It all Began with a little Bone...

Karlie teaches in a middle school-Take One.

I'm currently writing the "Final Reflection" for my Instrumental Music Methods class. This reflection is based on the private lessons I gave to three middle school trombone players. I am a flute player.
I am including the definition of flute for those of you unfamiliar with the Western European Band Instruments.
Flute: a woodwind instrument with approximately one thousand buttons, keys, spinny/rolly things, and other stuff.
Now... I'll copy and paste the definition of a trombone so you can compare and contrast.
Trombone: a brass instrument that changes pitch by yanking on some tubing. And is unaccessible to those who do not possess the proper lip muscles.


They're pretty different, huh?

Well, I was scared. I wish I knew enough adjectives to describe for you my scared face, but I don't so here, the computer equivalent is this-->  :O

I knew the only way I'd be able to teach these boys is to be able to maneuver on the instrument myself. The...beast, if you will.
So began my voyage into trombone land. Not a bad place to be, let me tell ya. First, I got myself a little inspiration, I'll share it with you, do not have worries.
Firstly, "Bonerama." Check 'em out. Now.

Next Trombone Shorty.

And J.J. Johnson.

All of a sudden, it wasn't just, "I should learn to play this so I can give a higher-quality lesson." No, now it was "I need to play this. This instrument...has been dropped onto us from God."
And as I am incredibly religious, well, obviously I knew the next stop I needed to take.

My pal started giving me lessons. It's wonderful. I'm not wonderful, and it's a painful process...but it's fun.

My students were incredible, enthusiastic, energetic, and excited about making music.
More on this to come.