BENJAMIN
GREEN
Area of Study: Music Education
Current City: West Chester, PA
Graduation Date: 2001
Current Occupation: General Music Teacher: Kennett Consolidated School District
Owner: Greensleeves Music
Why did you choose WCU and/or the School of Music?
I moved to West Chester from Boston when I was 12 years old. I was finally starting
to appreciate what a beautiful area we lived in when it was time to pick a college,
so WCU was at the top of the list. I took a few private percussion lessons with Dr.
Chris Hanning to prepare for auditions. I knew that he would be a great professor
to study with. I visited a few other colleges, but WCU had the best reputation, staff
and campus. It was an easy decision.
How has the quality of education you received from WCU and/or School of Music prepared
you for life after graduation?
As an elementary school general music teacher, I came to my first day of work with
a binder full of diverse, ready to use lesson plans. I had classroom experience from
field study and student teaching, and I felt prepared to step in front of the students.
Later, I filled out my part time position by adding elementary strings to my schedule.
I had resources and experiences to draw from. I was able to teach proper technique
and run ensembles thanks to the thorough musical foundation from my days in the Swope
music building. I received a Master of the Arts in Education with a focus in technology.
Continuing education is vital for a good educator. I consider Dr. Jacoby and the education
department and facility an incredible resource for staying current in technological
and educational trends. As owner of the music lesson business, Greensleeves Music,
I feel equipped to share my educational knowledge with my young teachers. I am able
to assess applicants' musical abilities, but more importantly their understanding
of learning and teaching. The WCU music education program has a strong emphasis on
effective educational methodologies and pedagogical techniques that I draw from every
day.
What is a typical day like for you?
A typical day for me starts with a run up to the YMCA for a quick workout. Living
in the borough of West Chester has many such perks. If I leave myself enough time,
I may sit down for breakfast with my family, but eating a cliff bar in the car is
more likely. I'll check my email and try to stay caught up with the my Greensleeves
work of matching students up with members of our teaching team. Then its off to Bancroft
Elementary School in Kennett Square to teach general music class to first through
fifth graders. I love my work directing the chorus and Orff Ensemble as well. Kennett
Square is a diverse, vibrant community, and students and staff at Bancroft are a pleasure
to work with. After school is family time for me. I typically spend time with my four
and six year old children, while my wife Leigh takes the opportunity to get caught
up on her work. This includes Greensleeves billing and recital planning, as well as
her own writing projects like resume writing and content and copy for real estate
and small businesses. After family dinner, which may or may not be at the Iron Hill
in town (did I mention that I love being in the borough of West Chester?), its time
to wind down and get the kids to bed. Depending on my energy level at this point,
I may crank out a few more emails, practice the vibraphone for an upcoming gig, or
hopefully just relax with Leigh on the couch for the latest Netflix binge.
What advice would you give to someone who would like to enter your field?
Most people know that teaching is both difficult and rewarding work. I have found
over the years that my success, and the success that I can perceive from others, comes
mainly from having the right attitude. Expect changes. Expect busy work. Expect challenging
students. Don't be discouraged when these things arise. This is the job that you signed
up for. Do your best with a positive attitude and these things will feel like opportunities
to excel and to reach kids that others may not. This is where you grow as a musician,
educator and professional. The community knows who the dedicated teachers are. Be
one of them.
What advice would you give to our graduating seniors?
The WCU school of music has given you an exceptional foundation to build upon. However
for educators, you are not done learning. Beyond graduate work (you know you get a
pay raise as you accumulate graduate credits, right?!) you must continue to be a student.
You will have 1000s of students in a teaching career, and all of them will be different.
Your ability to reach all of them will be directly related to the work you put in.
Read the IEPs, pay attention in faculty meetings and in-service trainings, and buy
in to your building's or district's initiatives. A lot of educational trends are reworded
versions of the old methods. But staying on top of the terms and techniques will make
your principal happy and will help you to be the best you can be. If you are planning
a career in performance, be ready for the grind. Talent is a small portion of success
in this field. Take every gig you can handle and be prepared. Balance your passion
projects and the gigs that pay the best. Be ready to be your own promoter, manager
and book keeper. It's all about the hustle. This is true for people starting a business
as well.
What makes the WCU School of Music standout to you?
The WCU school of music has many fields of study for potential students to choose
from. They have an exceptional staff and program for not only music performance and
education (instrumental and vocal), but also in technology, music history and jazz
studies. It's a world class program. You couldn't ask for a school to be in a cooler
small town. Campus is minutes from both a bustling downtown, and scenic fields and
hiking trails. Philadelphia, Wilmington, Washington D.C, and Philadelphia are all
within a reasonable driving distance. It's a great place to live.
What is your favorite memory of being a student at WCU and/or School of Music?
Being a member of the percussion ensemble was a highlight every year for me. At the
end of the school year, the ensemble went on tour to area elementary and middle schools.
We had rehearsed the music for weeks at that point, but Dr. Hanning would continue
to make tweaks and improvements and the shows got better as the week went on. With
multiple schools and performances each day, and travel in a 15 passenger van, the
ensemble had a real bonding experience that made or solidified life-long friendships.
What's the most interesting thing about you that we wouldn't learn from your resume
alone?
During my honeymoon in Puerto Vallarta, I rescued two young girls who were swept out
in the ocean by a strong undertow. They had on life jackets so they were floating
farther and farther away. I heard yelling from the villa we were staying in, so I
went to see what was happening. There was a beach full of people, but no one was doing
anything other than yelling. When I walked over, several people urged me to go out
and save them. I grabbed someone's boogie board and swam out. I was exhausted before
I got passed the waves, but was able to grab the girls and put them on the board.
I didn't get very far, while trying to hold them and swim with my feet against the
current. Eventually the foot-patrolling life guard came running to the beach and swam
out to help. We both made it in with one girl. The parents thanked me and left and
everyone went back on their way. It was a surreal experience.