About Mrs. Wadding
Thank you for visiting my page! I always get questions from students and parents about my background and experiences, so here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions.
- Where did you go to college and what was your major? I went to Eastern Michigan University and majored in Music Education with a concentration in instrumental music. Right now, I am working on my master's degree in school administration through Frostburg State University. I will be done within the next year!
- Where are you from? This is a trickier one! I was born and lived in Massachusetts, but I have also lived in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Michigan, and currently live in Pennsylvania.
- What instruments do you play? My first instrument, and true love, is the cello. However, as part of my college studies we were required to learn to play all of the standard band and orchestra instruments. I am far better at the stringed instruments and percussion than I am with winds and brass. I can also play some hand bells, piano, guitar, and ukulele. I would really like to learn to play bagpipes.
- Do you still perform? Yes! I do not do so on a regular basis, but I do play for a variety of functions and events. I do occasionally perform for students in class, usually on one of the last few days of school, or right before a break.
- Why did you decide to become an Orchestra Director? I liked the idea of being a teacher when I was a kid, and I loved both dance and music. When I was deciding what I wanted to do in high school my band director told a story about how he became a teacher and it really inspired me. Once I started spending time in music classrooms even just observing I knew I was doing the right thing.
- Wait. Did you say band? Yes! The orchestra program was cut when I was in 7th grade. I was fortunate that the middle school and high school band directors invited me into their ensembles. I also got to be part of the newly started orchestra program in 11th and 12th grade when they introduced it in my high school. It was a great experience for me, and I will always treasure my memories of being a cellist in the band!
- Do you do any other activities or sports? Sports, no. I tired basketball once, it didn't go very well. However, I have been involved in a number of activities! I was a dancer (mostly ballet) for a number of years, and actually use some of that training in my classroom and with color guard. I have also spun and worked with color guards for a number of years. I have also been an assistant marching band director.
- What is the funniest thing that ever happened in class? Hands down, it was the instrument parts war between two of my students. We had been reviewing part of their instruments for a test and my then junior bassist looked at my sophomore cellists and said "My sound post is bigger then yours". It spiraled downhill from there. I haven't laughed that hard again since that day.
- How many schools have you taught in? Yikes. Well, I student taught in 5, 8 more in West Virginia, as of this year I have taught my own classes in 9 schools in Washington County, and co-taught classes in a 10th school. Grand Total: 24