Roxanne Hopkins: Choir

I just moved from Redwood City. I taught at Kennedy Middle School. I did band there, but here at [the school], I’m doing choir. And then at Kenilworth [Middle School], I’m [teaching] band … I kind of have to use different parts of my brain and just think in one mode one day and then think in a whole different mode another day, so it’s tough but it keeps things exciting. I enjoy working with both junior high and high schoolers, [I wanted to teach here because of] the great music program, and just the reputation, and the camaraderie between the students and the good relationship that the teachers and students have together … [Choir] encourages students to express themselves, and be comfortable with their voice … at first, everyone is a little bit timid, but once we started singing music that was more upbeat and exciting, students felt a little bit more comfortable and willing to sing out in front of each other.