I often forget how emotional teenagers can be, or maybe I'm simply not as empathetic as I should be. I announced to the band that I'd be away for next school year. The entire junior class ended up crying in the hallway. I had not expected that. Some of them cried through several more blocks.
What could I have done to avoid this? The only thing I can think of is to have called a special meeting and told them at the end of the day. They still may have cried, but at least it wouldn't have been during rehearsal, and it wouldn't have affected other classes.
Thirteen years ago told the band that their previous band director had died. The juniors and seniors had both had him as a teacher. I don't recall any tears. What's the meaning of all of this? Maybe teens are less able to deal with their emotions now than they were then. Or maybe I'm just a little too ignorant.
