Posted by bandman_65 on January 29, 2008 at 10:54:37:
In Reply to: orchestra taught by band teacher posted by A on November 13, 2007 at 21:43:13:
I have never taught orchestra before. However, I do have a friend who plays tuba and did band for many years and switched to orchestra. He started taking private violin lessons, although he no virtuoso, he learned enough about string ped. and now runs one of the best string programs in the area. Also, many of the students in his program are strongly encouraged to take private lessons.
: I am currently teaching orchestra and band. I am a band person. I had one semester strings course in college where we played through a student method book on each instrument.
: I am considering asking my principal to bring in someone to teach orchestra next year. I just don't have the knowledge and experience that I feel I need. I understand concepts but I find it difficult to teach on all 4 instruments. There are some concepts/notations that I don't know and can't teach. Right now I am ok because I have a retired strings teacher to come in and help 2-3 days a week. However, that will end in January. :( The only reason I have her is because I have 14 advanced students (2+ years) and 14 beginning students (started this year) in the same class.
: Is this a bad career choice?? Am I putting my job at risk?