Mining for Diamonds

This week, I am mining for diamonds!  I do this several times a year, and I'm always excited when I find one!  It's funny how something so beautiful can remain hidden for years if you don't actively, intentionally search for it!

Now, I'm not talking about literal diamonds...I'm talking about the "diamonds" of hidden talent in children!  Unless you purposefully and laboriously search for it, coax it out, and take the time to polish it, an extremely valuable gem might go unnoticed forever!

This is the reason I hold auditions for elementary aged children.  My job would be soooo much easier if I always chose the children who were naturally gifted and who displayed that talent openly, and who needed little or no instruction.  But, my job is NOT to simply display what is already evident, but rather is to cultivate and nurture an emerging talent!  After practicing together for hours, I absolutely LOVE seeing the confidence of children blossom when they sing, act, or perform for an audience!  Watching my "diamonds sparkle" is one of the favorite parts of my job! 

Sing Your Song!

On the bulletin board in my room I posted "The Music Teacher's Creed" by John Jacobson.  I like everything stated in the creed, but I especially like how it is summed up-

"I will teach them joy.

I will teach them hope.

I will teach them to be great.

I will use beautiful music to make all ever more beautiful,

And I will teach all with whom I come in contact, to let their very life be music."

When you think about it, the way we live is a song.  Some days our song is joyful or playful.  Other days, our song may be sad or soulful.   My prayer is that all my students will find their voice and sing their song, and that most of the time, the songs will be filled with joy.

~Mrs. Dyer

What are you afraid of?

Trying something new can be a little intimidating, that's certainly true!  But the alternative of doing the same thing you've always done is even MORE frightening!  If fear dictated my life, I'd still be single, childless, I'd never have a job--well, you get the idea! 

I love the scripture, "Faith is being sure of what we hope for, and of what we do not (yet) see!"  (Hebrews 11:1)  I had an epiphany one day about that scripture:  If you can see it, taste it, feel it and know it in a palpable, tangible way, that is NOT FAITH, that is SIGHT!  The only time we are trusting God and walking in faith is when we don't exactly know the outcome!  We trust that everything will work out fine for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose!

I teach music to about 350 elementary aged students, and EVERY day I ask them to try something new or to learn something new.  They learn new music, new dances, play instruments in a new way, and learn new terms and concepts.  Creativity and experimentation is encouraged and applauded!  It takes an enormous amount of courage to stand on the brink of "NEVER BEFORE" and to dive right in!  Butterflies, sweaty palms, and doubt accompany you every inch of the way, but oh my!!! when you give it your all, it is EXHILARATING!!! 

When we encourage our children and teenagers to "Go For It!", our words are empty and meaningless if we don't lead the way!  As Mark Twain said, "Twenty years from now you will regret the things you didn't do more than the ones you did. So cast off the bow lines and set sail!!"

What are you afraid of?

**By the way, I just now figured out how to do a blog all by myself!  Trying something new....!