u/CrazyRegister5130

I have 3 basses at school. There is really not room for more, and I’m sure my budget does not include money to purchase another new one.

So how do I figure out who to put on bass?

Currently, I did not start any 5th graders. They could choose violin, viola or cello.

I am opening up the opportunity for 6 of them to try it before the end of fifth grade. If all 6 stay on bass, we will have to share. That’s ok with me, we will make it work. I mean, we will try and see how it goes. I can always do it differently in the future.

1. All students are eligible. They can be band students who want a second instrument. They can be orchestra students who want to dabble in other stringed instruments. It could be chorus students who have decided they love music and want to try an instrument. Or someone who has never been in a musical ensemble before but has seen how much fun their friends are having.

2. There is a form where students tell me why I should choose them, and indicate which 2 teachers they are asking for recommendations.

3. The teachers are being asked to send me positive recommendations only. I am asking that they tell me verbally if a student should not be considered for this special opportunity. I just think that could put us in a bad place if it’s in writing.

4. There is a firm deadline. I already have 30 students interested. If a student can’t complete the form and ask two teachers to recommend them within a week’s time, that automatically disqualifies them. After all, bass is an extra responsibility far beyond filling out a form.

5. Selected candidates must show they can lift and hold the bass.

What have I not considered? What other strategies might help the best candidates stand out?

I recently went a good 6 weeks following the Weight Watchers plan. I had some good days and bad days, but mostly good. I was losing and feeling better.

Last week, I suddenly wanted to eat EVERYTHING! My points budget was not enough. So I gave myself a pass. It continues this week. I’m miserable.

I could chalk it up to my schedule being interrupted by state testing (inconvenient as I teach orchestra and we have a concert two weeks from now). Kids aren’t coming to lessons and I’m frustrated trying to track them down (their schedules are crazy too, it’s not totally their fault). I could chalk it up to the weather turning back to chilly after a beautiful stint of being able to run in the morning in shorts!

I can’t say it’s my menstrual cycle. That’s almost two weeks away.

This happens all the time though. Every time I get on track, I feel like my body fights back. There’s gotta be science on this. Why does this body want to hang on to that extra 10-15lbs? Why does it crave carbs and sugar like it does?