As this is posted, I’m somewhere on an 11 mile hike. I backpacked in to our campsite yesterday – 2 miles with a 30-40lb pack on my back.
Why am I doing this?
Honestly, the three reasons I’m doing this are things that inform my conducting/educational philosophy, too.
First, because I honestly enjoy the outdoors. In the last two years I’ve camped around 50 nights, and I’ve moved from an apprehensive camper to one who actively enjoys the chance to reset in the woods.
Second, because I believe in the value of the program. I’m camping with a Scouting America boys’ troop, and I’ve found much to recommend about the more than 100-year-old Scouting program. It teaches resiliency, camaraderie, lifeskills, and most of all leadership….all while it’s exposing youth to potential future careers and getting them off their phones.
Third, because it’s where my kids are. I’m backpacking because my kid wants to be there, with his troop. No brainer.
Those three concepts map directly onto how I think about my teaching and conducting.
First, I love the music.
Second, I value the outcomes brought about by ensemble music-making.
Third, it’s where the students I want to reach are.
Why I’m backpacking is why I teach the way I do.