In case I had not made it clear in previous e-zines, I am a dog LOVER. I love all things furry and canine-related so much that in my 56 years of existence, I have had a four-legged friend by my side for 52 of them.
This is not a slant or slap in the face to my feline-loving followers, as I love cats, too. If not for my wife and oldest son's allergy to them, I would also have cats. I love all animals - well, not snakes and spiders, they are just creepy, and as long as we are on the subject, they are called PETS because you can PET them, so in addition to snakes and spiders, fish are not really high on my list either.
My drug (dog) of choice? Golden Retrievers! Their intellect, disposition, and willingness to please make them a joy to be around. My current sweet girl, Riley, has brought more joy to our household than any previous occupant, and I am including humans.
Yes, Goldens are my jam - not because they are a better dog, but because they are better suited to me. You may feel (rightly so) differently.
And our current Commander in Chief does.
In case you have not heard, President Biden's dog Commander attacked yet another Secret Service agent Monday — marking the 11th known time the 2-year-old canine chomped down on the Executive Mansion's staff.
Yep, Commander likes to be in charge, similar to their first dog Champ, who wanted to Chomp!
In an official press release, the White House stated that they were working on additional leashing protocols and training and establishing designated areas for Commander to run and exercise. However, it's not clear how far those plans have progressed.
Ummmm... I can tell you how they progressed. They didn't. He is still taking a bite out of crime (fighters).
As I said, I love dogs. And while I don't condone biting, I don't see this as Commander's fault. Nor do I see it as the fault of the persons he has bitten. He is simply being a dog - one who is prone to biting.
In my workshops, you might have heard me say that, for the most part, people don't change. I can not explain the content or context of this blog as it would be too long; I merely mean that introverts tend to stay introverted, academics tend to stay academics, and impatient people (me) tend to stay impatient. Yes, we grow and evolve, but our essence remains with us throughout our lives because it's who we're meant to be. Good and bad.
And Commander is no different. he is being who he was meant to be, an aggressive, protective German Shepherd. When placed in an environment that favors or even requires those skills, he goes from pariah to martyr.
So who is at fault here?
We are who we are meant to be. And, your musical, personal, and organizational skills (or lack of) can be an asset or detriment, depending not on WHO you are, but WHERE you are.
Let me explain.
I am a (sometimes) aggressive, (often) opinionated, (frequently) fast-moving, outgoing teacher who does not enjoy, but does not shy away from uncomfortable conversations and situations.
These qualities are high-value for a high school marching band director at a Title 1 school, where I spent my entire career. They helped me (and my students) to thrive in ways we would not have if I were different. These same qualities would be of considerable concern if I were an elementary general music teacher in the suburbs.
I am who I am. And I now recognize that not only am I not likely to change, but that I don't want to. I like me - well, most days.
My point is that finding my fit requires me to accept who I am and recognize where I can do the least harm and the most good. It's not just crucial for me; it's also essential for my students.
Despite the fact that we are in the education business, music education tends to value achievement over growth and performance over the process used to achieve it. Typically, adjudicators don't consider your situation (what you and your students have overcome) before assigning a score. In other words, it's not how far you have come; it's where you ended that matters. Demonstrable speaking - it tacitly states that all teachers, students, and programs are the same, which we all know is not true.
Some teachers are more comfortable than others with:
The inner city
Elementary-age students
Woodwind/brass/percussion pedagogy
Jazz improv
Parent interaction
Classroom management
Program management/ paperwork
The list is endless.
But remember, just because our profession or a contest doesn't reward a characteristic, it doesn't mean it isn't valuable; it means you are looking at the wrong place or person for value.
Yes, Commander's behavior is simply unacceptable, in the White House or anywhere else for that matter, unless you are under attack.
(politics aside)
On January 5th, 2020 Commander is a BAD dog. On January 6th, 2020 there's no other dog I would want by my side. Same dog, different circumstance.
Every dog has equal value when placed in the right time, place, and with the right people. And you are no different.
Just something to think about.
Have a great week.
- Scott