My Journey to 2017-2018

MY BAKER'S DOZEN

August 2017

The Woodlands, TX

I'm going to file this under "no one cares" but people have been asking so...

I have had some friends (good, church friends) ask me recently why I have gained weight and why I look so sad and tired. Geez, thanks y'all. But to answer their questions... I am stressed, anxious and just straight up depressed. There is no other way to say it! And it is all based around my job. I am not where I want to be in my career, I'm bored in my current situation, I am burnt (burning) out and feel as if I could do SO MUCH more! I am not making a difference (or so I feel) like I did when I was teaching band! 

This past year, 2016-2017, was my 12th year of teaching overall and my 6th year teaching in the great state of Texas. While teaching in Oklahoma, I taught band and elementary music. When Chris and I moved to Texas in 2011 I was unable to find a band job... close by or one that I was "advised" to take. In fact, during the summer of 2011 I interviewed for 8 band jobs in and around the Houston metro area. I was offered and turned down 4 of those jobs due to commute from Conroe, desirable district or economic status of the school and other various reasons. On June 30, 2011 I was offered an elementary music teacher position in Spring ISD and I accepted. Since then I have been trying EVERY summer to get back into band with NO LUCK! This summer was the worst.

Luke was born the summer after my 1st year teaching in Texas and even though I looked for a band job every summer since he was born without any luck, I knew that the year HE went into Kindergarten would be the best year to transition back so even though I would get rejections in the past I kept telling myself that "my time will come" and "Luke needs to stay in Sharpen's class". Well... Luke starts Kindergarten in 15 days and I still don't have a band job!

This past school year was THE HARDEST year of my career and I was put into several very difficult situations. I knew that the time had come and it was lining up perfectly for MY plan so even in February I started the whole application process as it is lengthy. By mid-April I was interviewing and dreaming of the perfect relaxed summer with no worries and planning for my new band job. Ha... God saw it another way.

My road and journey to 2017-2018. (district and campus names have been abbreviated)

April

MISD- KES Elementary Music

This is a very prestigious district and voted THE best in the entire Houston metro area. It is very difficult to get into so even getting an interview is a HUGE deal. This was for a brand new elemtnary school. I was coached by a past admin of mine who lives in and has taught in the district. I spent hours being coached by her and took advice from other MISD teacher I knew getting ready for this interview. While it was not band, it would have been an ideal situation for my kids. Even though I felt the interview went really well, and I even left the interview saying "that was the best interview ever", I did not get offered the position.

CISD- B. Intermediate Band 

In April I began talking to a colleague of mine that I know from church who mentioned that this might be the year for me to get a band job in the very prestigious and hard to get into CISD. I waited patiently for positions to open and then applied. Within weeks I was interviewing for my friend's positon. In fact, he even coached me on what to say and how to act in the interview. I prayed and prayed over this specific job and lost so much sleep. I just knew, in fact we all felt this was THE job. I impressed everyone on this committee except the Fine Arts Director who even called me out on a few things happening in my own district. I got a call a few days later that despite my friend going to bat for me and pulling lots of strings, I just couldn't land this DREAM job!

The same day I had this interview I had a separate elementary music interview within NCISD.

NCISD- PES Elementary Music

The elementary music interview went well but I didn't want it so I was very loose and not nervous at all. In fact, when I arrived at the interview the assistant principal told me that the interview was supposed to be the day before. This was in a school that was very old and run down (the admin told me the AC and heater don't work well) and the budget was limited. I asked NCISD friends who said it was not a good school and not a great situation to step into. The economic status was the same as my current school and it was going to be a complete lateral move. Of course, the principal called and offered me the job the following day and then sent me a very encouraging text the 2nd day. After almost a week of praying and debating the pros and cons, I turned down that job. (Still may be the biggest mistake of the summer and this journey). 

May

CISD- DK-6ES Elementary Music AND Band

This was a weird position that I am HIGHLY qualified for as it is a K-6 music AND band position in The Woodlands on the very nice side of CISD. I also felt in this interview that I impressed the committee but once again the CISD Fine Arts Director was on the interview committee. I waited to hear back from this job for almost 3 weeks only to find out via email that the FA director chose someone else.

WISD- BMS Band (my current district)

I found out about this job opening DURING a previous interview. I called our head band director and asked him about it and then applied. The interview was VERY casual, almost to a fault, and I just knew and felt it was a "courtesy" interview. I have tried to get a band job within my own district for the past 5 summers with no luck. In fact, I took my current position because this same band director told me he would "consider" me in the future. Well that is all he ever did... consider! That ship has sailed and while I am upset about it, it is what it is.

TISD- CSPJH Band

I had a very late interview at TISD with a fellow OU graduate who was the head director at this very wealthy and brand new junior high. I really wanted this job and this district in particular has always been on my radar to work for. I felt the interview went well and I felt that I impressed this Fine Arts Director. I knew not to hold my breath but I felt with connections and my solid interview, that I would get a call about that job. About a week after the interview the FA director emailed me saying I was still in the running which gave me hope but shortly after they contacted me explaining they chose someone else. For whatever reason, this one hit hard and was the beginning of my full on depression.

CISD- SES Elementary MusicThis was a very wealthy and "high economic status" elementary school in Conroe. I had little knowledge about the campus going into the interview but fell in love with the admin and campus. It was a campus I felt I could retire at if need be. Once again, I felt like it was a good interview and I felt like I knew the answers to all of their questions thanks to more coaching from past admins. It took 3 weeks to hear back from them but it was then I learned that I did not get this job either.

HISD- MPJH Band

I got a phone call from a band director in this district one Sunday afternoon out of the blue. I talked to him for nearly an hour and was very open and honest about my past situation (unable to land a band job) and my goals moving forward. This was a very large program and the staff had 6 other directors each from a major university. I had a face-to-face interview with 5 of the band directors a week later. I felt the interview went well but the district was smaller than my current one and the pay was not as much but I wanted a band job so it didn't matter. I got an actual call from the Head Band Director the last week of May that they chose someone else. "You were great and we all really enjoyed your but I just feel this is not the job for you". I had mixed emotions about this one but there it was... rejection #7 and it was only May.

CFISD- HES Elementary Music

This was an inner city urban elementary school in one of the largest districts in the Houston metro. I liked the principal but not the campus. The admin called and told me she chose someone else within a day.

June

KISD- NES Elementary Music

This was another large district in the North Houston metro area. The school was newer and nicer than my present campus but the students and clientele was much worse. I would have a lot like my first 2 years in Texas when I taught at Spring. They chose someone else and even though it was an elementary job, rejection #8 hit hard yet again.

AISD- Engineering Magnet Elementary Music

This was in a very familiar district as Chris has taught in this district for the past 6 years. I knew it was not a district I truly wanted to be in but I took the interview anyway. The principal liked me so much so told me she was going to pass my name along to HR for them to offer it to me. I also had an interview with the "Director of Music Education" who is VERY well known in the elementary music teaching world and I liked her a lot but I was reminded that I do not want to be a hard core elementary music teacher. This district also had TERRIBLE insurance (as we now know FOR SURE as we have to pay an arm AND A LEG for Chris's foot surgery) and the cost of the insurance would have eaten up the $3K pay raise. They offered me the job but I declined due to the insurance costs and overall dislike of the district ( I would NOT have put my kids in this district... YIKES).

MISD- MES/LES Elementary Art

This was an interview was for a position teaching ART but this district is very well known and a great district to work for and the fine arts department is amazing so I applied anyway. I took the interview not knowing it was a split teaching job between two of the furthest elementary from my house. The committee had the Fine Arts director and an admin from each of the 2 schools. I did not feel as confident in this interview as others because it was for ART. But oddly enough, they called and offered me the job within 10 minutes of leaving the interview. I turned this down knowing that I could NEVER get back in band if I took this route.

The Fine Arts director liked me a lot and within a week called me and asked me to interview for a different elementary music positon within the district. I talked with him for a long time explaining my desire to be a band director not elementary music teacher but he told me I was a leader and he wanted a leader. I took the interview. 

MISD- SES Elementary Music
I went on the interview the Fine Arts director got for me and was very honest with the interviewing admin. I like the admin and the campus as well as the district and obviously, this was THE best Fine Arts director I have come into contact with. I had a great conversation with the admin and explained my "mid-life career crisis" and she too said I was a leader. I explained I was working on my admin certificate and she said that is the route I should take. She called explaining she chose someone else but the message she left me was my only saving grace from the entire summer.

I AM a born leader and I could do so much more and she saw that within the hour interview we had. I appreciate her encouragement to me and may have to listen to her voicemail frequently to get through this year.

I have no idea why I was not able to get/take any of these 13 jobs but GOD KNOWS. I do not know why I am at CCH but GOD KNOWS. I have no idea how I will get through this year with a good attitude or contentment but GOD KNOWS. I do not know how I will lose the weight I gained through this journey but GOD KNOWS. 

I have to report back in less than a week to start a brand new year. My Natalie will be in 3rd grade and my BABY Luke starts kindergarten. This will be my 13th year of teaching and you know what they say... A BAKERS DOZEN is always better!

Cheers to 2017-2018! 

God is good... All the time! 

I Want to be a GIANT

Spring 2016
Year 11... Houston, TX 

Disclaimer: I realize that no one may care or be even remotely interested in this topic but this post is more for me. There are days where I feel like I have no one to talk to or vent to and this is just a little of my frustrations that I am going through right now. Almost like a "Dear Diary" page. In 11 years of teaching I have not felt this depressed throughout the whole year and felt as if this is not really where I am supposed to be. This is unusual to me because I have known I wanted to be in the education field since I was 16, literally ½ my life. Yet at this point I feel like I could be anywhere but here.

A little about my personality

All my life I have been somewhat of an outcast and never REALLY fit in with the popular, strong or successful groups or at least not the groups I “wanted” to fit in with. In high school I was a cheerleader, volleyball player, basketball player and golf player but I was just average at all of those and I wanted to be the best. I decided in 10^th grade I would go down the music/ band road and I pretty much did that alone. I was the sole BAND NERD at my school. I “made my bed, now I have to sleep in it” at that point but I had no idea this road would be so political and so lonely at times.

By nature my personality wants to be recognized for a job well done, it’s just who I am. I have tried and am still trying to not be this way but I thrive on someone telling me “Good job” and “Way to go”. In addition, I have always had a mentality of “keeping up with the Jones’” and want to be a part of the successful group and I have let my successes (and failures) define me over the years. 

A little about my career

I have taught music for 11 years, 6 of which were band, and the past 5 years have been in Texas. I have always dreamed of being a band director and growing a successful band and music program. When I was in college as a music education major there were 2 distinct groups within that major; 1) those seeking band/ choir director positions and 2) those choosing to teach general or elementary music. There were several more directors than there was elementary music and I noticed real quickly the attitude that went with the general (classroom) music teachers. “Oh, you want to teach elementary music? That is great. That is where the heart of the music field is but we (the directors) will build up the programs and make them look successful. Good for you though.” This literally was the mentality and attitude, from the upperclassmen all the way up to the professors.

My freshman year of college I did not make the Pride of Oklahoma marching band, which was a MAJOR reason why I chose to go to OU. This was a huge set-back for me but I pressed on and stayed at OU instead of going home like a puppy with my tail between my legs and go to Tyler Junior College like 90% other graduates of my high school. From that point on I followed the same path as my high school days and never really fit in with the music ed/ band director crowd because they all had the bond that developed by being in the Pride. That whole freshman year was really hard on me and wondered why I was there and why I was trying to be something that I may not be... but yet I still knew that I wanted in my heart to be a band director and I was determined that I would overcome these issues. 

My sophomore and junior years I did in fact get into the Pride of Oklahoma and have made friendships with fellow players and I am grateful for that experience and those friendships. However, I turned that 136 hour/ 5 year degree into 4 years by pressing hard and taking incredibly heavy course loads because all I wanted to do was get out into the field and teach band.

I did my student teaching with arguably one of the absolute best band directors in the state of Oklahoma, and easily the best female director within the OKC metro. I had a passion for teaching band and both my mentor teachers could see that. They helped me blossom into a very good middle school band director and led me on a path towards band success.

In late spring 2005 I had an interview at Bristow, OK to be an assistant band director alongside an incredible educator and well known band director in Oklahoma. He offered me the position but I was seriously dating Chris at the time and knew a long-distance relationship would not work. Instead I was later offered a “one-man K-12” band director job at Bowlegs, OK. There I would serve as the K-12 general music AND band director. I got married during that year and I was only there for 1 year and then left to teach band at Grove School in Shawnee, OK to be closer to my now husband, Chris Davis.

I spent 5 years teaching band and general music at Grove and enjoyed it 85-90% of the time. There is always times were a bad situation or turn of events can bring you down but I LOVED teaching band and the actual JOB they hired me to do! During those 5 years I built the band program from 52 kids (5-8^th grade) to over 100. We received the first ever superior rating in the school’s history and I was elected “Teacher of the Year” for my campus and even my county. My administration liked me and I was “golden” but I was still an outcast amoungst my colleagues.

During our region meetings despite proving I was capable of growing a band program and having kids sit in the top bands at All-Region, I was still not selected as a leader or served as a chair or officer. This always bothered me and honestly I let it get to me too much but it is what it is. In fact, there were always certain people who were selected and got the awards and the mention (again, I need that and thrive on that... it's just who I am). Those same people currently have my dream jobs and are doing incredibly well. While I am happy for them, it eats me up inside thinking that could be me or “when will that be me”?

In 2009 Chris was laid off from his job and began the search for a new job and eventually a new career. In 2011 after nearly 18 months of unemployment Chris got a job offer to teach math in Houston, TX. We were ready for the next step and chapter in our lives. Personally I had been highly successful as a band director for 6 years and FINALLY I was going to be able to begin my dream of teaching band in the great state of Texas. I was so excited and had already been working on my resume and my portfolio. During the summer months I had several interviews for band jobs but I was never offered any of them and they were all far from where we would be living in north Houston.

I ended up spending 2 years teaching elementary general music in large north Houston school district that was very urban and not at all like the rich “white” school I came from in Oklahoma. During those 2 years I got pregnant and had our 2^nd child, Luke, but was not satisfied with teaching “just elementary music”. There were 1,100+ kids in this school so I had 40+ kids in each class on a daily basis. This was WAY too many kids to have a successful music class but I did try hard and looking back in some areas it was better than my current position as I had the instruments and support I needed as a music teacher. 

Towards the end of my 2^nd year there all of the SPECIALS teachers had to begin teaching core subjects during their class periods to help with decreasing test scores. I knew this was not for me as I am NOT a math teacher so I took that as a cue to look for a new job and I did.

So no it is summer 2013 and I am now diligently seeking a band job. I have been out of the field for 2 years and within 1 interview I could tell this would be a lot harder than I thought. I had taught band for 6 years, have a Master’s degree and have proven I can build and grow a SUCCESSFUL program but I still was not offered a band position. In fact, I had an interview in a small rural district in far north Houston that was well known for having a good band program. The interview went well and the administration loved me and practically offered me the job saying “We enjoyed talking to you today and think you fit in well at XXXX, now we are just waiting on Mr. _____ (the HS band director) to choose”. Well what do you know, I was passed by again. I took this particular rejection very hard as I knew people within this very small district and realized it was all about "who you know" and I just knew this is where my dream would begin. Yet again, God had other plans.

Later that summer I was offered an elementary music position across the street from the middle school where I was rejected (my current position). I was hesitant to accept another elementary position but honestly, I did not have any other offers at this point and I thought “Well, at least I will have my foot in the door when there is another opening”. Little did I know there would be 2 openings within the district the following summer. Did I get either of those jobs? Oh no, they hired someone younger, straight out of college, with “fresh” ideas and more importantly, someone who they knew. 

I spent the next 2 years watching from the outside just itching to get in there and teach band and be a part of a successful band program. I’ve offered my time and services for private lessons and helped with recruiting and really tried to put my name out there but there isn’t even vertical alignment in this district so the band directors barely even know my name let alone my abilities and capabilities.

The past 3 years I have spent at my current school have not been ALL bad. I have been able to take Natalie with school to me the past 2 years and while this is not the environment I would like or would have ever dreamed her being in (remember, I like to be in with the “good” groups) she is thriving and doing very well. In addition, I have become really close to all of my administrators and become more of a team player than I ever have in my life. Not to mention that teaching elementary music is much less demanding on my personal time than band would be. I have been able to spend a lot more time with my family and take extravagant trips that I may or may not be able to take if I was teaching band. But still my heart is just not in it… or better yet, my heart still wants more. My heart wants to teach band. I still have the OU mentality of “Oh good for you teaching elementary music”. I feel like if I retire as an elementary music teacher what impact have I made on the world, really? I feel like I would have settled and that bothers me! 

To this day I have kids from Grove tell me on social media how much I impacted their lives. I see old students of mine be HIGHLY successful themselves in music in higher education and I know that I had a part in that. But the past 5 years… how many kids have told me I have made a difference in their lives? ZERO! These kids do not like music and do not want to be in music. They want to be in PE. In elementary they do not get a choice so far too often I get classrooms full of negative attitudes and a lack of desire to be successful at music. Sure there are some that enjoy it and I relish in teaching those few but the majority of these kids could care less. Not to mention my passion and joy is gone as I am teaching music and art and wearing multiple other hats around the campus and it is just draining.

Fast- Forward to March 2016 and oddly enough there is another band job opening at the middle school across the street in my district. The same job that has been posted for now 3 years (hello turnover). My principal, of whom I am close with and respect, put in a good word for me to her husband, the principal at the middle school, but their family is moving so I am on my own again. I applied for that job but the current MS head director (who took the job originally in 2013) told me “we are already looking at other high qualified candidates but feel free to apply.” He also told me that he would like to “meet with me” and discuss the position but never got back to me. Why even bother? 

That position was closed in April but I found out that the HS Assistant job would be posted soon. The MS head director is going to slide into that position because EVERYBODY just LOVES him. So that leaves the MS wide open. This is my chance… Or so I thought. Oddly enough the wife of the MS director is also a band director and she will take the head MS job and then the assistant position will be filled by someone else they all know. Why am I even here? What is my purpose in the district? What difference am I making?

That was supposed to be me… I was supposed to get the job in 2013, and then become the head director in 2014 and now moving up to high school in 2016. That is the dream I have had for the past 10 years, literally!  And here I still sit… working to pay the bills as my passion has been sucked out. I have friends/ family who have struggled with this type of situation for years and they are some of the strongest people I know and I have high respect for them... I just need to be like them and not let these things get to me! 

It’s hard to watch… Now I know most of you are thinking “Get over it. Life SUCKS! Put on your BIG GIRL panties and deal with it” or "Get over yourself" and others are thinking "at least you have a job" and you would all be right! I know my husband is thinking this and probably my parents (who raised me better than that) too but I just feel defeated and crushed. I feel like I should be allowed even a small amount of time to be upset about this! 

I have had similar feelings in the past 5 years but this is stronger than previous years and times. I look at friends be successful at “stay at home” jobs or multi-level marketing and see close friends and even family completely change jobs and careers and are doing better than ever. Maybe that needs to be me… maybe this is the road I wanted and not the road HE wanted. I have become literally depressed about it and just feel lost. I have a great marriage and great family... so I guess "2 out of 3 ain't bad"! 

So... I want to be a GIANT

I read an article posted by a college friend and colleague about standing on the shoulders of giants. The article mentioned as a band director you stand on the shoulders of giants and then others stand on your shoulders to become successful.

Because now you’re the Giant. If you’re a band director – you’re the Giant. You may be the deciding factor of whether a child learns to play an instrument, feels included in a great organization, wants to come to school and believes he can face a challenge and reach a goal.

It’s a big job.

It’s a huge responsibility.

It’s scary.

It may be more than you signed up for.

But remember, someone did it for you.

Someone lifted you up and put you on their shoulders and let you see the world of music. The family of band. The satisfaction of reaching goals. The reward of dedication.

All I want to be is a Giant… I just want to be the shoulders for someone else.  At one point I was dreaming of being a MAJOR successful band director and even directing at the collegiate level (who was I kidding) and now I just want to be a director at all. I guess I will just have to keep dreaming.

My heart wants what it wants! I can't help that... Now to get over this pathetic pity party and press on. On to what? I have no idea but I cannot continue to let this crushed dream ruin my days! As I practiced my saxophone for many hours growing up I used to play "God is in Control". I need that song today... I know He is in control but it does not make this long journey any easier. I just have to remember that NO MATTER WHAT 

God is good... ALL the time! 

A Decade in the Books

Kellie Davis- Music Educator, 2005-2015

June 2015

Just a week ago I finished my 10th year of teaching music and changing lives. It has been a long, hard emotional roller coaster ride but so rewarding and fulfilling to say the least. I LOVE my job and what I do and I true hope I can be an inspiration to my students and fellow teachers. I am beyond blessed to have this opportunity to share my pride and passion with others and help change the world... one student at a time. 

As this year began to wrap up, I began to reminisce my 10 years and how far I have come. The following is a recap of the previous 10 years and will finalize with a prediction of the next 10 years: 

Year 1- 2005-2006

School- Bowlegs Public School- Bowlegs, Oklahoma 

Job Title- Music Educator 

I accepted this job right out of the gate upon graduation thanks to my mentor teacher during my student teaching speaking so highly of me to this small school's superintendent. I was offered multiple other band jobs in and around Oklahoma City but wanted to stay close because I was in love with Chris! While at Bowlegs, I was THE music person. I literally taught the entire school district, from grades K-12. This was a very small 1A class school in Eastern Oklahoma about 1 hour outside of Norman, OK where I lived at the time. I taught K-4 elementary music, 5-7 middle school band and 8-12 high school band, including marching band. I only had 19 people in my marching band which didn't meet the 24 minimum requirement for competitions but we did perform at halftime during the home football games and  few away games. I completed my student teaching at a very prominent High School in north OKC and Bowlegs was the exact polar opposite of what I expected and this really threw me for a loop. That and the fact that I got engaged in July 2005 and was planning a wedding most of the school year. 

Most Memorable Moment

Chris talking to me on the phone for nearly 30 minutes during my planning time and then saying "I got to go, I am at my next stop". He then knocked on my door and came in and brought me lunch! Seriously, I was in LOVE this year! 

Year 2- 2006-2007

School- Grove Public School- Shawnee, Oklahoma 

Job Title- Director of Bands and Elementary Music 

I changed jobs to Grove in the summer of 2006 so I could be closer to Norman, where Chris and I lived after we married. I remember being on a cruise with Chris and his family and waiting for the phone call from the principal. I waited and worried the entire trip but when I turned my phone back on once we got back I received the message offering me the job. Just like Bowlegs, at Grove I too was THE music person. I taught 1-4 elementary music and 5-8 band. Grove was a K-8 school so I was not in charge of a high school ensemble or marching band but did start at Jazz Band my 1st year here. The 7-8 grade band performed at OSSAA (Region Contest) for the 1st time in years and we received a 2-2-3 on Stage and a 1 in Sight Reading. I was very disappointed in the scores but my superintendent, principal and multiple band directors in the region informed me that the previous years they performed the received 4-4-5 or worse. There were many students from this year whom I will never forget including a student who is currently following in my footsteps and studying music at OU and playing in The Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band. 

Most Memorable Moment

 Creating a Jazz Band out of thriving 7-8 graders. This group thrived beyond measure during my tutelage at Grove and even won multiple awards. Looking back, it was definitely a shining moment. 

Year 3- 2007-2008

School- Grove Public School- Shawnee, Oklahoma 

Job Title- Director of Bands and Elementary Music 

This year was much easier than the first and I knew I would be here for a while and worked VERY hard to grow this band program. In fact from 2005-2007 I DOUBLED the band enrollment and recruitment. This was a turning point in the history of Grove Bands as it was this year that we received 1-1-1 on Stage for the FIRST TIME EVER and a 1 in Sight Reading. We were invited to the Arbuckle Wilderness Music Festival in April and also received 1-1-1 scores on stage.  I also started my Master's at the University of Central Oklahoma in January of 2008. 

Most Memorable Moment

 Seeing the 1-1-1 scores for the first time and jumping up and down with joy privately in the directors room and then telling the kids on the bus and seeing their faces shine with joy! Perhaps my best moment of my entire career. I feel like I actually accomplished something and made a difference in not only individual students lives but a campus and even community.

1st day of school- August 8, 2007! 

Year 4- 2008-2009

School- Grove Public School- Shawnee, Oklahoma 

Job Title- Director of Bands and Elementary Music 

I continued to grow and develop this band program but began to branch out more with additional small ensembles, a private lesson studio as well as become more respected as a band director in the community and region. I became the go-to person for all reed instruments in my district as well as at UCO while working on my Masters. My 7-8 grade band once again received a 1-1-1 score on Stage and a 1 in Sight Reading as well as 1's at the Arbuckle Wilderness Music Festival. We also began a Spring Concert tradition of combining all the bands 5-8 and alumni/ parents for a large finale. This was a huge hit and it was great to see the entire community get involved. 

Most Memorable Moment

 I completed my Masters of Music in July 2009 just weeks before having Natalie Grace.

Year 5- 2009-2010

School- Grove Public School- Shawnee, Oklahoma 

Job Title- Director of Bands and Elementary Music 

I was due with Natalie on August 4th just days before the first day of school but Natalie had other plans. She did not arrive until 3 weeks later on August 25th. I then spent the next 6 weeks at home with her while my poor band program and kids suffered with what could easily be the worst sub situation ever. I had a very hard time finding a Band sub and when I did it went from bad to ugly to terrible QUICK. In fact, in those 6 weeks my kids saw 3 different subs! My performing band scored 1-2-3 on stage and 1 in Sight Reading. However, this was easily my overall best group of musicians and yet we got the worst scores this year. This is also the year that Chris lost his job as a business CEO and started subbing at Grove from time to time. 

Most Memorable Moment

 Teaching my husband of 4 years how to play the trumpet. He was not too band for a 32 year old 5th grader and my favorite student ever!

District Contest warm-up room, February 2010! I LOVED my job... and miss it dearly!

Getting ready to perform in Konawa, OK for the OSSAA Region Contest. We received 1-1-1 on Stage for the 1st time in Grove School history. 

During our performance on Stage. 

Frontier City Music Festival in OKC, OK, April 2010! 

My first (and last) professional portrait taken in April 2010.  I still showcase this with pride! 

Year 6- 2010-2011

School- Grove Public School- Shawnee, Oklahoma 

Job Title- Director of Bands and Elementary Music 

This was EASILY my BEST TEACHING YEAR OF MY CAREER! I had a GREAT fall semester with my bands and continued to see growth in my numbers and enrollment. In fact, in the 4 years since arriving at Grove my overall 5-8 band numbers went from 52 to 108. I was still be recognized and respected around my region, so much that I was selected as a mentor teacher for an Oklahoma Baptist University music ed student. She came on in the spring and did a fantastic job. My bands once again scored 1-1-1 on Stage and a 1 in Sight Reading. I was selected at the Grove Teacher of the Year, the Pottawatomie County Masonic "Teacher of Today" as well as a finalist for the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year. I began the Texas certification process in February as Chris was looking for teaching jobs in Houston. I finally had all of the administration on "my side" and working with me and we got the call to move to Houston. I felt as if I finally reached my potential and climbed the ever high mountain but this is what we wanted... to move to Texas. It was my dream my whole career. 

Most Memorable Moment

 There are many to choose from in this year bu the one that I think of the most is the phone call. This was the phone call from Chris on the last day of school saying he was offered a job at Aldine ISD in Houston. This was literally minutes before I was to present awards to my 7th grade class of whom I had seen grow the previous 3 years and perhaps one of my favorite grade level classes of all time. I remember tearing up with emotions as I gave them all their awards. I then had to tell them all plus the remaining teachers I was leaving.

 Being the band director mom and teaching my 16 month old the trumpet and the flute! 

My Teacher of the Year ceremony at Grove! I looked so YOUNG! It is amazing what these 10 years have done to me!

My student teacher, Beth Polston, who would be my successor at Grove almost immediately after I resigned. 

The highlight of my career thus far! I am so blessed to have been able to work at such a wonderful district and school! Thank you Lord for this blessing! 

Easily my favorite overall group of kids I have worked with! We had LOTS of fun!
What is crazy... they all graduated High School this past May! WOW... Now I really feel old! 

Year 7- 2011-2012

School- Booker Elementary, Spring ISD- Houston, TX

Job Title- Elementary Music Teacher and Honor Choir Director 

I moved to Texas on June 4, 2011 with my mother-in-law and searched and searched (and interview and interviewed) for job after job after job with no luck. I was offered several band jobs but they were a 1+ hour commute WITHOUT traffic and they did not seem feasible. At the end of June I decided to broaden my options and apply for elementary only positions. Within 2 days of completing the Spring ISD application, I was interviewing for the music position at Booker Elementary and offered the job within ours of the interview. It was truly a GOD-THING! Here I taught all 1,100 kids music on a 5 day rotation with classes ranging from 40-50 kids in each class. I always thought I wanted to teach in a large district but found out that I was just another music teacher and felt like a number. I had no real support from the Fine Arts administration as well as the other band directors in the district. I tried to help with sectionals and other rehearsals as well as offered private lessons to middle school kids but was brushed off. I co-directed the 5th Grade Honor Choir and it was rewarding. I got pregnant (Surprise.. didn't take as long this time) in October with Luke and carried him until June. 

Most Memorable Moment

 Going into labor on the very last day of school on June 8th but having to stay until 4pm. I went to the hospital that evening and sent home only to come back on June 12th so Luke could make his own entrance into this world. 

Year 8-2012-2013

School- Booker Elementary, Spring ISD- Houston, TX

Job Title- Elementary Music Teacher 

I was on maternity leave until November 12th (11 weeks and 3 days) and enjoyed EVERY minute of it! This school year was the worst of my career as the district and campus were restructuring and pushing the limits for its teachers. I still had 40-50 students in each class and only saw them 1 time per week, if I was lucky and there were not trips, assemblies or holidays! I did not do Honor Choir since I was out so much. I was asked to teach 15-20 minute math lessons at the beginning of my music lessons for every grade EVERY DAY! I was like 40% math and 60% music and that was not what I signed up for! I knew this was not my calling. 

Most Memorable Moment

 Spending 11 weeks at home with Luke!

I was able to snatch the University of Oklahoma as my classroom these for "No Excuses University" which my campus participated in! I loved showering my room in Crimson and Cream amidst all the nasty A&M and burnt orange going on down here!

Luke and I the day before I went back to work in November 2012!

Year 9- 2013-2014

School- CC Hardy Elementary, Willis ISD- Willis, TX 

Job Title- Fine Arts Teacher 

I knew I had to get out of my previous position and REALLY wanted to get back into band and went to several interviews including one with Lynn Lucas Middle School inside Willis ISD only to be turned down. The HS band director of whom I interviewed with spoke highly of me to an elementary principal and I was offered a job across the street from LLMS teaching music AND art, Fine Arts. Despite wanting to get back into band, I felt God really wanted me at Willis ISD and I knew while this particular elementary was not the best in Willis it was better than where I was coming from and I also knew how to handle small schools since I graduated from a 2A HS in East Texas. I also knew this could be a school I could take my kids to once they were elementary age. I taught 50/50 Music and Art and I was thrown way out of my comfort zone. However, with the help of a previous teammate at Spring ISD I was able to become more comfortable with teaching art and by March I felt at home at CC Hardy. My administration was and IS fantastic and I cannot speak highly enough of my teaching partner Tammy Schneider, who teaches PE. We work absolutely perfect together and she make my job enjoyable. 

Most Memorable Moment

 After my 3rd and final program of the year Tammy and my team presented me with a beautiful music blanket and roses. Again, I work with the BEST OF THE BEST!

I love my team! Tammy Schneider you are amazing and I actually feel like a part of a team! Thanks!

Year 10- 2014-2015

School- CC Hardy Elementary, Willis ISD- Willis, TX 

Job Title- Fine Arts Teacher and SPECIALS Team Leader

Same Song.. Second Verse! A little bit LOUDER and NOT a little bit worse. This year just continued to get better and better and I truly found my niche again and really started to grow again after being in a 2-3 year slump. I took on many roles including Team Leader, multiple committee chairs, announcements spokesperson plus district Honor Choir co-director. My administration just got better with an exceptional Assistant Principal and the Counselor is practically my best friend. This is the year I began to think about getting my administration certificate. I already have the Masters and years of experience, just lack the certificate. This was also the year I questioned my lifelong dream of being a MAJOR band director or college band director. 

Most Memorable Moment

 Dropping Natalie off at the 1st day of Kindergarten at CC Hardy and then watching her grow EACH AND EVERY DAY until Kindergarten Graduation day. I love having her at school with me!

Mommy and Natalie are both WILDKATS! CC Hardy... Here we come! 

Christmas Concert celebration and cake thanks to, yet again, my AMAZING teammate, Tammy Schneider! 

100 Days of School with my Natalie Grace! 

177 days later... She is a Kindergarten GRADUATE! Where has the time gone!
I loved being at the same school with her and literally watching her grow each and every day!
I couldn't imagine it any other way!

The Next 10 Years... 

If you would have asked me 2 years ago I would have said my typical "Being a Band Director at a major ISD, finished my PhD and well known around the area". But now... I have no idea. God has closed that door so many times and maybe that is a sign. At this point I am just waiting on God to close more doors and open others. For the first time in 10 years I have no idea what will come next or even what I want to come next. Once again, a hymn comes to mind 

My Life is in Your Hands 

Life can be so good

Life can be so hard

Never knowing what each day

Will bring to where you are

Sometimes I forget

And sometimes I can't see

That whatever comes my way

You'll be with me

My life is in your hands

My heart is in your keeping

I'm never without hope

Not when my future is with you

My life is in your hands

And though I may not see clearly

I will lift my voice and sing

Cause your love does amazing things

Lord, I know, my life is in your hands

And though I may not see clearly... Thank you Lord for having my life in your hands! Thank you Lord for an amazing 10 years and I cannot wait to see where the next 10 years take me! 

God is Good... ALL the time! 

The Transformation... From Empty Space to "Learning Space"

August 25, 2013

Nearly 1/3 of my life... And many more to come!  

For the past week I have been a Wildkat and it has been FABULOUS! This is my 9th year to attend "Teacher In-service" days and my 4th year to have to attend the "New-Teachers In-Service". While I have not been "New" or a "Rookie" 4 times, I have changed districts (Or in 1 case, STATES) and been "new" to a district 4 times.

I have worked for countless hours the past 10 days to get my room, mind and even heart ready for a new school year and I think I am ready. This will be a whole new experience for me, yet somewhat of a "Second Verse" type of thing at the same time. It is always hard to tell how the year will be just by judging the "Teacher In-Service" days! I have much to learn as a teacher and I think this year will be a "Learning Experience" for everyone involved!

Wednesday, August 14th
Very First Glance of my classroom

Friday, August 16th
The end of the 2 "New-Teacher" workdays

I did A LOT of organizing these two days... Now it is time to decorate and make this room come to life!! 

Friday, August 23rd

I am ready... I think!

the OU "No Sooner Left Behind" tradition continues...

School starts in a few hours... Prayers are appreciated!

God is Good... ALL THE TIME!

Nine Years and Counting

2013-2014 School Year in Review 

This was my 3rd year in the great state of Texas and my first year at my current district (to remain nameless for professional purposes). This district is more like the district I grew up in and graduated from in Arp, TX. A small town, small district school on the very northern part of Montgomery county and Conroe. 

The elementary campus I teach at has about 700 students enrolled and is about 300-400 students smaller than my previous position in Spring. The type of student enrolled in this school is also very different than what I had he previous 2 years. These students come from the smaller town and it does not feel like I am teaching at an inner city school or urban area anymore. I was very uncomfortable with this the past few years so this situation makes me feel so much better. 

I had a great year and enjoyed working alongside such wonderful teachers, staff and administrators but more importantly the students. These students were great and I loved teaching hem and watching them grow. We had some great times throughout the year but here are a few of the highlights: 

September 

The Meet the Teacher night and Back to School night were very memorable because they really showed me what this district and campus would be like and really left a good lasting impression on me. Huge thanks to all he teachers and community members for helping me feel right at home. 

October 

The Pumpkin Run that was led by Coach Tammy Schneider, my teammate, was one of the most unique and fun things I have ever seen done in elementary school and it was just the tip of the iceberg for Tammy! She really is amazing and I am so grateful God allowed me to be her teammate. Thank you, Tammy for all you do. 

November 

We had another fun run called the Turkey Trot and it too was a lot of fun for the kids! I was also able to help out and experience the Veterans Museum that the teachers, staff AND students prepared for our community! Wow... This was amazing and so impressive! 

December 

This is always a busy month in school with all the holiday celebrations and concert and this year proved to be the same. I did have my first program of the year in late December with my 3rd grade classes. We performed a fabulous Christmas Carol concert using the musical instruments "BOOM-WHACKERS". These are musical tubes (much like PVC pipes) that produce different pitches when hit. They are so cool and I only wish they were around back when I was 10 years old. This concert also included a "Movement/Motion" part to it where our kids performed things like streamers, ball drums and a parachute routine to more Christmas carols. This combined Music and Movement which is a cornerstone of my teaching philosophy and got to incorporate PE into the program as well. Once again, I would not have been able to pull it off without Tammy! Have I told you how awesome she is! 

January

There are basically two words to sum up this month- RODEO ART! As part of my contract, I am responsible for teaching the Texas Arts TEKS as well as teaching an art lesson once per 6 weeks. I usually tie this lesson to music but 1 time a year I have to have our kids participate in a Houston-Wide competition called Rodeo Art. Here the students draw free art that has to do with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Then we have a school-wide and district-wide art show where the art is critiqued and then chosen to go down to Houston for the ACTUAL rodeo. Since I only have .05% of art in a single bone of my body, this was a HUGE struggle for me. There were lots of "can you show me how to draw this Mrs. Davis" and "what shades should I use here" to which I had to answer "ummmm.... I don't know" to all of these. This was really hard for me to take 6 weeks off of teaching music as well but now that I know how this works I am more prepared for this coming school year! 

February

This is one of my favorite months of the school year because I get to attend the Texas Music Educators Association Conference in San Antonio. This is the most amazing conference and I learn SO MUCH and come back feeling refreshed and ready to hit the ground running. This year I got to share this opportunity with the other music teachers from my district which made the experience even better. 

March

This too is also I month I LOVE... But this is because of the much needed and deserved SPRING BREAK. This year I had a 1st Grade Concert/Program the Thursday before Spring Break which made for a very long few weeks. This concert was really cool because it was based around Rock and Roll and the kids got to use basic rhythm sticks to "Rock out". It also included a movement portion where the kids got to Rock Out while moving out! This was one of my favorite programs I have done to date.

Coach Tammy Schneider and I after the "Rock and Roll" 1st Grade Concert! 

April

This was a BUSY month for our school with state-wide STAAR tests and long teaching days. The STAAR tests allowed my team to bring in special speakers to talk to our kids about anything from teamwork to trusting exercises to extreme animals. This was so cool and I am already looking forward to it for next year. Once again, it could not have happened without my wonderful team and administrators/counselors. 

I also had the privilege of planning a STAAR pep-rally based on baseball. This was so cool for me because I LOVE baseball. I was able to get the High School baseball and softball teams as well as the High School drum line. This was another perk of being in a small district. And my ex-MLB pitcher/ superintendent even came out and threw some pitches! One of he highlights of my year! 

We also had "Soar Over STAAR" day where our testing kids got to relax from testing being over and have some real fun. This included basic field day type of activities PLUS a rock climbing wall. This was so cool and special (little did I realize how hard rock climbing really was at the time... More on this later). 

May

This was a BUSY month at my school with all kinds of "end-of-year" activities. This was also the close of our District Honor Choir at their Spring Concert. This was very special since we had been working on these pieces since the fall semester. It was extra meaningful to me because it combined students from all 5 elementary schools  and I was able to teach and work with all of them, 150+, in a large concert setting. This was also the only time this year I got to formally conduct, which is where my true passion lies. 

June

Yes... I had to go to school in June. I fact, thanks to 3 ICE DAYS (in Houston nonetheless) I had to go until June 10th. It was awful! But it was only 10 days and then my summer could begin. FINALLY! 

This was a fantastic year and I finally feel like I am "at home" here in Houston. I am so lucky and blessed to work alongside such wonderful people and teach such great kids. Thank You, Lord for this opportunity! 

Next year (2014-2015) is the BIG 1-0! TEN YEARS... I cannot believe it! It feels like only yesterday I was student teaching. I have learned a lot in my 9 years but I think I will learn even more in the next 29 years (ha, I'm on the "90 plan" for retirement). Once again... 

God is good... ALL the time!