“The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to keep still.”
— Exodus 14:14
Hey Everyone-
Welcome to my blog. I am starting this on a whim because I need something in my life to express my thoughts and to share what is going on in my life. Sort of a New Year’s resolution to be more vulnerable and not hold things in.
A Little bit about me- I am an Teacher in the Woodlands, TX (a large suburb about 30 min from Downtown Houston). I have been a teacher for the past 4 years teaching Orchestra and AP Music Theory (even though I barely passed my own Theory courses in undergrad.). On top of that, I am a part-time graduate student studying Instrumental Conducting. …and yes part of the reason why I’m starting this blog is to cope with the stress of being both a teacher and a student.
Music and Education (both on the student side and teacher side) are very important aspects of my life. As I quote my own teaching philosophy
“Every living human being on this planet has the opportunity and the capacity to learn and create music regardless of who they are and what they believe in. Students deserve a fun, safe, and inclusive environment where they can discover and obtain their musical goals with not only themselves but with a community of lifelong learners. “
Emmanuel Coraza’s Teaching Philosophy that is written on his resume
I forget sometimes that my student’s are human (even though they don’t act like it all the time). I’m pretty sure that in Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs, after basic necessities in life (food, shelter, etc.), We have the desire to belong and to be part of a group. You cannot teach someone who doesn’t feel like they belong. Regardless of their background or in my case, playing ability, they deserve LOVE. Sometimes that love expresses itself in different forms. Love can be sweet…and Love can be tough…sometimes we have to show tough love to help others.
Jesus Christ shows us love through the cross he was crucified on. He DIED for our sins for those back then and those today and in the future. I live my life trying to help my students to carry their “cross”. I may not be good at it now, but I strive everyday to help them by learning as much as I can both through my craft as a teacher and my craft as a human being. I guess that is what Ministry is? It doesn’t have to be at church where I get to minister to other people…we can minister to anyone and any place.
I’ve written more than I thought I would. But here is some more fun tidbits about me… 🙂
I love Coffee, Music, and Life.
More to come-
Thanks for Reading,
-E-man
The Millennial Orchestra Director 