Here at MCHS we have a new orchestra director, Malcolm Burke. Mr. Burke plays both the trombone and cello, he studied at the University of Northern Iowa, and served as a long-term substitute at another school before arriving in Mason City. I sat down with Mr. Burke to ask him about his thoughts of teaching and MCHS so far.
When asked about his influences on his journey in becoming a teacher he tells about his AP US History teacher who always expected the best out of his students. “It was a hard class and he had high expectations for everyone in the class,” Mr. Burke shares about this teacher. He wanted to make an impact on students like this teacher did to him. Along with his cello teachers and music professors who helped him become the musician and teacher he is now.
Mr. Burke stepped into a school where music is taken very seriously and something that we excel at, so when asked if he felt welcomed in by his closest co workers he answered, “Of course.” He named a few teachers who have helped him so far in the year, whether it may be choosing concert music or asking a simple question, he talks to Mr. Kramer, the band director, “Probably three to four times a day.” He also mentions that Mr. Kramer and Mr. McEniry have both taken him under their wings and have helped a lot.
When asked about goals for the orchestra, he mentioned he’d like to build numbers in the orchestra, play some serious literature, and create lifelong musicians. He also says, “As a musician, playing better is always the goal, right now the orchestra plays very well, but by next semester I hope to throw some serious music to you guys in order to keep pushing you.” Another goal is to help each of his students to play with more confidence so that every time a piece is played, it’s the best.
Although this school year is only halfway through, I asked Mr. Burke if he has learned anything about teaching so far. This question took some close thought considering the fact Mr. Burke has only been teaching for half a school year. But, he answered with, “I have learned that it is both frustrating and rewarding. Frustrating in a sense that students don’t always see their full potential, and rewarding when students are improving in their placement tests.” Mr. Burke says teaching is like a package deal because of this.
Along with large group rehearsals for the high school orchestra, Mr. Burke also conducts all high school lessons, and he helps with lessons in the middle school and at Lincoln Intermediate. He would also like the thank the orchestra for the wonderful gifts presented at the recent Winter Concert, which was another example of how rewarding being a teacher here is so far.