We are in our final week of the season. The words from one of my Seniors at afternoon rehearsal started with the phrase "But Josh: wouldn't it make more sense if we…". I responded, "Nope." and reiterated the instruction. I realized what happened. I missed an opportunity to be an educator, a mentor, and a leader. I returned to that student publicly and said "I hear you. But it doesn't make sense with the big picture; with what the percussion is doing." I got an acknowledgement nod, and we moved on.
It is so important that we remember that we are teaching more than a marching band show. We are teaching life skills that we all extol whenever arts programs are threatened. We are teaching musicianship, teamwork, and movement. We are teaching them how to be good teachers and leaders. We may be igniting a life-long passion for design, dance, performance, or leadership. Every moment we are on the field or podium, our students are learning.
When a student asks a question about the music, movement, or design, we should not take that as a challenge to our life's work, but another dimension. They trust you to ask the question. Reinforce that trust by bringing them in and sharing the process. Expand their understanding and they will likely perform better. They may also end up looking to you as a mentor through the filter of an activity you love.
When we seize teachable moments, we elevate our relationship with our work and with our students, and potentially build our legacy.