the part of the students as well as the staff. As an educator, think about your goals for your guard and how you plan to achieve them through the season. Are they reasonable goals? Is the training in place to support those goals?
In the last 20 or so years, I have seen a lot of things in warm-up, on the track while perusing the score sheets and during awards ceremonies that have made me shake my head and wonder, “Why are those folks even in this activity?” I once saw an instructor tear up a score sheet on the track. I watched as another coach tried to teach the closer of the show during warm-up and then turned around and berated the performers as they came off the field for looking less than stellar. One instructor yelled “How embarrassing!” as her performers marched off the field. These types of behaviors are unacceptable!
Keep this phrase in mind and teach your performers:
As educators, sure we may not always agree with the results of a contest. There is always “debate” or “scandal” over who should or should not have won. But look at the educational side of it – Did the kids have a good run that day? Did you see the group that won? Maybe they have something that others don’t.
The perusal period is not the place to argue over that. Let the dust settle until the next day and then evaluate it.
Make a point of congratulating the staff of the guard who won, and do so with sincerity. Keep your misgivings about the contest off social media websites. If you need to contact the judge in question, use the correct protocol for your circuit’s judging association.
I leave you with these fine phrases ~
Lose with grace and win with dignity… colorguardeducator.com
Warning —this may be more of a rant, but I feel it is necessary after experiencing two events in the last 2 weeks, one as an instructor of a competing unit and one as an adjudicator.First and foremost, we, as educators need to remember that this activity is about EDUCATING young adults. A phrase that comes to mind from a good friend who teaches band leadership workshops is
“What gets rewarded gets repeated.” Obviously, contests are the culmination of a lot of hard work, both on the part of the students as well as the staff. As an educator, think about your goals for your guard and how you plan to achieve them through the season. Are they reasonable goals? Is the training in place to support those goals?
In the last 20 or so years, I have seen a lot of things in warm-up, on the track while perusing the score sheets and during awards ceremonies that have made me shake my head and wonder, “Why are those folks even in this activity?” I once saw an instructor tear up a score sheet on the track. I watched as another coach tried to teach the closer of the show during warm-up and then turned around and berated the performers as they came off the field for looking less than stellar. One instructor yelled “How embarrassing!” as her performers marched off the field. These types of behaviors are unacceptable!
Keep this phrase in mind and teach your performers:
Lose with grace and win with dignity.
Talk about what it means.
As educators, sure we may not always agree with the results of a contest. There is always “debate” or “scandal” over who should or should not have won. But look at the educational side of it – Did the kids have a good run that day? Did you see the group that won? Maybe they have something that others don’t.
The perusal period is not the place to argue over that. Let the dust settle until the next day and then evaluate it.
Make a point of congratulating the staff of the guard who won, and do so with sincerity. Keep your misgivings about the contest off social media websites. If you need to contact the judge in question, use the correct protocol for your circuit’s judging association.
Backing up a bit, when you are finding an area to warm-up your performers, look for enough room so that you don’t intrude on other groups. Speaking of warm-up, use that time for just that – warm-up. If you have a set stretch routine, basics block, etc, that familiarity will help put the performers at ease amidst the stress of the contest. Warm-up is not the time for rewriting the closer or berating your performers for “not catching that blade triple”. I have seen performers in tears as they were taking the field, with an instructor blaring away at them to “not forget that 16 counts!”. The less panicked the kids are, the better their performance will be.
“You can catch more bees with honey than vinegar”
“It is what it is”
And finally ….“It’s just flags on a field!”
About the Author (Author Profile)
Lorraine has been involved in the color guard activity since 1989, first as a performer, then as an instructor and adjudicator. She is currently instructing the color guards at Saugus and Valencia High Schools in Santa Clarita, California, as well as designing for other guards in California. Lorraine also has worked with programs in Utah, New York and Georgia. She was the Instructor/Designer at Littlerock High School from 1995 to 2008. LHS was a semi-finalist at WGI World Championships in 2004 and 2005 and the Fresno Regional Scholastic A Champion in 2005. She is an Adjudicator for SCSBOA, WGASC, and UWGA, and has also traveled to Oregon, Nevada, and Texas to judge marching band and winter guard contestsFriday, September 23, 2011
The Fifth Season of the Year- Dance
Dance classes started again last week. After a whole month without them, I was chomping at the bit to get back in. For those of you who don't know me, I am also a dance instructor. My parents started me in dance classes when I was around 4 years old, and with the exception of a few periods of time on and off to recover from injuries, I have been dancing ever since. I officially started teaching with a studio when I was 21, and have loved every minute.It has never been my primary career, but rather a "job" which gives me payment in so many other ways,and for me, is so much for satisfying than performing ever could be. In my time as an instructor, I have watched nervous little girls turn into composed, talented and graceful young women who operate with poise and maturity well beyond their years- who have gone on beyond the studio walls to accomplish great things. There is something about the beauty of seeing a piece of choreography come together with my students- the glimmer of understanding in their eye when they finally grasp a difficult move, or the experience of watching them come off the stage with tears of joy to tell me that they put everything they had into a performance. It makes it all worthwhile. I am truly thankful for the opportunity I have every time I set foot back in the studio.
Dance over the years:
Friday, September 9, 2011
Corny Post
It's the end of summer, or the beginning of fall, depending on whose opinion of the weather you are listening to this week. Things are still busy around the Anderson Homestead. Sweet Corn is in season, and last night, I managed to shuck, cook, cut and freeze a bushel and transport it into 20 2-quart freezer bags- that's about 60 ears of corn. Purchased from the farm just a few miles up the road, it was another step towards my "know where your food comes from" theory. Plus, it is just delightfully tasty! Tried to get the applesauce done last night too, but ran out of hours in the day, so that will be soon! Here are a few pictures of the before, during and after, along with my little helper, who has been experiencing his first summer of corn on the cob. 
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Deep Thoughts for the Day
I got this as an email forward once, and it has always stuck with me. It seems that no matter who you are, or where in the world you are, some part of this holds true. I know it does for me. Two years ago, I lost my brother and a very close family friend just days apart. If there was one thing I learned from that, it was to appreciate the time we DO have with the folks that we love and care about- something I think that I was often guilty of not doing. I have spent a lot of time since those days in 2009 thinking about what I could have said, or done, differently in my life to have made it true. Sometimes I feel guilty for not being around more, or being as involved as I could have been- for not making the time to be a part of more. And while I know there is no way that I can go back and change that now, I know that moving forward, I can, and have tried to- I may not be perfect- and there is always more that I feel I could do, or be there for- but I think just being able to live more in the moment and appreciate what you have is a definite step towards that.
At any rate- wise words by Mr. George Carlin- enjoy.
"The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but
shorter tempers, wider freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more,
but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and
smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees
but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too
little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired,
read too little, watch TV too much , and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too
much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to
life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back,
but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We
conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but
not better things.
We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the
atom, but not our prejudice.We write more, but learn less... We plan more,
but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait.. We build
more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than
ever, but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small
character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are
days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night
stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to
quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and
nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to
you...
Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not
going to be around forever.
Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because
that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.
Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the
only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but
most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of
you.
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person
will not be there again.
Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the
precious thoughts in your mind.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the
moments that take our breath away. "
At any rate- wise words by Mr. George Carlin- enjoy.
"The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but
shorter tempers, wider freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more,
but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and
smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees
but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too
little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired,
read too little, watch TV too much , and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too
much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to
life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back,
but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We
conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but
not better things.
We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the
atom, but not our prejudice.We write more, but learn less... We plan more,
but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait.. We build
more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than
ever, but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small
character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are
days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night
stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to
quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and
nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to
you...
Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not
going to be around forever.
Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because
that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.
Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the
only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but
most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of
you.
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person
will not be there again.
Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the
precious thoughts in your mind.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the
moments that take our breath away. "
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
I Felt the Earth Move
I'm back. I did not forget I had a blog that I swore diligently that I would update once a week. I did, however, learn that even once a week can be crazy for me. I'll try better from now on.
We had an earthquake here yesterday. Yes, an earthquake. In Pennsylvania. And NY. And apparently the whole Eastern Seaboard. I felt my desk shake and realized I was moving too. I was beginning to wonder if I had finally taken one too many Benadryl during allergy season and it finally was affecting my brain. However, upon quickly speaking with my co-worker, I deduced I was not crazy as she was moving too. Further reports upon coming back inside (I don't know why, but standing outside sounded like a much more logical solution than remaining in a building while it was shaking like it was on the spin cycle in a washing machine), from Twitter and Facebook indeed confirmed it- everyone else felt the same thing too. And it was all anyone could talk about- FOR THE REST OF THE DAY.
You have to understand, in all my life, I have NEVER experience an earthquake. So while all we got was a little shaken around, it was a big deal! I will say this. I have no desire to ever experience the real thing. Feeling like a ride there is no getting off of is NOT my thing. I like stable ground, thank you very much.
I promise- from now on, much more exciting (and frequent) posts.
We had an earthquake here yesterday. Yes, an earthquake. In Pennsylvania. And NY. And apparently the whole Eastern Seaboard. I felt my desk shake and realized I was moving too. I was beginning to wonder if I had finally taken one too many Benadryl during allergy season and it finally was affecting my brain. However, upon quickly speaking with my co-worker, I deduced I was not crazy as she was moving too. Further reports upon coming back inside (I don't know why, but standing outside sounded like a much more logical solution than remaining in a building while it was shaking like it was on the spin cycle in a washing machine), from Twitter and Facebook indeed confirmed it- everyone else felt the same thing too. And it was all anyone could talk about- FOR THE REST OF THE DAY.
You have to understand, in all my life, I have NEVER experience an earthquake. So while all we got was a little shaken around, it was a big deal! I will say this. I have no desire to ever experience the real thing. Feeling like a ride there is no getting off of is NOT my thing. I like stable ground, thank you very much.
I promise- from now on, much more exciting (and frequent) posts.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
I Love Fresh Summer Food
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Longing for fall
It is 66 degrees and pouring rain outside my window right now. Back in April, that sounded balmy. Today, after weeks on end of heat in the 80's and 90's, the exact same weather is a welcome relief. More than anything, the chill in the air on the way to work this morning reminded me of fall, my favorite time of the year. I just have so much to love about the whole season- the scent of apples cooking down into my mom's famous applesauce, the leaves falling and the torment they seem to bring my husband as he thinks he has FINALLY gotten them all raked-only to discover the yard completely covered again the next day, the smell of a jack-o-lantern as the candle inside it slowly bakes the pumpkin and the gathering of our friends as we all get together to make cider at their house.
We've been working on getting ready for fall lately around the old homestead- and of course, the annual Halloween party. It started out as a small affair shortly after we were married, but every year, it seems to grow. The chilly weather we have today serves as inspiration to want to start decorating now. Tonight, I think we shall build props!
I am sure in another day or two, the tropical heat and humidity will return to remind me summer is far from over, but tonight when I go home, I think I will pull some of last year's applesauce and pumpkin bread out of the freezer, curl up with my favorite blanket and pretend for just a few more hours that fall is finally here.
Just a few shots from over the years...
We've been working on getting ready for fall lately around the old homestead- and of course, the annual Halloween party. It started out as a small affair shortly after we were married, but every year, it seems to grow. The chilly weather we have today serves as inspiration to want to start decorating now. Tonight, I think we shall build props!
I am sure in another day or two, the tropical heat and humidity will return to remind me summer is far from over, but tonight when I go home, I think I will pull some of last year's applesauce and pumpkin bread out of the freezer, curl up with my favorite blanket and pretend for just a few more hours that fall is finally here.
Just a few shots from over the years...
Monday, July 11, 2011
Learning about me
You've found me. Frankly, my family members (the ones I allow to know this blog exists) may be surprised to be sitting in their chair reading these words. I am the only person I know who at the tender age of 12, singlehandedly almost destroyed plumbing in a home with oatmeal cookies gone bad. To my credit... I did just try to dump them down the drain.From that point on, I was the butt of most cooking jokes! Now, they ask me to bring food their gatherings all the time. Guess who's laughing now, folks!
The only other things you need to know: I am me, or am at least, trying to find me. After 33 years on this planet, I am just beginning to figure out who that is. I am a hopeless romantic who likes to believe there is a little good in every person, you just have to see it. I want to change the world, or at least a little corner of it. I despise injustice and close minded people. I love my family and hold them close to my heart. I love all things fantasy and live for the fall. I love to cook. I DO love walks on the beach, but enjoy walks through the woods just as much. I love travel, but am always glad to come home.
Read my words if you like- maybe you'll find yourself too.
The only other things you need to know: I am me, or am at least, trying to find me. After 33 years on this planet, I am just beginning to figure out who that is. I am a hopeless romantic who likes to believe there is a little good in every person, you just have to see it. I want to change the world, or at least a little corner of it. I despise injustice and close minded people. I love my family and hold them close to my heart. I love all things fantasy and live for the fall. I love to cook. I DO love walks on the beach, but enjoy walks through the woods just as much. I love travel, but am always glad to come home.
Read my words if you like- maybe you'll find yourself too.
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