Author Archives: Jill

About Jill

I grew up in West Chicago, went to Wheaton College, attended Grace Church of DuPage in Warrenville, and am currently teaching orchestra and violin, viola, and cello lessons at Black Forest Academy in Germany.

Elisabeth the Musical

My history-teacher friend Katrina asked me if I wanted to go see an Austrian musical with her (she grew up in Austria). When I found out it was Elisabeth, I realized I already knew the music because we had played … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Last Class Party

Friday was the last Class Party of the year, and the last ever for the Seniors. With several students gone for away basketball games, the group was somewhat reduced, but they managed to create some ruckus. The first organized activity … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Snow at last

Kandern finally stayed cold long enough for some snow to stick. It’s beautiful!   Emily captured my amazing running outfit designed to withstand wind, cold, and bright winter sun. Tacky, you say? You just wish you could be this cool. … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Teaching music is fun!

I was explaining natural half steps and whole steps (between E & F and B & C). Suddenly I realized I had drawn a couple birds! The strangest things are motivational. Marit and I started a 45 day practice challenge … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Music Recommendations

Recently I have discovered some new (or old but new to me) music. These selections come at the recommendation of music students, German church members, YouTube, and friends in various parts of the world. Thank you to all of you … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Jahresversammlung

Last Thursday was Stadtmusik Kandern’s “Jahresversammlung,” or “Annual Meeting.” The community band is a “Verein,” which is like a club. This was my first time attending the meeting. It was interesting to see all the ins and outs of how … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized, You Know you Live in Germany When... | Leave a comment

Ensemble

This semester, there are 5 students in high school orchestra. It started out as 2 violinists and 3 cellists, but then we added a violinist and lost a cellist so now it’s 3 violinists and 2 cellists. It’s a fun … Continue reading

Posted in Orchestra | Leave a comment

Washing machine update

Though we attempted to fix the machine last week, Emily’s load of laundry got stuck with 1 minute left in the cycle. We decided we should get some professional help to solve the “C2″ riddle (water not pumping out). Last … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Styrofoam War

Today after lunch, Emily started cleaning while I started making hummus. Suddenly, a small piece of Styrofoam bounced off my shoulder. I turned to see Emily’s impish grin as she brandished a slab of the lightweight packaging from our new … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Saturday Fun

Saturdays are always interesting. It’s a grab-bag kind of day. Monday through Friday is predictable; there’s a schedule at school and with evening activities. Sunday is routine with church in the morning and soccer in the evening with relaxation in … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment