Daily News photo by Corey Butler Jr.
Nate Kroshus, a student-teacher at Faribault Middle School, directs sixth-graders in band Wednesday. Kroshus will graduate from Minnesota State University, Mankato, in December.
FARIBAULT — Call it part one of a pseudo-boot camp for student-teacher Nate Kroshus.
Kroshus joined Faribault Middle School band director Pat Kunkel at the end of August to prepare for the current school year of sixth- through eighth-grade band students.
Currently in his last semester at Minnesota State University, Mankato, where he is earning his master’s in education, Kroshus must spend time in the classroom to ready himself for post-graduation.
It’s something he’s been working at for quite some time — too long, in his estimation.
“I’ve always wanted to do something with music,” he said. “I’ve been a student for too long.”
From day one, Kunkel hasn’t made it easy on Kroshus.
“The first day I came in here, I was basically conducting,” he said “Some days, I feel more like a colleague than a student-teacher because he expects so much of me.”
But the good and bad that has come with teaching at the school has showed him much more than what he said he’s learned in the higher-education setting.
“There are so many things they don’t cover in classes,” he said.
Kunkel, who is a first-time mentor in this capacity, said he’s showing Kroshus what he feels he needs to know.
He’s allowed him to conduct and learn the ins and outs of organizational skills and working within the confinements of a building where it takes many cogs to move a gear.
“That’s a lot of what our job is,” Kunkel said.
Another important step, Kunkel said, is building a rapport with the students.
It appears Kroshus has succeeded.
“He helps us sound better,” 11-year-old flute player Adriana Navarro said. “If we mess up, he makes us do it again and do it better.”
Anthony Simons, an 11-year-old clarinet player, said his breathing has improved since Kroshus has come on board.
He ends his stint in Faribault Oct. 16, then will teach at the elementary level in St. Peter, which is a requirement, as it’s a K-12 license he will receive.
Kroshus said his preference is to teach at the higher grade levels because of his experience with many instruments and ability to connect with the students.
But, not necessarily all students on a musical level.
“I wouldn’t ask me to play a flute anytime soon,” he joked.
Following his December graduation, Kroshus wants to start substituting while he searches for a full-time position for next school year.
In the meantime, Kunkel will look for his next pupil to help out.
“I hope we’re starting a new trend,” he said, smiling.
For the Faribault Daily News online story, go to http://faribault.com/news.php?viewStory=94464
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