How to finish strong, reflect, and set yourself up for success next year
As the school year winds down, music teachers find themselves juggling concerts, assessments, report cards, and goodbyes. It’s a joyful yet chaotic time—and amid the whirlwind, it’s easy to forget that how you end your year plays a huge role in how you’ll start the next one.
Before you trade in your lanyard for sunglasses, take some time to close out the year with purpose. A few hours of thoughtful organization and planning now will save you days of scrambling in September. Here’s a checklist of key things to focus on as you wrap up your year.
🎵 1. Organize and File Your Music Library
Whether you run a choral program, band, or general music classes, keeping your music organized is essential.
- Sort and file sheet music: Collect all scores, parts, and folders from students. Double-check for missing pages and return any borrowed or rented music.
- Purge what you don’t need: Toss duplicates or incomplete copies. Recycle old, worn-out sheets you won’t use again.
- Create or update an inventory: Use a spreadsheet, Google Sheet, or music library software to log everything. Include title, composer, voicing/instrumentation, and location.
- Label and file: If you haven’t yet, label files by category (e.g. “Winter Concert,” “Gr. 9 Choir,” “Solos”) to make next year’s programming a breeze.
📋 2. Store Programs, Certificates, and Concert Materials
Your future self (or future department colleagues) will thank you for keeping a record of this year’s work.
- Save digital and printed copies: File away programs, certificates, scripts, and promotional materials in clearly labeled folders—both physical and digital.
- Create a “Concerts Archive”: Keep all programs and posters from the year in one place. This can be helpful for grant applications, school PR, or building portfolios.
- Reflect on repertoire: Jot down notes on what worked, what didn’t, and which pieces might be worth repeating in future years.
🧾 3. Wrap Up Admin Tasks
Finish the paper trail while the details are still fresh.
- Submit any outstanding purchase orders: Now’s the time to replace broken stands, worn-out mallets, or missing sheet music.
- Update student records: Note student achievements, voice types, ranges, solos, or audition results. Keep these in a file for quick access next year.
- Prepare report cards and comments: Write authentic, encouraging feedback that reflects musical growth.
- Write thank-yous: Send short notes or emails to accompanists, parent volunteers, guest clinicians, or supportive colleagues.
📅 4. Plan Ahead (Just a Little)
You don’t need to map out the entire next year, but a little foresight can set the stage for a smoother return in the fall.
- Sketch out a rough calendar: Mark tentative concert dates, assessment deadlines, or festivals you want to apply for.
- List future repertoire ideas: Make a “repertoire inspiration” list while this year’s performances are still fresh in your mind.
- Prep your first week: Lay out name games, classroom expectations, icebreakers, and your seating chart strategy now.
- Plan summer PD or projects: Register for workshops, brush up on tech tools, or make a wish list for your classroom or ensemble.
🧹 5. Reset Your Classroom
Start next year with a clean slate—literally.
- Declutter and clean: Purge broken pencils, dry markers, outdated handouts, and mystery items in drawers. Wipe down surfaces and dust shelves.
- Pack instruments carefully: Store and label instrument bins or cases clearly. Unplug electronics if needed.
- Reset bulletin boards: Take down seasonal displays and start fresh with neutral, reusable visuals you can build on in the fall.
- Tidy digital files: Organize your Google Drive or desktop folders so you can hit the ground running in September.
🎉 Bonus: Celebrate the Wins!
Don’t forget to reflect on everything you and your students accomplished this year. Take a moment to:
- Make a list of your program’s biggest successes.
- Save a kind email, photo, or student thank-you that reminded you why you do this work.
- Dream a little about the creative projects or musical goals you want to try next year.
In Closing…
Ending the school year intentionally helps you leave school with a clear head—and return refreshed, not frazzled. Put the systems in place now to protect your future peace and creativity. You’ve poured so much into your students and your program all year long; now, give yourself the gift of a solid reset.
You’ve earned your summer. 🌞
Download the FREE checklist!
Leave a comment