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I've come to notice how music has become pretty big in my life. I sing in choir, sing when I'm bored, listen to music when I play video games or do homework, even try learning the guitar. I sometimes rarely notice it when it's there, but when it's gone it often seems so quiet.

Today in my guitar class Durkhoop told me he would not require I complete a 3rd assignment for the class since it is due the day before I graduate. He claimed that as long as I keep practicing the tabs I will get a good grade. As the days go by I find myself resenting him more. I miss Sherwood.

Since sophomore year I've had Duhrkoop for choir. I've over all had 4 choir classes with him since I took 2 choirs last year. This is my first year with him in guitar. Last year I had Sherwood for guitar. Sherwood had to teach at a different school closer to where he lived so Duhrkoop took over for the guitar class.

Sherwood was a great teacher. He didn't teach the boring irrelevant music theory crap. He taught the basics instead. Things were more personal with him. He actually worked to make a good bond with his students. He could just sit with us and just play while having a normal conversation like he was a good friend. Still he knew how to keep order. He had reasonable expectations of behavior, he was kind, and he respected us so in return we respected him. Before class would start some of us would help set up chairs and stands. The bell rang and we got our guitars and took a seat. When the 7 minute warning bell rang we put the guitars away in an organized fashion then just chilled till class ended.

Duhrkoop is different. He tries to diplomatically "suggest" that we do things, but he doesn't have the balls to enforce it. He tries guilt trips too which do nothing. I'm not sure of he respects us or just turns a blind eye to it all. The bell rings and you grab your guitar if you want to. You sit wherever you feel like. Rather than actually learning guitar you simply talk to your friends. If Duhrkoop suggests you get to work just do it if you feel like it. When the 7 minute bell rings just put the guitar wherever you want. He doesn't even attempt to make a bond with his students. When class starts he takes attendance then just works on the computer. The "beginner" guitarists get a power point on Monday that takes maybe 5 minutes to throw together then spend the rest of the week learning out of a book if they can find one. The advanced students are completely on their own. They learn whatever they want. Aside from occasionally breaking up arguments that get too loud or wandering around to make sure we're staying out of trouble he spends the rest of his time on the computer. With band and choir he has to directly instruct the students otherwise I doubt he would even do that much. The biggest difference between the two is that it seems like Sherwood really enjoyed his job while Duhrkoop seems like he just HAS to do it for the crappy pay check.

Don't get me wrong. He's a really nice guy. He's not a jerk, but really it seems like he doesn't care about the job past the paycheck. The senior class was recorded on camera. Everyone said their greatest regrets one at a time. My regret was "Wasting 3 years of my life on choir". I feel as though if they play the recording at graduation it's going to crush him. I don't want to hurt his feelings, but really choir has been a waste of my time. Even guitar is a waste some what. Actually in choir I'm absent more often than not anymore. It's not even worth getting up in the morning for. When I do go I just sleep through class.