This is my story... Rachelle Elmes

I was reluctant to move back to Rustenburg at first, but I wanted to start a new chapter in my life and I heard great things about Lebone. When I arrived for my interview at the school, the grotesque structures, the modern flair (which for me indicated progressive thinking) and the politeness of the children convinced me that this was the place I wanted to work at. And luckily my dream came true and I got the job.

When I arrived, I tried to learn all my pupils' names as quickly as possible. I also wanted to get to know the students as soon as possible, in order to decide on the most effective way of helping each child progress.

There were a few things that I wasn't convinced about at first, but my colleagues were wonderful and I could ask them anything at any time. I decided to approach my new job like I would approach a new piano piece:

To first learn the basics, then to focus on the finer detail, to memorise the work and to perform it with great conviction. The art of any good musical rendering, is to stay true to what the composer has written, but to add your own unique interpretation without compromising the integrity of the work.

That is what I aimed to do.

It didn't take long to understand how things are done and to assess my students in order to determine their needs. I also come along so well with my fellow music colleagues and have the utmost respect for them, thus my working environment is really very favourable. The main thing I realised, was that these piano students were craving stability. They needed someone who could provide continuity and I promised them that I am going nowhere and would stick with them for the long run.

The other difficulty that I have never encountered before, was that a lot of these students don't have pianos at home. And this is the case with about 15+ of my students. Unfortunately the instrument I teach can't be thrown over the shoulder and taken home to practise in the evening and this proves to be quite a challenge.

There are practise rooms at the music department, but most of the students are busy with activities after school and have difficulty to make time to practise. Other students' parents aren't able to alter their programs so that the child has a little bit of practise time before going home. One of the children proudly came to me and told me that his dad had downloaded a piano application for the child on his cellphone. Great way of practising the ear, but it is going to do absolutely nothing for the fingers. 10/10 for trying to be resourceful though! The difficulty is that I have to deliver results, but that it isn't always possible without discipline and hard work on the student's part. And this is one of the main things I try to convey to my students. You can't expect to become good if you don't work hard. Where there is a will, there is a way and ten minutes of focussed practising, can equal another student's 30 minutes of practising.

One of my students told me that he had to say what he wanted for Christmas and there was quite a long list that included an X-Box, a PSP, a piano and a computer. When his mom said that he can choose only one thing, he chose the piano. An eight-year old boy choosing a piano over a PSP?!

I was beyond myself with excitement, because the realisation is starting to spread roots amongst the children:

• Nothing in life comes without dedication.
• Quitting when something gets difficult, is not an option.
• To become really good at something because you worked hard, is a rewarding experience.

In short, IT FEELS GOOD! And most of these children are capable of much more than they think. They just need to start believing in themselves and that has to start here in my classroom.

Another thing I experience over and over again, is that children whose parents are involved, who encourage them and who are actively part of their music world (to remind them to practise, to help them practise and to make sure they remember their books) progress much better than the other children. So it is important to make parents aware of the fact that the responsibility for their children's accomplishments not only lies here at school, but also at home. 

The best thing I have ever done in my life, was to come here to Lebone. I feel as if my horizon has been broadened and I am forced to think out of the box again. I accept the challenge to help my students exceed their own expectations because here is such a lot of talent that just has to be managed and nurtured in the correct way. At Lebone I also find myself in a creative environment where I feel that I as musician can be creative and grow.

The fact that I have very talented musicians as colleagues, that we actively have concerts and form bands to play at certain school events, that I can accompany the Lebone choirs with pride because they sound so good, that I have the freedom to make my own suggestions and to run with my own ideas....all of these things makes Lebone a wonderful creative space and my goal is to contribute to further the excellence of this school.