Back From Summer

It felt somewhat surreal when I disembarked from the First Air jet plane on August 18 and stepped onto the Iqaluit Airport tarmac.  It felt familiar and different.   Familiar because I had done this before but when the temperature was -26ºC and the tarmac was covered in snow.  Different because this time, the temperature was 6ºC, there was no snow on the tarmac or anywhere around the airport, and there was a low overcast of grey clouds.  Most of the hard ice in Frobisher Bay had broken up and melted back in early July but there were still many miniature floating pieces of ice.     

            

As I write this, it still seems like only yesterday that I was boarding the same plane to fly down south for the 2012 summer.  But, like every summer, it comes and goes.  Where did all that time go?            

            

As mentioned in my last June post, my entire summer would not be devoted to rest & relaxation.  Even teachers go to summer school, taking courses in numerous subjects in order to attain new qualifications and/or refresh their knowledge.  In my case, it was both.  I resided in Toronto for the month of July, taking a music teaching course at the University of Toronto (UofT).  The course centered on teaching high school instrumental band music and required participants to specialize in a woodwind or brass instrument.  I decided to revisit the clarinet.

            

This wasn't the only music qualification course that was being taught.  Courses in choir, conducting, Orff instruction, and advanced band music were also being taught at the same campus building.       

            

Most of the other teachers taking the course resided in the Greater Toronto Area, and taught elementary school grades.  This surprised me because there were no music programs when I was in elementary school, at least, not at the one I attended.  But that was back in the mid 1990s so I was glad to hear that elementary students today were being exposed to the wonderful world of music.                   

My course consisted of lectures, assignments, group work, and participating in several workshops.  Since we were all experienced music teachers, we also shared our knowledge and experiences with one another.  We learned: the intricacies of all the main band instruments, conducting, filling out budget requests, jazz & blues styles, how to go about choosing/arranging music, and how to get beginner students started.  The most interesting workshop was the strings workshop where I experimented with the viola.  I had originally wanted to try the cello but they were all taken.  I was no virtuoso but I did figure out how to play 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star', 'Mary Had A Little Lamb', and 'Smoke On The Water' all by myself.  

            

Many teachers were surprised to learn that I had come all the way from Iqaluit to take the course and wanted to know what life was like up north?  I gladly shared my stories of teaching high school in Nunavut, living in a small community, and dealing with the harsh winter weather.  I also added that unlike Ontario where there is a huge surplus of teachers, there is a high demand for teachers in the northern territories and the pay is higher due to the cost of living.             

            

At the end of the month, all courses concluded with a summer end concert.  Since most of the teachers are married and have children, they invite their families to come and see what they had learned.  My part in the concert was playing several classical band pieces on my newly purchased clarinet.  The conductor nor any of the other players gave me the 'evil eye' so that must have meant that I was playing correctly.  Overall, the music course was worthwhile and I learned a lot from the lecturers and the other participating teachers.  I'll most likely be taking the second part next summer. 

            

The highlight of my trip to Toronto was participating in the CN Tower Edgewalk on July 30.  This new thrillseeking activity, (est. August 2011), sees participants taken on a guided walk on the roof of the main pod for about 20-30 minutes.  The roof is at an altitude of 1,168 feet (356 metres) and there are no guardrails to hold onto.  For safety, you're required to wear a red jumpsuit and a harness.  Two safety cables from an above pipe are attached to the harness to keep you from plunging over the edge.  You're exposed to breathtaking 360 degree views of Toronto, Lake Ontario, and the surrounding countryside.  A ticket costs $175 but it also gives you access to all the other activities at the CN Tower.

            

This was my second time doing the walk, the first having taken place last summer in mid-August.  I had wanted to do it again because there were two things I didn't accomplish the first time.  During the walk, your guide gives you the opportunity to perform two daredevil tasks: leaning over the edge forward and back.  Then you're encouraged/dared to spread your arms and let the safety lines hold you in place.  I was able to successfully lean over the edge and take in the sunny picturesque views.  The first time I got weak in the knees.

            

The transition from a small, isolated town to a big & well connected metropolitan area wasn't difficult for me at all.  I even welcomed the big change in weather.  I didn't feel bothered by the bright sunny days, the added humidity, and +30ºC temperatures.  It felt like a treat after spending the last 6 months living in a climate where -30ºC is the norm.  As for getting around the city, I used the TTC subway and my feet.  For food, I sampled several restaurants around campus and bought some from the local Metro.  The only things that did stand out to me were the many exotic cars (Lamborghinis, Ferraris, & Porsches) I saw on the streets. 

            

Before heading back to Iqaluit, I spent two weeks in Ottawa, catching up with old friends and watching some highlights of the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London.  The Games didn't capture my attention that much, mostly because it wasn't like in Vancouver 2010 where Canada owned the gold podium.  I did, however, like seeing the Canadian Women's Soccer Team win a medal (bronze) for the first time. 

            

As for the opening ceremony, I only saw the bit where Mr. Bean assists the London Symphony Orchestra in performing Vangelis's 'Chariots of Fire'.  I didn't have the time to sit through the entire 4 hour ceremony!   I did see the closing ceremony in its entirety and it was quite good except I was shocked The Rolling Stones and Oasis did not participate.                

            

Now that I'm back in Iqaluit for the new school year, there are many things for me to do.  First is getting my apartment in order and shopping for groceries.  Next is straightening out the music room, organizing my resources & class lists, writing the course outlines, and planning lessons.  Classes start next week so I need to be ready.  I'll be teaching the same courses as last semester except Grade 9 Guitar; that has been replaced with Grade 10 Guitar.  The high school is still being renovated but I think the project will be finished on time.