Ending the Semester with a Song
By: Christopher Regier
When I think back to my Grade 8 science and math classes taught by Mr. Anderson, two things stand out: killer bees, and math suddenly having letters for some reason. Unfortunately, science and algebra weren’t my thing. However, a few times during that academic year, Mr. Anderson brought his acoustic guitar to school and played a couple of songs for us. The one song that still stands out was “American Pie” by Don McLean.
Mr. Anderson, if you’re reading this, I want you to know how much that meant to me during that brief period of time. After my very first semester of teaching in Korea, I busted out my six-string and played “Hotel California” by The Eagles for my students. Why I chose a song completely outside my vocal range is a question I wish I could ask my younger self.
Anyway, for a few years after that, the tradition continued. At the end of each semester, I played a few songs for my students—including, but not limited to, “Imagine” by John Lennon, “Wavin’ Flag” by K’naan (World Cup 2010, woot woot!), and “Holiday” by Green Day. I can’t begin to describe how much fun we all had together in those moments. So if you can play, play for your students. Also, if they have easy access to a smartphone, insist that they put it on airplane mode and just enjoy the moment.
