they pay us to do this?

[rnewell]

You know, we all have problems throughout the year, and stress is part of the job every day. It's more for some than others. Today I was getting a little grumbly about stuff that needed to get done, and then I had a revelation. It's an epiphany I have every now and then, but this time I thought I'd share with everyone else - especially any new teachers out there --

They pay us to play all day.

Today I was going through solos with students and getting headache from counting out loud, and my middle finger on my right hand is cracked open and bleeding because I've been snapping my fingers too much and it's dry -- you know what I'm talking about -- "band director finger." After I finished a lesson with my FAVORITE student, I found myself putting the accompaniment back and leafing through all of my solos trying to find the next one. While I was doing that, I was whistling the solo I just finished. I don't know why at that moment it hit me, but it did -- they pay me to play all day.

Think about all the jobs out there. There are so many people out there who do HORRIBLE jobs for so much less money. I get to do what I love, teach that to others, get out my horn and jam with students every now and then, and they PAY me to do it.

I have a library full of music at my disposal, instruments to play on, a fridge in my office, a shelf full of professional books, and they pay me to be here. Sometimes long hours, but I choose to do that, don't I?

Every now and then I need to remind myself that -- no matter how stressful the day gets or how crappy students' attitudes get, I get PAID to PLAY and teach others to play. Sure, the other teachers don't "get" what we do. Sure, the budget is tight. Sure, we have to put up with students who don't love music as much as we do. Sure, we have to put in long hours. But I have a job that pays me to do what I love to do.

Like I said, I've gone through this revelation many times, and it always makes me re-think my attitude when I'm in a bad mood. This time, I thought I'd share with everyone. I'm sure you've had the same revelation yourself. Maybe you haven't -- if not, keep in mind --

They pay us to play all day.

And we love it.

[aeason]

Thank you Ruben! I certainly needed the encouragement. I do love what I do and need to remember to keep that in perspective.

[btinder]

You have a FRIDGE in your office?!?!?!?!?!?!?!???????

I used to, until this year. The fire marshal nixed that.

Great post- I've lived that moment more than once. It's certainly something that puts a lot of things into perspective.
bt

[ejohnson]

This is the reason that I still work as an aid, even though I am suppose to be retired. I also thought about that, while I was "jamming" with a couple of trombones and playing duets with a Horn player, this morning. After all these years I still love playing my Horn and teaching others how I do it, and they PAY me to do this? Eric in Atlantic

[dfrazier]

Same for me folks. For the 37 years I taught I never quite got over the feeling that--- "I can't believe they are paying me to have this much fun". Sure, there were days that were tough, but I look back and consider myself extremely fortunate to have been permitted to teach instrumental music. Stay Happy, Fraz

[darmentrout]

Ruben, I hate you! I want a fridge in my office! Nah, seriously, this just made my day. I just came out of a 6th grade band rehearsal frustrated as no other with a couple of my students and their performances today, but (and I hate to say this) Ruben, you're right! We get paid to play and that is what does make the day go by so much easier.