AT Interview w/ Rachel and Itzel

Assistant Teacher Interview with Rachel and Itzel

Itzel conducting the orchestra

Transcription

In a reflective interview, two of YAMA’s Assistant Teachers (ATs), Rachel Mendoza and Itzel Perez, describe what it is like being an Assistant Teacher at our Garfield Elementary site. Rachel is a violist in the Philharmonia orchestra and has been with YAMA for 5 years. Itzel is a fellow violist in Philharmonia and has been with YAMA for 8 years, soon to be a graduate this spring. Both of these wonderful Assistant Teachers have volunteered in YAMA’s Chamber Orchestra and Viola Sectional this year. 

In your own words, could you briefly describe what the Assistant Teacher Program is? 

Itzel: So basically, it is an opportunity to help the younger kids of the YAMA program and show them what we have learned in YAMA. And I guess, all in a slightly different way because we all learn and teach differently.

Rachel: For me, the AT Program is a program to get experience being able to teach younger students who are learning and working up to another level of music. 

Why did you guys choose to join the AT Program? 

Itzel: I have been doing this for three years; since the AT program started. I think it was the first year [of Philharmonia] when it was not completely official. Anthony, Jaiden, and I got to go hang out and learn the music [of the younger orchestras] because they needed support for a field trip they would be going on. So, we were able to go on the trip with them.

I joined because YAMA is basically all I do. Music is all I do really, other than school. Even then, I do it in school. I just wanted to try it out because teaching is something I might want to do in the future. I do not know yet. 

Rachel: I joined because I wanted to see how it was. When I was in Chambers, they [the ATs] came, and I thought “oh it looks kind of fun and I want to do it.” So I was thinking about doing it and now I am here. 

Itzel, has it changed every year a little bit since you started?

Itzel: Yeah definitely. We didn’t really have set roles or expectations at the start. We kind of just showed up and were there. And then as time went on, YAMA had more of a plan for us and we started to have roles. 

Could you describe one thing that you enjoy a lot about being an Assistant Teacher?

Rachel: I really like building new friendships, talking to new people, and getting to know new people. It is really nice to have a connection with them. I think it is really cute. 

Itzel: My favorite part of this program is being able to see the growth in each student. It is really interesting because it's not just the individuals but the orchestra as a whole; how they develop as musicians. It is really cool and nice to be a part of that. 

Do you feel like the friendships you are able to build are with other ATs, the Garfield students, or both?

Rachel: Both. With the ATs I can explain that “this and that happened” and they respond and we can relate. And with the students, they say “oh Rachel!” [requesting help] and it is cute because they are really small kids. I like to see them grow too. 

Something that can be observed at Garfield is that Assistant Teachers definitely have a different kind of presence. You are role-models but also are students in Philharmonia. You are what kids can achieve to be. 

With that in mind, what do you enjoy about being a role model to the students at Garfield?

Itzel: I guess it nice to see that they think we are great and whatnot. It is easy to think that we are not. It is really adorable how they look up to us and we are able to help them get to where we are. Most of us have learned how to play and get to a certain level through the YAMA program. Being able to help them dive in through that process is really great. 

Rachel: Yes I agree. It is a weird feeling but really nice when they say we are so cool. But you can also feel pressured by that. It makes me want to be better and [this opportunity] puts me into a challenge to do better. 

What kind of challenges have you faced at Garfield? And do you think you have learned anything about yourself? 

Itzel: I think the biggest challenge at Garfield is that sometimes the kids get out of control. At some point, everybody does. In Viola sectionals, it can be kind of crazy! And this even happens in Philharmonia. It is good that we are comfortable in sectionals and it is fun but I have learned how to tell students to calm down and that we have to learn something. We can have fun but there has to be some type of learning going on. 

Rachel: I agree with Itzel about some students being out of control because sometimes they think since they are older, they can do whatever they want. It can be hard to calm them down. 

Do either of you feel like you have learned some tricks in how to capture students’ attention or hold the energy a little bit?

Itzel: Well we kind of learn from the way Mx. Weiss does it. They say that “we will target this section of the piece and then we can do something fun” with the kids. At one point, they did nap time for a couple minutes and then we did get through everything. 

It seems you are the only two who have the same sectional teacher at Philharmonia and mentor to collaborate with on site at Garfield.

Do you think that helps in knowing how you can be helpful? 

Rachel: Yes, because we have more time to talk to Mx. Weiss. We are able to talk to them both at Philharmonia and Garfield. 

Itzel: And since we are with the same teacher we can see both the student side and teacher side of things. That is pretty helpful. 

What kind of leadership qualities have you found in yourself since becoming an AT? Three years ago for Itzel and this year for Rachel.

Itzel: I think I have become more confident in what I am doing. At first I was really scared to tell the kids what to do and when. However, now I feel more comfortable in letting them know, such as the different things they can adjust [in their practicing]. 

Rachel: I feel like for me it is patience. That is something I notice that I have but am still working on. When they get out of control, I can encourage them, say no, and I do not lose my cool. It is different in YAMA, I am a role model, so I would never do something wrong that they think they could also do. 

Do you find that you have learned different things from being with the whole Chamber Orchestra versus being with the small Viola sectional?

Itzel: In full orchestra we learn more how to lead by example and how to learn from the conductor. We do not want to talk while the conductor is doing a full run [of a musical piece] but we can definitely show the students what they should be doing and help with that. And then in sectionals we have more liberty to tell them suggestions you have and whatnot. It is a smaller group. 

Rachel: Yes I agree with that. In sectionals Mx. Weiss gives solos to students so we can move around and help them with that. 

Has your experience as an AT inspired you to take leadership roles outside of this or maybe even within YAMA too?

Itzel: I suppose. Through this I have gained a lot of confidence which allowed me to try out to be a captain in the ColorGuard at Davis. 

Rachel: Yes, it is like what Itzel was saying with confidence. I have a little bit of experience being an AT and being a leader. I think it is very fun so I would like to have more experiences in leadership roles. 

Was it scary when you first started? Were you nervous to show up and try it out or not?

Itzel: For me personally, I did not really think about it, I just did it. The idea of playing with the younger kids seemed fun but I did not know what to expect. 

Rachel: I was nervous but I also was not because I already knew some people and were friends with others. What makes me nervous is discipline and saying no. I also do not want to mistake the new kids that are in Preludio who are not in Chambers. I do not know some of their names, so I have to learn them. This can be the part I get nervous about too. 

Other than that, I was pretty excited rather than nervous. 

Has there ever been a moment where you thought, “yeah this is totally why I am doing this”? 

Rachel: Well I helped a student once prepare for a solo that she would be performing in front of the group at Garfield. I thought it was really nice to be able to see that. 

Itzel: Just getting to see them perform is very nice. At the end of the last year, all the Chamber Violas gave their ATs a card. It was really nice to see how they appreciate us and look up to us. 

This last question is a bit different for you both. So Itzel - Why did you choose to return to the AT Program year after year and what have you gained?

Itzel: Like I have said, YAMA is most of my life and music in general is. I really enjoy helping younger students and through the program you learn different tips and tricks on how to teach children. Each group is different so knowing different tricks is pretty helpful.

Rachel, if you plan to return to the AT Program next year is there anything you hope to gain? 

Rachel: I want to be a better leader and build my confidence and not be afraid.