On Wednesday I went to my first High School observation by myself. It was at Ashwaubenon High School observing the choir for the day. I was very impressed actually. It gave me hope in the music programs of the US. The choir director there (Mrs. Teresa Schropfer) I thought was very good. She was talented and held a strong program. I few things I noticed that she covered were sight singing, a little bit of theory, they had sectionals, the students were provided with private voice lessons, they knew solfiege, and they did ear training every day. I plan on covering all this in my class room and it was very interesting for me to note just how she fit this all into the class period. She worked at a school that had trimesters, and block scheduling which I think for choir would be better anyway. I got to work with the students a little bit and she asked for my advice on how to get the woman sopranos to make more sound. I am thinking I may want to teach high school now, but I'm still not quite completely sure. Overall I was really happy with the visit and learned a lot.
On Thanksgiving, I spent time with both sides of the family. I had the Gaura side for lunch. It was fun as always. Uncle Steve brought out his guitar and banjo and I got to hear him, Aunt Nancy, Aunt Pat, Dad, Renee, and Aunt Jean sing to the old songs that none of the kids in my generation know, but they are their favorites. I even got to play Uncle Steve's guitar while he followed my chording with his banjo. It was really awesome, I haven't just jammed like that in a while. It felt good. Music is good for the soul, or at least mine. I asked him if he would help me restring Bella (my guitar) over break and he said he would gladly.
The Poels side was fun as well. It was good to see everyone again. I had fun seeing my cousins again and catching up. After the amazing supper the women brought out the Black Friday ads like always and we went through them making Christmas lists and planning out the next day. I had baby Jessica (who is adorable) and she kept grabbing at the newspaper so I set her in the middle of the table. She was so happy grabbing at all the newspaper surrounding her... it was so cute. We played Sienfield Scene It which was a blast too. My aunts surprised me with their knowledge of all the episodes!
On Friday I worked from 10 - 7 in the fitting rooms at Old Navy. It was a very long day, but they provided lunch (sloppy joes and a bunch of candy). I was not smart and wore flats so my back and feet were killing me by the end of the day. But overall the people were fairly nice. I got to see a few of my friends who happen to stop in so that was nice. Friday night I went to my friend Maria's house and a bunch of us went to a movie. I reconnected with a very old friend Maria Nier. It was really good to hear from her after so long.
Saturday I worked again, 10 - 7, fitting room of Old Navy. It was a long day. Hardly any costumers so their really wasn't that much to do.... so it was boring but at the same time kind of nice from the mad rush of the day before. My mom decided that we were leaving right after work for Chicago since a snow storm was coming. We drove to Chicago in 3 hours (not bad) and she stayed over night.
And now it's Sunday. I got all my homework and I got to see Jamie so that was very nice. I had a good Thanksgiving, a very busy one, but never the less a good one. I think the thing I would have to be most thankful for would be my family and friends. Even though I am 3 1/2 hours away, I am still in Green Bay in heart.
<3
Amanda Mae
