Tyler Harr

E. Narrative Reflections
The three items from my portfolio that had the biggest impact on my undergraduate
career would be my degree recital programs, band handbook, and my theory exams. First of
these is my degree recitals that I have had up to this point found in section B I.3. The first one
was in December 2015 when I had my junior piano recital. Then the following semester I had a
junior trombone recital, that featured some bassoon playing as well. My lessons throughout the
past four years have helped me grow as a musician. My professors have such high expectations
and really help me reach new goals that I never thought possible. So much of my time is spent in
the practice room and all of that time was cultivated in those two performances. I am very proud
that I persevered through playing two primary instruments, when many people advised me not do
that. Through all of my lessons on piano, trombone, and even bassoon I have had the opportunity
to perform a variety of music from all eras.
My second item from my portfolio was my band handbook found in section C III.2. This
really helped me think about what being a teacher was actually going to be like. Although
making individual lesson plans and working weeks on the same plan and teaching that one
concept, that is only the beginning. Planning a whole year of instruction took lots of time and
thought behind what my philosophy of music education would look like in practice. I especially
enjoyed figuring out grading for instrumental ensembles. Although this was challenging, I think I
came up with a solid year of concerts, projects, and much more. Through this project we were
able to think about the future and what we want to make it look like. My handbook is very clear
in rules and expectations, but also has a lot of my personality in it as well. This handbook will
become a template for my future classroom.

Tyler Harr
I also thought my theory exams in B I.1 showed my best work at my time at Eastern
Illinois University. This class was extremely time consuming and stressful having four semesters
of theory and one of music analysis. Although theory came very easy to me, these classes
challenged the depth of which I knew the concepts, and even the speed. In every semester of
class I set the curve for the written, singing, and keyboard portions of our exams. Dictation
exams were not quite as strong, but I included an aural exam where I did extremely well. This
solid foundation in theory was very beneficial in working with instrument transpositions, score
reading, and even in memorization of music for performances.
These three examples and everything from the past years have really helped me grow into
a well-rounded musician. As a musician lessons and ensembles have taught me how to better
play my instruments, but also how to listen, balance, blend, and be part of an ensemble. Music
history classes gave me a good picture at the history of music, and where I fit into the big
picture. Singing Monteverdi in choir has so much more meaning when you know about how he
changed how composers wrote and he was a big rebel for doing so. Choir, orchestra, trombone
choir, and band classes have helped teach me about the other instruments and how they work.
Although I have not had private vocal lessons in college, being involved with choir and
accompanying has taught me so much and I feel like I would be successful at teaching this in the
future. Hopefully all of this musical training will make that much better of an educator.
Most importantly, my time here at EIU has prepared me for becoming an effective
teacher. Many classes in the education department and other music classes have helped me
develop my philosophy of music education. I have a good grasp on what I value and how that
will look in my future classroom. My band handbook is a good example of this thought process
coming together. General music classes helped teach me the best practice for elementary music,

Tyler Harr
and how even simple concepts are worth explaining. Little ones really need to understand that
music goes up, and then back down. Learning these skills young is so important for everyone in
society to learn as they grow older and make opinions and judgments on music they like.
Instrumental Lab Band taught me that words are not always what does the teaching. Let students
play, experiment, and they will stay so much more engaged and focused. Being in front of an
ensemble became much harder in conducting class, and I really had to work on put my energy
into being an effective conductor.
Before stepping foot onto campus here at Eastern Illinois University I knew I wanted to
become a music teacher. I had no idea how high the level of commitment would be, and how
hard I would have to work. But as I come to the end of my college career, I would not change a
single thing that done. Traumatic circumstances were turned into learning opportunities, and
stressful situations became some of my most proud moments. I cannot wait until I can make a
difference in the lives of my future students.