I was reading Pink's chapter on Play this morning. I thought that the chapter was very interesting because it described how society has become infected with things to play with. Taken one step further, some people are almost obsessed with their toys and devices. I have often thought in the past years how interesting it is that people have blackberrys, laptops, cell phones, etc at the easiest disposal in history and yet seem unconnected to the things that are right around them. People seem to feel that they have become more connected when in fact they are not. I think about the students I teach. Some of them had their cell phone taken away by their teachers the other day and had to go see the principal in order to get them back. I thought how absurd it was that a 5th grader would have a cell phone in an elementary school. What on earth could they use them for? Then I started thinking as I was reading the chapter this morning about how our speciality is suffering because of this movement to be more connected. It seems, and this is just an opinion of course, that people are getting away from things that truly connect them with others. They can download anything at a moments notice, so why go to the actual symphony and listen to it in person? Why bother playing an instrument when you can go to Walmart and buy guitar hero and play it at home whenever you feel like? We have always had a problem in our communities with teaching the importance of aesthetics and it seems to be an even bigger problem these days because of these devices. I think in the classroom, it has become a problem for me because students are struggling to see the relevance f the class. They are preached to about the importance of the standardized tests, the academic grades in order for a good transcript, etc. Then a music teacher comes along and tries to teach them about the importance of music and aesthetics, etc. and they do not seem to have any relevance. In the area that I teach, the kids have never been to a symphony concert unless the music teacher has provided a field trip. They don't listen to classical music on the radio, they are probably not even aware that classical music is on the radio. They are just simply not exposed to these things. They are given opportunities such as honor band auditions, etc., but most have them do not have a ride there. It is a complicated matter, one that I hope will get better in years to come when people realize that to stay connected to people you have to look around where you're at, not a device.

I have been reading Pink's chapter on empathy. This has been on my mind a lot lately in dealing with some issues in the classroom. Since I see my kids only twice a week, it is imperative that they come prepared with their instruments and band books. I also require they come with pencils so that they can mark the music as needed. Since we have come back from holiday break, I have noticed that all of these things coming together on the same day is rather difficult. It seems that the students will have at best two out of three needed materials for class. Since I see students in many different schools, it is hard to really get into the culture of the school and establish myself as a true member of the faculty. Some of the teachers regard my class as just another specials class, with no merit other than giving them another break in the day. It seems that what Pink is saying is that empathy is an important tool in dealing with people in general. You have to be able to empathize with others so that they understand and know that what they are doing is important to you. Likewise, you want someone to be empathetic to you also. It seems in some buildings this is hard to come by. Students do not feel empathy when they come to my class over and over without their materials. Some of their attitudes seem to infer, "See if you can teach me now! I dare you!". Well, as a teacher, I do teach them anyway. I try and try and do my very best. I think Pink had it correct that empathy is just as important as anything else in all situations. If you are empathetic you provide the person on the recieving end the means to help you more because they feel as if you understand and can relate. Empathy is what is lacking lately. Now, I just have to find a good way to remotivate my students.