CSU Music Education alum takes on the wonderful challenges of teaching orchestra as a trombonist
One could say that teachers are always teaching something slightly out of their element. They may learn the basics of vocal pedagogy and all of the instruments in a band or orchestra at some point – and understand how to teach them – but they may only be comfortable performing on a few. Yet sometimes a school needs an orchestra director, and a musician whose primary instrument is trombone needs a job; and like the old saying goes, ‘Sometimes we have to throw ourselves into the deep end to realize we can swim.'
Anna Varosy, B.M.E. ‘21, is in the midst of her first year teaching orchestra at Lowell High School in San Francisco, California.
“As a person with a primarily band-focused background, it was terrifying to jump into a role where I was teaching strings,” Varosy said. “I have been taking violin lessons, working with specialists on each instrument, and had to accept numerous uncomfortable moments where I came to terms with not knowing the answer.”
Though some people may think it’s crazy to conduct an ensemble that is not in your ‘family’ of familiar instruments or voices, there are certain underlying basics of good music that ring true to all types of ensembles: intonation, musicality, tone, note and rhythmic accuracy. When all else fails, a good musician can always fall back on their musicianship, and the tools that are used to become better musicians, such as training the musical ear, using tuners and metronomes, taking private lessons, listening to and copying master musicians. As a music education major, Varosy had wonderful training during her strings methods, a deep understanding of pedagogy and classroom management, and a knack for keeping kids engaged.
“In some ways, my inexperience with strings has pushed me to keep working towards learning and growing, accepting the numerous things I have yet to learn,” she said.
Not only do teachers grow in these situations, but students also witness the work, dedication, and practice that teachers must adopt to truly understand a new family of instruments or voices. They witness a teacher’s vulnerability, and can hear their progress each week.
As a new resident of San Francisco after living in Colorado all of her life, Varosy has experienced different cultures and traditions in this unfamiliar part of the country.
"An additional challenge was my unfamiliarity with string orchestra repertoire; however, I have found some incredibly diverse repertoire to program for our concert, and many of the pieces we've been working on have resonated with the students.”
As Varosy takes on the challenge of directing a new ensemble, there is a beautiful opportunity to be like a kid again who is excited to learn new instrument. But maybe teachers teach because they actually love to learn, a true opportunity to 'practice what you preach.’ In a world that expects adults to have everything figured out, Varosy has found the world of teaching is a place where learning is always embraced.
