Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/34960
It is my philosophy that since we are a per- forming organization, we should raise mon- ey by having great shows. Do your kids get picked on like in the show, or is it now cool to be in glee club? I don’t think my students get picked on much at all. I have heard stories about a comment here or there made in a hallway, but the fans far outweigh the foes. It’s defi- nitely a respected part of our school. Slushies? We have a 7-Eleven about a block away from our school and still no slushie attacks! I don’t think there are many students at our school who want to get in that kind of trouble. Has the TV show had a big impact on the popularity of glee clubs in general — and your glee clubs? I think the TV show has had a tremendous impact on the popularity of glee clubs and show choirs. My program was already doing very well before “Glee,” but the show has certainly opened a lot of doors for us. In the show, the club offers a home for everyone, ranging from cheerleaders and football players to nerds and students who are gay. Is this a realistic portrayal? What about the fundraising? Is it difficult to support this program financially? The fundraising efforts to run my program are extensive. Parents contribute directly; students participate in individual fundrais- ers. We hold special events — pancake breakfast, rummage sale, and restaurant nights — and we do four big shows per year. This is extremely realistic. My students come in all shapes, sizes, colors and orienta- tions. This is the most realistic part of the show — and the fact that music brings them all together. There are some bumps along the way, but the students absolutely learn tolerance and acceptance. It’s the moments where they don’t get along, however, where they often can learn the most. In the show there is lots of drama. Is this a mirror of real-life glee? We’re not into egos and divas. We all have to have a certain ego to go out there and per- form. Handing out solos and front-row spots can always be upsetting for some. Again, those are the times to educate students and help them deal with the feelings that are be- hind whatever negativity they are showing. The kids always get over it quickly and move on. It’s often the parents that need talking to. Are you like Mr. Schuester at all? I joke with my kids that our biggest differ- ence is that he’s not as good-looking as me! In reality, I think I share his love for the kids and for music. While I can’t make my students magically know whatever song starts playing (like on the show), I can prepare my students with the skills they’d need to become a pro- fessional that gets cast on that show. Is there anyone on staff who wants glee club to go away? Not so much a Sue Sylvester, but someone who sees it as an unnecessary expense and suggests cutting it? I haven’t encountered anyone like that. The small amount that the school can provide is about 1 percent of our total budget. We raise the remaining 99 percent. Yes, that small amount our school gives us has been cut in the last few years, but by the same amount as each department in our school. I am amazed by what my fellow teachers are able to do despite the lack of funds available. Why do we need programs like this for our students? Students need something to be invested in and excited about. It can be music, sports, science, community service or any other ac- tivity. The important thing is that students are able to connect with each other and their school. What do kids take away from being in glee club that will help them succeed in life? The kids are not only learning to be great singers, but also great people. Students in my program will be pushed to reach for, and achieve, excellence. Understanding what that takes and developing a desire for it will last a lifetime and help my students go on in any field they choose. JUNE 2011 | www.cta.org 11