At Foxborough High School, I am working under the supervision of Aaron Bush, who has been teaching band, jazz, and general music in Foxborough for seven years, following in the footsteps of his mentor and my own high school band director, Steve Massey. Foxborough High School has a variety of musical offerings for students in grades 9-12.

I have been working with and learning from the Concert Band, Jazz Lab Band and Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Lab Choir and Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Guitar class, and Music Theory class. I took over instruction of the Jazz Lab Band, teaching improvisation and jazz concepts with the primary objective of establishing strong rhythmic drive and groove. The band prepared three new pieces to perform at the Spring Jazz Fest with guest artist Dion Tucker. I also worked with the concert band, conducting Holst’s Second Suite in F at the annual Pops concert in May. The band worked on and performed this piece in the first half of the year, and are encouraged to apply skills and concepts they’ve learned throughout the year as they return to perform it again.

I’ve had the opportunity to accompany Foxborough ensembles to prestigious festivals such as MAJE, MMEA, and MICCA as a host site. I have also had the opportunity to visit the middle school and work with lessons and ensembles happening there, while being able to observe and learn from the music teachers there.

Over the course of my 10 weeks at Foxborough High School, I spent a great deal of time with these wonderful students in and out of rehearsals, learning about who they are as people and what goals and dreams they have for themselves. Each day presented an opportunity to offer support and guidance, fostering an environment where students knew they could rely on me to help them do their best.

The students have shown remarkable kindness and encouragement, highlighting a huge aspect of the culture in the Foxborough music program. The Foxborough Music Staff run a leadership program for students who develop plans to support and lead their peers. This creates a community that values collaboration, critical thinking, and setting high expectations with actionable goals. When a student was preparing for an alto feature in Jazz Lab Band, I’d pop into the practice room or auditorium and comment on how I liked their interpretation or how they scooped certain notes. Similarly, I observed many students encouraging each other, and I even had several students encourage and support me in ways like “I can’t wait to have you conduct the Holst!”

I’ve also had plenty of opportunities to show that mistakes are an integral part of learning. My hope, which is supported by the students’ feedback, is that they observed that these mistakes are not setbacks but necessary steps toward growth, and that perseverance and resilience are vital for navigating challenges not just in high school but throughout their lives. Their supportive and constructive comments are so encouraging as I prepare for my first year of teaching.

I extend my love and sincere appreciation to Aaron Bush, the Foxborough Music Staff, the Foxboro Music Association, and the supportive school faculty and administration. Above all, my deepest thanks go to the students who welcomed me into their lives and allowed me to grow alongside them.