Teacher Interview With Kristen Kirch
By Sara Sternberg
Kristen Kirch teaches 6-12 Instrumental Music at the Chequamegon School District. In this interview, Kristen shares some highlights from teaching this year, experience from attending the Wisconsin State Music Conference and advice for early-career teachers.
We are almost to the mid-year point of the year. What have been some of the highlights of your teaching year so far?
One of my highlights of this year was being named Class C Grand Champs in marching at the Minnesota State Fair. That was very exciting! The high school band then went on to do a really nice field show, which featured the music of Queen. Also, all of my bands are big this year, which is challenging but really wonderful. I wish that I had a clone of myself to give all of these kids lessons. I am happy that so many students want to be part of the program.
Are there any new instructional techniques or technologies you’ve introduced this year? If so, what’s been the impact?
Something new that I have been doing is having the students write goals for themselves and the group. I feel as if that is helping the group as a whole to achieve their goals. We go back to them once a month and see how we are doing. I am trying to give the students more ownership of the band.
What was your favorite part of the Wisconsin State Music Conference this year?
I had two favorite things … One was attending a session on color guard. I have never seen one there before and it was very helpful. I wanted more! My other favorite thing was the high school honor band and Shanti Simon. Her conducting was incredible and her session really poured some fuel on my fire. Her idea of making memorable and outstanding performances for the audience spoke to me. I want to please the audience and make them want to come back for more, not dread going to their kids’ band concerts. I am going to try to incorporate some lighting into our performance of the Polar Express and I am also going to have some small ensembles play during set changes at our Christmas concert.
You are a seasoned band director with many experiences. What is one piece of advice you would give a director at the beginning of their career?
I have a couple of pieces of advice:
- “Your attitude changes everything.” I had a sign on my stand that said that for years, and I still try to remind myself of it everyday. I can make or break a class by my attitude. I need to “turn it on” when I go in front of my group no matter how I am feeling.
- Be kind, and get to know the janitors and cooks in your school. They can be incredibly helpful or hurtful to you! Give them kwik trip gift cards at Christmas or the end of the school year and tell them how much you appreciate them.
- Prioritize teaching “kids” not “music.” Be yourself, be silly, have fun, and meet them where they are. Get to know them, love them.
