Cheska: So, let’s cover the basics: What is your name and what is your occupation?

Mrs. Morrison: My name is, Jadelyn Morrison and I am a music teacher

Cheska: Where did you go for University and Teachers College?

Mrs. Morrison: I went to The University of Toronto for both my undergrad and teacher’s college

Cheska: and how long have you’ve been teaching?

Mrs. Morrison: 15 years?

Cheska: Has it been that long?

Mrs. Morrison: I think it’s 15 years

Cheska: What are your teachables?

Mrs. Morrison: My teachables are Music and English

Cheska: and what are the differences in teaching both English and Music?

Mrs. Morrison: Well, music gives you an opportunity to create art. It’s more fun. You get to perform in concerts. In English, there is an art there but, there is a lot of studying, reading, discussing, marking essays, and teaching how to write great essays.

Cheska: So, you are also a St. Joes’ alumni, how is it like teaching at your old high school?

Mrs. Morrison: It was weird at first because, you’re considering your colleagues as equals. Whether as not too long ago, they were your mentors. So, it was weird at first but, afterwards it was fine.

Cheska: Who are the mentors that are currently teaching at Joes’?

Mrs. Morrison: Mrs. Cunningham (currently a guidance counsellor at St. Joes)

Cheska: I read an article in class about vulnerability and how you should connect with your students. I know you did a lot of that in class (when I was in high school) so, what’s your opinion on it?

 Mrs. Morrison: When I first started teaching, especially because I looked young, I feel like I had to create this persona of authority and, not be myself. But then, it just didn’t feel right (to me). Now, I kind of overdo the vulnerability thing because I think I talk too much now, I share too much sometimes, and I connect with my students too much. But, it creates a safe place for anyone to express themselves.

Cheska: So how do you choose repertoire for your classes?

Mrs. Morrison: It has evolved over the years. Before, when we were entering competitions, I would follow the OBA list, I would go more towards Classical music. Now that we don’t get to compete too often, I tried to find one or two fun (popular) songs and one classical piece. For example, I think you (my grade 12 band class) played 5 songs and, half of them were fun and Classical.

Cheska: Speaking of PATH (Peer-As-Teacher-Helper), it has been a successful program at Joes for as long as I can remember. So how does having a PATH student helped you educate students?

Mrs. Morrison: It creates more of a bridge perhaps, for students to learn because the students already know that the PATH student just recently went through their experience, I think it helps them accept the challenges that they are having knowing, the PATH student has just gone through it and they came out great! It helps me as well. Especially marking because, we share the marking. And, I am more aware of how I conduct because I know someone is trying to follow my lead.

Cheska: You teach both vocals and band, in terms of conducting, what is it like teaching both classes?

Mrs. Morrison: In terms of conducting, I find I conduct with a baton more with the band. With a baton, I can show the articulation whereas for choirs, I use more of my hands to show the consonants and the end of consonants. So, there is more variations when I conduct choirs.

Cheska: So, how many instruments do you play?

Mrs. Morrison: I haven’t counted.

Cheska: Ok so you’re a voice major, you play the piano

*continues counting how many instruments she played*

Mrs. Morrison: Okay, let’s say over 10 because I did study Tyco drumming and Afro drumming. There’s also bass guitar and guitar. I think if you learn one woodwind and one brass, you can pretty much learn any other instrument.

Cheska: Yeah, that’s true! So, who inspired you to teach?

Mrs. Morrison: I’d say my high school music teacher inspired me because he was very laid back and, I guess I feel a little laid back. It also feels like he really enjoyed what he was doing, and it inspired me to do the same. But also, by creating and creating experiences for young people in high school. So, whether it was a musical or, a concert or, that band trip. I wanted others to have that same experience.

Cheska: When did you decided to make music your career?

Mrs. Morrison: High school? I’ve always liked music and, I’ve always wanted to do something with music. But, yeah, I think it was high school that made me realize that music can be my career.

Cheska: What is your favourite moment of being a teacher?

Mrs. Morrison: You guys (St. Joe’s recent alumni)! Hmm my favourite memory. I think at the end of every concert, it’s always just really satisfying because you’ve seen everyone succeed. You’ve seen everybody do their best and enjoy themselves. The best moments are after the concert and, that happens twice a year so yay!! Great moments all the time!

Cheska: What’s your favourite memory of being a music student? So, from UofT and back here at St. Joes.

Mrs. Morrison: In high school it was, going to New York and performing. It was the whole entire trip actually. Performing and succeeding in that competition. In university, there was one piece that I loved. It was the Bebel, “Ave Maria” and I got to perform that. It was my favourite (version of) “Ave Maria” and I got to perform it in an ensemble. So, ensembles are great!

Cheska: Outside of teaching, what else do you do (in terms of extra curricular)?

Mrs. Morrison: I’ve done Marching Band, Jazz Band, Glee Club, and I used to conduct an adult choir in church, but I retired. And I teach my kids a bit of piano here and there.

Cheska: And my last question, do you have any advice for future music educators?

Mrs. Morrison: Know what you’re good at. Always try to develop but, know what you’re good at and, start there. And, have fun because if it’s not fun, there’s no point. Well, doing your job is a point and, teaching others is a point but, you can do that better if you’re doing what you do best and, you can do it better when you are having fun.

Cheska: And, that’s it thank you Mrs!