Ali Torkelson

she//they - Saxophone Player- Music Education and Jazz Studies Major

[Ali Torkelson @MissTorkelSax]

@PlotnerArt That’s wonderful and so sweet! Congratulations! #edu310

[Ali Torkelson @MissTorkelSax]

@MusicTeacherMsV Congratulations to your students! Following a conductor is hard at that age!

[Ali Torkelson @MissTorkelSax]

My first observation went good!My class was well behaved so there weren’t many classroom management issues to deal with. The lesson went really smoothly!
Another win today too, my elementary drummer earned their yellow belt in Band Ninja! (A fun program for beginners) #edu310

[Ali Torkelson @MissTorkelSax]

@MusicTeacherMsV They’ll get it, and the parents will love their performance! I hope they feel proud of their improvement! #EDU310

[Ali Torkelson @MissTorkelSax]

#EDU310
I worked with a flute student on a tough passage. But, she could play it just fine! She just needed that confidence boost of playing with someone else.

[Ali Torkelson @MissTorkelSax]

I’m sad I didn’t get to go to my placement this week. My teacher was out, he’s moving! Hopefully I’ll get to see the kids next week and talk with my mentor teacher about my first observation. #EDU310

[Ali Torkelson @MissTorkelSax]

@MusicTeacherMsV WMEA was such a fun experience. I’m glad you got a lot out of it. I did too!! #EDU310

[Ali Torkelson @MissTorkelSax]

@MusicTeacherMsV Flams can be difficult for younger percussionists. I’m glad they made progress!!! #EDU310

[Ali Torkelson @MissTorkelSax]

I got to go on a field trip with my mentor teacher today! It’s really interesting to see how much really goes into a day trip like this. Especially since it’s to a symphony! #EDU310

[Ali Torkelson @MissTorkelSax]

@MusicTeacherMsV Congratulations on the success!! When a student finally “gets” it, it’s so satisfying!! #EDU310

[Ali Torkelson @MissTorkelSax]

I’m super happy about my placement today!! My mentor teacher let me work with some of the 5th grade students one on one and teach beginner lessons for the first time! It felt really good to hear their progress and have a part in that!
#EDU310

[Ali Torkelson @MissTorkelSax]

I was conducting the warmup at a slower speed than the conductor usually goes. So, he used that as a teaching tool for me to better find the correct tempo, and the students to actually follow my conducting rather than just playing it how they know!

[Ali Torkelson @MissTorkelSax]

I was given the opportunity to conduct 7th grade band for my placement! It was a very surreal experience and I’m so fortunate to have a great mentor teacher to help me out. He used my conducting as a lesson for me AND for the students! #EDU310

[Ali Torkelson @MissTorkelSax]

@MusicTeacherMsV I remember you telling me about this in class. It’s terrible that your class gets distracted and interrupted by people walking through because it’s in the cafeteria! But, this placement will give you the opportunity to learn how to use what you have to your advantage. #EDU310

[Ali Torkelson @MissTorkelSax]

@MusicTeacherMsV Plenty of patience, practice, support and guidance from a teacher that provides all of these things seems perfect for a group of struggling students! Congratulations on your success! #EDU310

[Ali Torkelson @MissTorkelSax]

Today I helped my mentor teacher with classroom management. It felt so natural to me! He didn’t even have to ask me. I was walking around the class and standing behind students to keep them on task and focused. #EDU310

[Ali Torkelson @MissTorkelSax]

Now that I’m in a middle school placement, I’m beginning to understand my past teacher’s authoritarian nature. Though, I am learning ways that I can be better than that, and have more fun with students.

#EDU310

[Ali Torkelson @MissTorkelSax]

@BrockLund4 That sounds awesome! My mentor teacher is also dabbling in tracking progress electronically. I can see how it’s very helpful in planning lessons every day based on need. Our mentor teachers are so innovative! #EDU310

[Ali Torkelson @MissTorkelSax]

@MusicTeacherMsV Me too

[Ali Torkelson @MissTorkelSax]

My favorite food is my homemade cheesy potatoes. I could eat only this for the rest of my life and be content. #EDU310