Leadership Post Hub

The purpose of my action research project is to explore various aspects of technology that would assist in boosting student motivation in learning music theory. I also wanted to offer students an opportunity to utilize their newly acquired musical abilities by composing arrangements on music notation software. After hours of searching for the best location for sharing this project, I selected the Journal of Research in Music Education and the Journal of Music, Technology & Education. I chose the Journal of Research in Music Education because it utilizes peer reviewed works that discuss music pedagogy, history, philosophy, and general music for all levels. These reviews may range from elementary musical studies to the most advanced. The Journal of Music, Technology & Education is the only journal that is specifically focuses on all issues concerning technology in music education. This journal also accepts peer-reviewed articles from educators and researchers who work closely with implementing technology in the field of music education.

Previous Leadership Posts:

To Publish or To Present

http://anthuntsworld.blogspot.com/2012/06/wk1-to-publish-or-to-present.html

Where Do I Want To Share My Project

http://anthuntsworld.blogspot.com/2012/07/wk2-leadership-post-where-do-i-want-to.html

Link to my Leadership Project:

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B_BWQIs9QDT5SHJyNzFhLXNWTXM

WK 3 Reading Response - Devloun Jeter

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Wk 3 Blog Post #1- Art of Possibility Chapters 5–8

Posted by msdedej at 10:27 PM

Chapter5

Zander was going to conduct a world-class violinist in Israel that night at a sold-out concert.  That morning, he exhorted his students for whom he saved 30 seats to attend this performance.  That night, on the podium, he saw that up in the balcony all 30 seats had remained vacant.  He was blisteringly angry and bitter.

The next morning, he called his wife and declared how angry he was.  His wife’s first response was “You better apologize.”  Zander replied, “Better apologize?  For what?  Did you not understand that these 30 kids stood me up?  For a concert that has been sold out for months now!”  His wife explained, “You did not inspire them enough to come to a concert to hear a world-class violinist that they will probably never again get a chance to hear that could literally have changed their DNA.”  Zander humbly acknowledged his failings as a leader.

How often do we fail to inspire others to greatness?  How often do we expect someone to see our vision when we never captivate their imagination?

Chapter 6 “Rule #6”

Zander recounted a story that I had heard before but had forgotten about.  I have also repeated this story about 50 times since I heard it.  A visiting prime minister to a foreign land met the local prime minister at the state house for dinner.

Shortly after the visiting prime minister arrived, a man runs into the scene, screaming, “I have burned the dinner for tonight!  What should we do?”  The local prime minister turns to the man and declares, “Remember rule #6.”  The man quiets down, dutifully bows, turns around and exits the room calmly.

Ten minutes later a woman runs into the room, screaming, “I have lost the documents!  What should we do?”  The local prime minister turns to the woman and declares, “Remember rule #6.”  The woman quiets down, dutifully bows, turns around and exits the room calmly.

Fifteen minutes later another woman enters the chambers, screaming, “I have ruined the garden!  What should we do?”  The local prime minister turns to the woman and declares, “Remember rule #6.”  The woman quiets down, dutifully bows, turns around and exits the room calmly.

At this point, the visiting prime minister turns quizzically to the local prime minister and asks, “Ok, I have now observed three people come into this room frantic and dismayed only to exit the room with utmost calm when you remind them of rule #6.  What is rule #6, I have to ask?”

The local prime minister explains, “Rule #6 is not to take yourself so damn seriously.”  The visiting prime minister then inquires, “What are the first 5 rules?”  The local prime minister retorts, “There are no other rules.”

Chapter 7

We are surrounded by energy. We have an abundant and full life. Now what do you really like to do? There are two steps to this practice: 1. Notice where you are holding back, and let go. Release those barriers of self that keep you separate and in control and let that vital energy of passion surge through you, connecting you to everything beyond. 2. Participate wholly. Allow yourself to be a channel to shape the steam of passion into a new expression for the world. When you listen to music let it be a part of you… feel the notes as they carry you away into the experience of the composer as he wrote. Take a walk on the beach or kayak on the water. Feel the power of the ocean as you venture forth. Remember these forces as you move into and through your day. It will fill you with energy and awe at our world and what we can accomplish. Remember the "One Buttock Pianist" and move into the music. The question for learning is, "Where is the electric socket for possibility, the access to the energy of transformation?" Dare to let go of the edges of ourselves and PARTICIPATE!!!!

Chapter 8

Certain things in life are better done in person. When you are trying to sell someone on an idea of yours or you want them to perform, you must make every effort to meet with them face to face. This type of commitment to your idea will demonstrate your passion for the project. In the face-to-face communication you, and only you, will create the same passion in the person that you are seeking to help you resolve your issue. You are "enrolling" the person, generating a spark of possibility for others to share. As they share with others you soon will create the fire to fuel your passion. To practice enrollment you must: Imagine that people are an invitation for enrolment; Stand ready to participate, willing to be moved and inspired; Offer that which lights you up; and, Have no doubt that others are eager to catch the spark. The life force for humankind is, perhaps, nothing more or less than the passionate energy to connect, express, and communicate. Enrollment is that life force at work, lighting sparks from person to person, scattering light in all directions. Sometimes the sparks ignite a blaze, sometimes they pass quietly, magically, almost imperceptibly, from one to another to another.

Sources

Zander, B. & Zander R. (2000). The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life. Boston: Harvard Business School Press.

WK 3 Reading Response - Jena Wayt

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

WK 3 Reading - The Art of Possibility

It is my responsibility to awaken the possibility in other people. I like the way that sounds! I find that I have certain people I go to when I need encouragement and just someone to listen to me express my thoughts and feelings out loud. I am pretty sure that I have friends that come to me when they need the same thing. Listening is very important to help others see the possibility right before them. I get very excited when I get the opportunity to do just that. But, shouldn’t I be doing that with everyone I meet? Do I do that? If I am being honest, I will have to say no. The first people that come to mind are my children. Are their eyes always shining? Do I awaken possibility in them? No, I don’t always. Why? Because I take my desires and myself too seriously! Downward spirals are everywhere at times. I need to start saying, “How fascinating!” every time my children/people and I make mistakes. I need to begin to use the words – How about? What if? What are we looking for? What’s next? More often! Zander says, “The leader is the one who can distinguish the downward spiral and then has the power to take people from the downward spiral to radiating possibility.” That is my new goal for this year! I want to empower people to radiate with possibility, to have a vision. How do I do that? I will use Zander’s key:

1.  It’s all invented.

2.  Standing in possibility.

3.  Rule #6 – Don’t take myself so seriously.

I watched an interview with Roz and Ben. This is what Ben said at the end:

“Possibility is always only one sentence away. Whenever things get tough or difficult or the mountain seems too high climb, remember that possibility is always only one sentence away. So, come up with a sentence and think what it is we can say and physically manifest that will take us into possibility. It can be something very simple. It is always there. You can never fail to find it.”
Zanders Art of Possibility Introduction

The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional & Personal Life 

by Rosamund Stone Zander, Benjamin Zander

WK 3 Reading "Art of Possibility"

Once again “The Art of Possibility” enlightened me. During Ben’s discussion in “Leading from Any Chair", I began to think about my approach to my program. His approach is very similar to mine as well as other directors I know. Our concept is to mode students to understand the interpretation of each piece for any performance. In no means am I specifying that this is a bad thing but I never once thought about if I were enabling students from performing to the best of their abilities.

I don’t think I have ever been in a rehearsal setting that did not allow engaging conversations between the director and ensemble. I make it a point to have meaningful discussions about music my ensemble is performing and about life in general. I always want students to have an enjoyable time learning about and performing music. They will also be the first to tell you that I will acknowledge any mistakes on my behalf and apologies without thinking twice. We are all humans and no one is perfect (Even though my students try their hardest to catch me on this since they think I know it all!).  I did enjoy the read about giving an individual with the precious knowledge of a particular craft an opportunity to lead. I occasionally try this with students whom I know are capable. And not just the leaders of the band; I’m referring to all with the burning desire to achieve. I do get some that are too embarrassed to come up to the podium, but those who accept are really appreciative. Maybe I will use that line on listening to the music from the back of the theatre to get more to participate. Oh, and the statement under the subtitle “Leaders Everywhere” fit perfectly with my Capstone Project. The Youth Philharmonic Orchestra had to “sight-read” a complex composition by a Cuban composer. If they did not properly prepare to sight read advanced music, they wouldn’t have been able to make it through the piece.

If Rule Number 6 isn’t one needed within my facility then I don’t know what is! One thing I can’t stand is friction in my program or in the building. I do like the fact that Zander mentioned humor as the best way to “give over ourselves”. As previously mentioned, we are all humans and we will make mistakes regardless. Instead of becoming unprofessional and acting outlandish, lighten up and laugh about it (Just venting). I can admit that during intense rehearsals preparing for a performance I can become a very rude obnoxious individual because I strive for perfection. It does somewhat stress the students out because they do not want to make any errors. Very recently have I begun to tell jokes and make a fool of myself to give them something to laugh about and ease the tension. Doing so has actually allowed them to perform better and enjoy doing so. I do appreciate the stories associated with the chapters to give personal accounts on how they approached scenarios. I don’t think I’ve been this excited about reading a book in a while.

In the chapter “The Way Things Are”, Zander expresses the need find ways to overcome negative aspects by introducing positive pathways. I try to bring this example to the table when dealing with my program. You hear so much about the Arts being underfunded; I can tell you that this statement doesn’t explain half of how much funding our programs actually receives. It becomes frustrating when we have to sustain a program with instruments purchased 3 to 4 decades before you were born. Of course, instruments that old may be beyond repair. Instead of concluding that those instruments would become doorstoppers, we find home remedies to repair them to the best of our abilities. Even though they may not be the best quality once repaired, students would still have something to use in order to participate with the rest of the class. As an educator, we have to find pathways to deliver us from certain negative aspects, which would prevent students success.

WK 2 Wimba Session

Unfortunately, I was unable to make it to this previous Wimba session but I did have an opportunity to view the archive. I must say that this session has cleared up some serious confusion with copyright laws. I was under the impression that inventions were protected by copyrights and never knew the need for patents. I think the “Good Copy Bad Copy” gave a great introduction as to how the world views copy write laws and how different individuals abuse copy written material. It really opened my eyes to facts about copyright laws. Since our introduction to “Fair Use” I promise I see that term used everywhere now. Mostly on YouTube because of video shares. I guess they don’t know that using this term is only proactive if they’re sued. I wonder if its possible for individuals who post copy written videos on YouTube to collect funds? That must be why they use the term fair use.  I do have a question about written music that’s copy written though. If I purchase a composition for my ensemble could I make copies of the sheet music or am I breaking the law?  

I am beyond nervous about our leadership project that’s due next week. It seems like this month is moving by at a rapid pace and I can barely keep up! Professor Bustillos did give a great idea on completing our projects that helped ease my nerves some. I will make sure to read several articles from each journal to ensure I follow a similar format. I am on my way not to ask a few classmates if they can view my article since I will not be able to make it to the wimba session next Wednesday. 

WK 2 Blog Response - Tracy Myers

Friday, July 13, 2012

Week 2 Reading - Art of Possibility

       

 When I first opened the book The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander, I didn’t know what to expect. I enjoy reading in fact its one of my hobbies however when it comes to course work I dread it for some reason.  However I am really enjoying reading these few chapters. What I got from my reading was a pure enlightenment on how I can approach my career differently.  Chapters 1 is centered on understanding that you break through barriers that has kept you in a box you may have created.  So the question I have to ask is “How can we think outside the box we live in?” 

·     Not doing the obvious

·     Moving in different directions from the crowd sometimes

·     Using every opportunity to learn something new that will help improve you

Chapter 2 deals with moving away from the small and looking at the world as an open place of opportunity for growth and prosperity.

1.  This can be accomplished by having an optimistic outlook on life

2.  Using an hourglass to see the meaning in life’s many avenues

Chapter 3 really focuses on being creative without worries.  Teachers and students are on equal playing fields and work together to produce greater possibilities with better results.  

·     I like to say you can achieve this by putting your best effort in everything you attempt

Chapter 4 centered a round making contributions that made differences in the lives of others and taking the focus off of self.

·     Perception is everything

·     Positive interactions to problems and circumstances

WK 2 Blog Response - Justin Fishel

Friday, July 13, 2012

Wk 1 Reading Blog Post: The Art of Possibility (1-4)

This weeks reading is in regards to chapters 1-4 within The Art of Possibility and Benjamin Zander’s TED presentation. While viewing Benjamin Zander, I was completely in tune with what he was proclaiming. What I came away with from watch the TED conference with Mr. Zanders is that possibilities are endless if you open up your mind and allow yourself to be vulnerable to change. He utilized a famous musical piece by Frederic Chopin to demonstrate how any possibilities could be influenced by the smallest spark of imagination.

Within chapter one in The Art of Possibility, the premise is as an individual, you must keep persevering because you may unlock another dimension to your thinking. Possibilities become available when you break through the barriers that have been pre-installed into your thought process.

Within chapter 2 of The Art of Possibility, this chapter discusses the points that the universe is made up of new possibilities and there is not just a standard answer for something. Everything must be reinvented because there is a different way of looking at it.

Chapter three discusses that we as human beings must not approach and interact with others in such a way that we judge them on our standards. Give everyone the same justification, the highest possible grade; an A. If we do this then we are giving that person the possibility to be the best that they can be, based on themselves, not by our standards or anyone else’s. This chapter was really enjoyable to read because being a first grade teacher, we as educators often place a grade to measure our students. As a society, maybe we have this wrong. Is it possible for educators to implement a better way of measurement that aligns with the achievement standards in which we have set in place for our students?

Chapter four goes through how an individual can be less self absorbed and more influential to those around them. Some people understand this to be important but are unaware of how they can go about this dramatic change. For you, you must accept the fact that you ARE a contribution, not just simple an option for someone. We all make a difference.