Interview with Zandra Bell-McRoy, January 27, 2017

Partial Transcript: How long have you been teaching?

Segment Synopsis: Bell-McRoy describes the high school where she works, including the various music programs that are available. She talks about her middle school band director inspiring her to become a music teacher and turning away from becoming a psychologist.

Keywords: Athens Symphony; Doctor of Education; Ed.D; Master of Music Education; Susan Dinwiddie; University of Georgia; band director; chorus; clarinet choir; concert band; flute choir; guitar; high school; jazz band; low SES; low socioeconomic status students; marching band; middle school; music education; music theory; orchestra; percussion ensemble; piano; psychology; saxophone ensemble; small chamber ensemble

Partial Transcript: Tell me about your first day as a music teacher.

Segment Synopsis: Bell-McRoy describes the mixed emotions and the approach she took on her first day as a music teacher. She talks about underestimating the numerous extra roles a music teacher takes on.

Keywords: band camp; drill; lesson planning; marching band; music education

Partial Transcript: If you could go back to - I asked you a moment ago about

Segment Synopsis: Bell-McRoy talks about the overly high expectations she put on herself during her first year of teaching. She describes how she learned to teach in a way that is more authentic to her personality. She talks about the gaps in her teacher training.

Keywords: middle school; music education; stress; student teaching

Partial Transcript: Why have you stayed in teaching? You’ve been in teaching for a number of years

Segment Synopsis: Bell-McRoy talks about why teaching music is a natural fit for her and the aspects of it that keep her engaged. She describes the challenges of structuring learning for students of differing ages and experience as well as the lack of support for music teachers.

Keywords: Master of Music Education; music education; stress; work-life balance

Partial Transcript: Well, tell me about a time when you felt proud to be a music teacher.

Segment Synopsis: Bell-McRoy talks about the pride she felt when a high-achieving student credited her with his success. She talks about a student who inspired her through their hard work and determination to improve despite a learning disadvantage. She talks about her intense teaching style.

Keywords: U.S. Army All-American Marching Band; middle school; teaching style