As our Rosendale Ravens staff and students continue to explore the many ways in which having a Growth Mindset can help in not only learning in school, but in life, the power of modeling that effect as adults is something that is so important. It is with great excitement that we share with you the "Growth to Performance" (or G2P for short) blog. What is the G2P blog? It is the opportunity to watch or read about some adults from our school community as they engage in playing a musical instrument for either the first time ever, or the first time in a very long time. This blog will include video clips of practice, sharing out of feelings and progress, and will end in a climactic performance at our Rosendale spring concert at Niskayuna High School, on Wednesday, May 23rd, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. Who are the adults taking on the challenge of learning an instrument? They are as follows:

• Mr. DiCaprio, Principal
• Ms. Maurantonio, Teacher
• Ms. Bouchey, Teacher
• Mrs. Rackliffe, Computer Teaching Assistant
• Ms. Thompson, Library Media Specialist
• Mrs. Leonard, Clerical Assistant
• Mrs. Ten Eyck, Speech Therapist
• Mrs. Kokernak, Instrumental Teacher

Stay tuned for more updates, information, and progress as we learn alongside our Ravens students!

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Ms. Maurantonio's G2P Blog Entry 1:

My first flute lesson with Mrs. Kokernak was on December 14th. It was both exciting and a little nerve racking. It had been about 18 years since I played my flute. Though I had tried playing it a few times in those last 18 years, I had never during that time played for or with anyone else. I would pick it up, play a few notes and then put it away very soon after.

Walking into my lesson, many, many worries raced in my mind. Would I be terrible? Would I remember how to play? What would Mrs. Kokernak think of me and my playing?

I walked in the door to see Mrs. Kokernak with a smile on her face. Pretty soon after, all of my worries faded away. We talked a bit, tuned our instruments and then got started. We played a little. She gave me some goals and helped me develop a plan for what to work on. It ended up being a great first lesson. I left with a smile on my face and excited to get started practicing. Though I walked through the door very unsure of how this would go, now I am optimistic. I think this was a good decision for me. It’s not going to be easy, but I think it will really help me “grow my brain” (and hopefully help me get better at playing the flute!).

Since my first lesson, I have practiced a few times. I have to admit that the first time practicing at home was a bit frustrating. I was trying to follow all of the suggestions Mrs. Kokernak had given me—open up your sound, take a deep break, stand straight and tall, think about the position of your lips. The first few minutes of my practicing were pretty frustrating. I am not going to lie. I didn’t sound terrible but I also didn’t sound great. It wasn’t as easy as I thought that it would be. I kind of thought that after that first lesson everything would come back to me easily and I wouldn’t struggle so much. Well, that didn’t happen. I was struggling.

I had to stop a few times during that first practice session at home because I kept making mistakes and the sound just wasn’t right. I played some wrong notes and certain sounds were very muffled (not very loud). At one point, I thought I would just put the flute away and give up for the day, but then I thought about the students in my first grade class. When they get stuck on a word, they try lots of different reading strategies or when they can’t spell a word, they keep at it and don’t give up. So, I decided that maybe I needed to be like my first graders. I had to be resilient. Even when things seem really tough or you experience some setbacks (or your flute makes really strange sounds or you play the wrong notes), you can’t let that knock you down. And I didn’t! I ended up practicing 30 minutes that day. I still made a bunch of mistakes, but I think by the end of my practice time, I started to sound a bit better than I started. I am not going to give up.

Tuesday, January 9, 2018 Mrs. Leonard's G2P Blog entry 1:

This past weekend I had my 3rd violin lesson. After having 1 1/2 weeks off for the holiday season, I quickly realized that I should have been practicing more.

Allow me to back up a little. When presented with this challenge I immediately thought "well, that's not for me" because I've never played an instrument before. After much contemplation, my thoughts shifted to what a great opportunity this would be. Growing up, my family did not have the means to enroll me in such endeavors coupled with the lack of confidence on my part. I also came across an email regarding a violin instructor who happens to be the Grandparent of 2 Rosendale students. "it was meant to be".

I felt very vulnerable going to my first lesson. When asked what I wanted to work on, I told my instructor I had never played before nor do I know how to read music. He seemed very excited to get started . I have also downloaded Violin for Dummies on my kindle which has been very helpful.

I tried jumping ahead only to be faced with disappointment. A little positive self talk and patience helped me get back on track. So I'm well on my way!

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Miss Bouchey’s G2P Blog Entry #1:

Just like Ms. Maurantonio, I also had my first lesson with Mrs. Kokernak before the December break. Although I have played my cornet (a smaller trumpet) occasionally since high school, I have not been a part of a larger group or put on a performance.

Prior to having my lesson with Mrs. Kokernak, I tried playing some notes at home and was surprised how it came back to me. I guess the muscles in your fingers have a great memory! I also know how to play the piano, which is helpful to be able to read music.

My first lesson with Mrs. Kokernak went well, and surprisingly I wasn’t as nervous as I thought I would be. We played some warm-ups together as she reminded me how to use my air to support each note. The higher notes on the trumpet require a lot of breath support, which is something I always struggled with.

Since my lesson, I have practiced a few times at home. I often notice my trumpet case and think to myself “I should practice today.” Even though sometimes I don’t want to, I am learning that just a few minutes can be worthwhile. Practicing at home by myself has not gone as smoothly as my first lesson with Mrs. Kokernak. My lips get tired easily and I have to keep reminding myself to take big breaths and not push my trumpet to my lips so hard. Lots of positive self-talk can go a long way! I am determined to keep practicing and improving myself a little more each time.

February 6, 2018

Mrs. Rackliffe's 1st G2P Blog

I played trumpet in school starting in 5th grade and loved my time in band, marching band, and jazz band. When this challenge was presented to me I decided to try the trombone since we had one at home. I really struggled with learning a new key and hitting the low notes by loosening my lips. It was very hard, after talking to Mrs. Kokernak we decided to have me try another new instrument, the baritone. This allows me to use the key I know and the same fingerings as the trumpet but still learn a new instrument. Since I have switched, practicing is so much easier and I am able to do it for longer without getting frustrated. I really enjoy hearing the music and look forward to learning more.

April 27, 2018

Laurie Leonard's 2nd G2P Blog Entry

It'a been awhile since my first blog, so I thought it was time for an update! Lessons have been going well, my children have recognized the song I have been practicing, so I must be making progress! The one challenge I didn't expect was the lack of keen eyesight I used to have. It has been a little tricky trying to read music without my glasses- so I can also glance at my finger placement. I've picked up the pace now that we have switched to an easier song for the stringed instruments. The concert is getting nearer!!