Saturday, August 29, 2009
Break
The "Summer Phase" ended Friday. School began July 27th, and I spent the last month doing several things:
I shadowed/helped teach a documentary film course with Dr. Wolf. The class was comprised of students from 10th-12th grade, and vastly different skill levels. The aims of the course were to study the development of documentary film conventions, view examples of these conventions (Nanook of The North, Triumph of The Will, Fahrenheit 911, When We Were Kings, Street Fight, and Born into Brothels), develop a vocabulary of technical film terms, and for students to write their own documentary film proposal.
This was a very valuable experience in many ways: I have never studied teaching, nor have I ever tried to teach multiple people at once - I quickly became aware of the difficulties of keeping students of varying capabilities on-task, interested, and pushed to learn - all while trying to placate a unruly students. By speaking with other teachers, I have been trying to absorb many of the lessons learned through years of teaching - without having to make those mistakes firsthand. Something I have picked up on is the importance of setting the tone for the course in the beginning and being consistent.
I plan to be strict for the first week (having pre-thought-out reactions for tardiness, walking around the class, being disruptive, etc...). Hopefully I can establish clear expectations for behavior, and not have to waste time disciplining instead of teaching. I do think I have an advantage over some other teachers, though: I will be teaching an elective for upper division students. Also, since Saint Benedict's is a private school, students often have at least one person in their lives who care for them and is willing and able to pay at least some portion of the tuition. This is very helpful in responding to students who know how to play the game (push buttons, disrespect teachers in front of the class, test a teacher's willingness to enforce rules - and sometimes exploit the knowledge that grades are about progress: starting a semester with bad behavior and showing progress at the end can result in a passing grade - and usually requires less actual work than what is required). In these situations, having the ability to call someone's mom is amazingly helpful.
I have also spent every weekday from 2:30-5:15 coaching water polo. It has been nice to get to know kids outside of a classroom setting. There are more than 50 players, about thirty of which are JV/beginning to swim. I work with these younger guys - mostly working on swimming skills. I enjoy coaching in small groups, but addressing the whole team, or large numbers of polo players is taxing for me. Right now, commanding respect and getting everyone to be quiet when I want to give directions is draining - I don't look forward to this part of every practice. Hopefully, over the course of the year this will become a skill I don't shy away from. After practice, I eat dinner with the students living on campus, go to Vespers, and am free at about 7:30.
I have this next week off - kind of. I will be preparing my syllabus, the first two weeks of lesson plans, coaching water polo in the morning. I plan to spend a few days visting Manhattan and Brooklyn this week. Also, in the next few weeks I would like to go to the Jersey coast with some of the monks.
Today, my record of the day is Mighty Love, by The Spinners.
I shadowed/helped teach a documentary film course with Dr. Wolf. The class was comprised of students from 10th-12th grade, and vastly different skill levels. The aims of the course were to study the development of documentary film conventions, view examples of these conventions (Nanook of The North, Triumph of The Will, Fahrenheit 911, When We Were Kings, Street Fight, and Born into Brothels), develop a vocabulary of technical film terms, and for students to write their own documentary film proposal.
This was a very valuable experience in many ways: I have never studied teaching, nor have I ever tried to teach multiple people at once - I quickly became aware of the difficulties of keeping students of varying capabilities on-task, interested, and pushed to learn - all while trying to placate a unruly students. By speaking with other teachers, I have been trying to absorb many of the lessons learned through years of teaching - without having to make those mistakes firsthand. Something I have picked up on is the importance of setting the tone for the course in the beginning and being consistent.
I plan to be strict for the first week (having pre-thought-out reactions for tardiness, walking around the class, being disruptive, etc...). Hopefully I can establish clear expectations for behavior, and not have to waste time disciplining instead of teaching. I do think I have an advantage over some other teachers, though: I will be teaching an elective for upper division students. Also, since Saint Benedict's is a private school, students often have at least one person in their lives who care for them and is willing and able to pay at least some portion of the tuition. This is very helpful in responding to students who know how to play the game (push buttons, disrespect teachers in front of the class, test a teacher's willingness to enforce rules - and sometimes exploit the knowledge that grades are about progress: starting a semester with bad behavior and showing progress at the end can result in a passing grade - and usually requires less actual work than what is required). In these situations, having the ability to call someone's mom is amazingly helpful.
I have also spent every weekday from 2:30-5:15 coaching water polo. It has been nice to get to know kids outside of a classroom setting. There are more than 50 players, about thirty of which are JV/beginning to swim. I work with these younger guys - mostly working on swimming skills. I enjoy coaching in small groups, but addressing the whole team, or large numbers of polo players is taxing for me. Right now, commanding respect and getting everyone to be quiet when I want to give directions is draining - I don't look forward to this part of every practice. Hopefully, over the course of the year this will become a skill I don't shy away from. After practice, I eat dinner with the students living on campus, go to Vespers, and am free at about 7:30.
I have this next week off - kind of. I will be preparing my syllabus, the first two weeks of lesson plans, coaching water polo in the morning. I plan to spend a few days visting Manhattan and Brooklyn this week. Also, in the next few weeks I would like to go to the Jersey coast with some of the monks.
Today, my record of the day is Mighty Love, by The Spinners.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
1st Photo
I went to Millburn Music today, thanks to Father Albert Holtz. In the monastery there is rarely music played during prayer, but occasionally Father Albert plays classical guitar to accompany the singing/chanting. Looking to buy a guitar myself, I inquired about the guitar and any shops nearby. Father Albert mentioned that he got a good deal on it from a guitar store in Millburn, NJ, and that he has had a relationship with the store for many years. It was very thoughtful of Father Albert to drive me out there today, but unfortunately the store only had new guitars – not what I was hoping for. After the trip, Father Albert suggested I get in contact with the school’s band director since he has a working relationship with someone who supplies musical instrument to the school. I will be sure to do so this week.
Today the volunteers had a group photograph taken by Saint Benedict’s Prep – I stand corrected; we have had a photo taken since we arrived.
Today the volunteers had a group photograph taken by Saint Benedict’s Prep – I stand corrected; we have had a photo taken since we arrived.
Met/Records
First, let me start by mentioning that none of the volunteers, myself included, have taken a single photograph, thus far... now that this is out of the way, I can continue in good conscience!
On Sunday, Father Augustine, Pat Hayes, and I visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art. We spent about three hours there, but were able to skim over a large portion of the museum. Pat and I walked through most of the second floor while Father Augustine spent time looking through the medieval works. After entering, I went straight for the rooms dedicated to European paintings. Of course there were a lot of important works there (Michelangelo’s first painting, some of the Dutch and Italian masters, etc…). But the time period was a little early for my taste. The section I was taken by most was that of 18th-20th century European paintings (Monet, Van Gough, Picasso, Dali, etc...). Pat and I also walked through the modern art section (Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollack, Chuck Close, etc…), a new exhibit dedicated to the model as muse, art of early civilizations, Greek and Roman Sculpture, and the art of Asia. Truly, the best way to describe our method of seeing the museum is skimming. It was really nothing more than a first, brief impression. There is such quality and consistency in the museum that every piece is important, unique, impressive, and worthy of in-depth study. I feel it will take many more visits before I can feel comfortable saying that I have been to the Met.
Though I enjoyed my experience at the Met, my highlight of the day came on the trip back home. My high point was not the subway ride - though it was a unique experience to observe someone from Queens huff glue from a bottle, inform the entire car that he had been partying for three days straight, was going home to the QU to shower and pop a star (ecstasy ), offer to sell a star to anyone interested ($10), advertise a club with a $40 cover charge, mention to all those concerned that he would continue to get F’d up every day for the next week, and even have the nerve to brag that no one parties like they do in Queens! Surprisingly, considering the previous information, my high point took place in Newark.
Walking back through Newark, Sunday at about 5:00, I glanced down a side street and was intrigued by a store with the following sign: 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s Soul Memorabilia. As a side note, over the last several months I have really enjoyed spending time with my Dad looking for old records. In fact, my only complaint would be: Minnesota, due to its demographics, is full of used records generally only in the rock and country genres. Though I enjoy these types of music, I really want to find soul, blues, jazz, etc…
Enter 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s Soul Memorabilia. The store is pretty small (similar to the inside of a subway car), has one glass counter/display case stretching the length of the building, and a small aisle. While the display case is filled with bootleg CDs and DVDs, the aisle, toward the back, is lined with about a dozen plastic milk crates filled with records – stacked three crates high. Still, my only objection is the following: the records are taller that the plastic containers, extending a couple inches above the rim, and are being crushed by the weight of the crates on top of them. In addition, many of the records are DJ records(unlabelled album covers, and only two or three songs on each album), are in terrible condition (some look like they were left outside in the rain for days), and there is no order to the records. With all of this set aside, some of the records are really great!!! The pricing for vinyl in the store is as follows: All LPs - $2, all 45s - $ .25 (no matter if they are from terrible artist and in unplayable condition, or if they are very rare and valuable). Since finding the shop, I have spent $ 30. This is what I have bought (granted some are not in great condition):
On Sunday, Father Augustine, Pat Hayes, and I visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art. We spent about three hours there, but were able to skim over a large portion of the museum. Pat and I walked through most of the second floor while Father Augustine spent time looking through the medieval works. After entering, I went straight for the rooms dedicated to European paintings. Of course there were a lot of important works there (Michelangelo’s first painting, some of the Dutch and Italian masters, etc…). But the time period was a little early for my taste. The section I was taken by most was that of 18th-20th century European paintings (Monet, Van Gough, Picasso, Dali, etc...). Pat and I also walked through the modern art section (Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollack, Chuck Close, etc…), a new exhibit dedicated to the model as muse, art of early civilizations, Greek and Roman Sculpture, and the art of Asia. Truly, the best way to describe our method of seeing the museum is skimming. It was really nothing more than a first, brief impression. There is such quality and consistency in the museum that every piece is important, unique, impressive, and worthy of in-depth study. I feel it will take many more visits before I can feel comfortable saying that I have been to the Met.
Though I enjoyed my experience at the Met, my highlight of the day came on the trip back home. My high point was not the subway ride - though it was a unique experience to observe someone from Queens huff glue from a bottle, inform the entire car that he had been partying for three days straight, was going home to the QU to shower and pop a star (ecstasy ), offer to sell a star to anyone interested ($10), advertise a club with a $40 cover charge, mention to all those concerned that he would continue to get F’d up every day for the next week, and even have the nerve to brag that no one parties like they do in Queens! Surprisingly, considering the previous information, my high point took place in Newark.
Walking back through Newark, Sunday at about 5:00, I glanced down a side street and was intrigued by a store with the following sign: 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s Soul Memorabilia. As a side note, over the last several months I have really enjoyed spending time with my Dad looking for old records. In fact, my only complaint would be: Minnesota, due to its demographics, is full of used records generally only in the rock and country genres. Though I enjoy these types of music, I really want to find soul, blues, jazz, etc…
Enter 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s Soul Memorabilia. The store is pretty small (similar to the inside of a subway car), has one glass counter/display case stretching the length of the building, and a small aisle. While the display case is filled with bootleg CDs and DVDs, the aisle, toward the back, is lined with about a dozen plastic milk crates filled with records – stacked three crates high. Still, my only objection is the following: the records are taller that the plastic containers, extending a couple inches above the rim, and are being crushed by the weight of the crates on top of them. In addition, many of the records are DJ records(unlabelled album covers, and only two or three songs on each album), are in terrible condition (some look like they were left outside in the rain for days), and there is no order to the records. With all of this set aside, some of the records are really great!!! The pricing for vinyl in the store is as follows: All LPs - $2, all 45s - $ .25 (no matter if they are from terrible artist and in unplayable condition, or if they are very rare and valuable). Since finding the shop, I have spent $ 30. This is what I have bought (granted some are not in great condition):
The Beatles: White Album
Sam Cooke: Sam Cooke with The Bumps Blackwell Orchestra (On the Keen record label - late fifties, and his first album)
Ray Charles: Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music
B.B. King: Mr. Blues
The Righteous Brothers: Soul and Inspiration
Introducing The Beatles (the first US release for the Beatles)
Jimmy Smith: The Semon!
The Rolling Stones: Let It Bleed
And some 45s, also:
The Drifters: Some Kind of Wonderful/Honey Bee
Ritchie Valens: Donna/La Bamba
Al Green: Call Me/What a Wonderful Thing Love Is
The Chiffons: He’s So Fine/Oh My Lover
Johnny Cash: The One On The Right Is On The Left/Cotton Pickin’ Hands
Chuck Berry: You Never Can Tell/Brenda Lee (Chess Records!)
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell: Ain’t No Mountain High Enough/Give A Little Love
The Four Tops: Baby I Need Your Loving/Call On Me
Fats Domino: Let The Four Winds Blow/Good Hearted Man
… Plus a few other 45s.
And some 45s, also:
The Drifters: Some Kind of Wonderful/Honey Bee
Ritchie Valens: Donna/La Bamba
Al Green: Call Me/What a Wonderful Thing Love Is
The Chiffons: He’s So Fine/Oh My Lover
Johnny Cash: The One On The Right Is On The Left/Cotton Pickin’ Hands
Chuck Berry: You Never Can Tell/Brenda Lee (Chess Records!)
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell: Ain’t No Mountain High Enough/Give A Little Love
The Four Tops: Baby I Need Your Loving/Call On Me
Fats Domino: Let The Four Winds Blow/Good Hearted Man
… Plus a few other 45s.
Munsee, NJ
I apologize for the gap between entries: keeping up with the whole blog thing is a little challenging for me. Quite a few things have happened since the last post.
First, the weekend in Munsee, NJ provided a great change of pace as well as some nostalgic feelings. For many years the monastic community in Newark resided on relatively small acreage – compared to other Benedictine monasteries. However, in the 198os they were donated property in Munsee. It is situated in a very rustic location: along a brook and sharing borders with a state forest.
The past owner ran a small summer camp. So, the property contains a main building with kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, dining room, and common rooms, a tennis court and a basketball court, a couple maintenance sheds, and three or four large cabins. In addition, this main complex sits along the base of a medium-sized hill. Walking up the hill, I discovered a few more cabins and a hiking path. Following this path for about five minutes, I witnessed the transformation of the landscape from that of a moderately dense forest to a rolling prairie. In this prairie, a brief respite carved out of a larger surrounding forest, sat a man made swimming hole. In its present state, the swimming hole is surrounded by vegetation. Though, this was not always the case: In the main building a 1960s brochure for the camp depicted the swimming hole completely enclosed by sandy beaches. Continuing the walk further, through knee high grass, I happened upon a single chain-link backstop. Close by were evergreens, including one where the pitcher’s mound should have been.
Crossing a county road led to even more monastic property. The sounds of a brook became audible a couple minutes walk from the road, and at the top of a small cliff-like mound overlooking the brook, sat a house belonging to the original owners of the camp. Because of some recent rains, the brook was high and looked closer to a river. It was in this setting that I was reminded of my time at camp Icaghowan, and the camp’s 100th anniversary. I wish I could have been there, and hope all of my old camp friends are doing well!
First, the weekend in Munsee, NJ provided a great change of pace as well as some nostalgic feelings. For many years the monastic community in Newark resided on relatively small acreage – compared to other Benedictine monasteries. However, in the 198os they were donated property in Munsee. It is situated in a very rustic location: along a brook and sharing borders with a state forest.
The past owner ran a small summer camp. So, the property contains a main building with kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, dining room, and common rooms, a tennis court and a basketball court, a couple maintenance sheds, and three or four large cabins. In addition, this main complex sits along the base of a medium-sized hill. Walking up the hill, I discovered a few more cabins and a hiking path. Following this path for about five minutes, I witnessed the transformation of the landscape from that of a moderately dense forest to a rolling prairie. In this prairie, a brief respite carved out of a larger surrounding forest, sat a man made swimming hole. In its present state, the swimming hole is surrounded by vegetation. Though, this was not always the case: In the main building a 1960s brochure for the camp depicted the swimming hole completely enclosed by sandy beaches. Continuing the walk further, through knee high grass, I happened upon a single chain-link backstop. Close by were evergreens, including one where the pitcher’s mound should have been.
Crossing a county road led to even more monastic property. The sounds of a brook became audible a couple minutes walk from the road, and at the top of a small cliff-like mound overlooking the brook, sat a house belonging to the original owners of the camp. Because of some recent rains, the brook was high and looked closer to a river. It was in this setting that I was reminded of my time at camp Icaghowan, and the camp’s 100th anniversary. I wish I could have been there, and hope all of my old camp friends are doing well!
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