Bringing Together Both Sides Of The Hall: Conversations We Need To Have, Beth Moore & Jeff Genthe

Beth Moore & Jeff Genthe Central Regional High School jgenthe@centralreg.k12.nj.us emoore@centralregional.net

“Oh, but I have a mandatory band/chorus rehearsal...” “Sorry, I can’t come today...” “...but, the director said it’s mandatory.” “Sorry, we have a gig tonight.”

How many times have we heard that? In a moment of frustration, we may believe our colleague, across the hallway, is planning rehearsals to conflict with our agenda on purpose to sabotage our efforts. We may believe that they are selfish and never thinking of anyone else’s needs. Whether or not this is the case, we trudge on.

For the sake of our programs and our sanity, we must trudge on. However, it may be in our best interests to repair relationships and be peacemakers. We must extend an olive branch across and realize that we are not the only ones with goals and expectations for our program. It is very possible that the person across the hall also has needs and expectations. Like any relationship, a conversation must be had and compromises must be made. Like a relationship, with a little care and feeding, things can get better. If we don’t engage in these practices and things do not get better, the resources (students) that we have and enjoy and meet the goals with us become overextended and burned out. What good does that do us? ‘Tis far better to be the adult in the situation and find a solution in which everyone can find some way to win.

• Take some time before the end of the school year to discuss scheduling for the upcoming year. Lay out as much as you can in terms of concerts, performances, rehearsals and dress rehearsals, football games, competitions, auditions, etc. The more you are on the same page the less the students can play

“mom against dad.” Planning also forces conversation and reduces the number of surprises. • Understand that we all have needs and sometimes we have to rearrange rehearsals and organize a little differently in order to serve the needs of the department. Everything doesn’t have to be a stand-off battle to the death. Life is much easier and much more can get done without all the fireworks and drama that is so ingrained in us, as artists. It just takes a little “zen,” awareness, and practice. • Try not to take everything personally. It may be an oversight; or, they may be busy and forgot. It is probably not always a plan of attack from across the hall. Just because the students choose to go to that rehearsal does not mean that they don’t value you and your program. It does not mean that you are not effective in your efforts. Take a breath, take it down a few and try to relax. No good comes from jumping to conclusions.

Now, of course, we live in the real world. Many of these may not be possible. Even one step in the right direction is positive forward motion. Any coordination on your part will make life easier next year for everyone involved. A few conversations have the potential to ease tension and assist in bringing both sides of the hallway together!