Performances are like Puzzles

This week I am rehearsing two elementary musical productions, one for kindergarten through second grade, the other for third through fifth. As we get closer to the performance day, I either get worried about the things that are not yet to the level I want them or just aren't done at all. I used to try to run these programs all by myself, because I didn't want to "bother" my colleagues. After all, I'm the music teacher so it is my job, right?

These musical performances also include some drama, which involves costuming and props, neither of which I am good at. Fortunately, there are other teachers who are good at coaching drama and enjoy doing it. This year I am fortunate to have a group of artistic fifth graders, and I assigned them props, which magically appeared yesterday. At least most of them did. I'm still waiting for a bowl with "snacks" and three masks that are half-made.

Today at rehearsals, we were able to get from the beginning to the end of each program without stopping. This makes me feel like the "puzzle" has nearly all its pieces together. There are still a few holes but I know who is responsible for filling them in, and I'm confident that by Friday all the pieces will be together.

Watching a performance come together piece by piece and then being able to produce it for parents and others to watch is one of my favorite parts of my job as a music teacher.