This school year, the IHS orchestra has had two temporary orchestra teachers. That’s quite a lot, considering we are only halfway through the year. Recently, ICSD finally hired a new permanent orchestra director, Jonathan Fleischman! Previously, he has taught in schools in Syracuse and Georgia and has graduated from our very own Ithaca College. I spoke with Mr. Fleischman about his new and fresh ideas for orchestra, his hobbies, and his opinions of teaching.
Grace Lim ‘23: First, why did you decide to come to Ithaca?
Jonathan Fleischman: Because it’s a place I know and love. I lived here for a couple of years in school, and I knew the reputation of the program and community. When I think of my own personal aspirations as a teacher and as a performer, I see a lot in common with this program and myself. Since that alignment is there, I think that not only can I help the program retain its reputation, but also this school can help me improve as well.
GL: Based on your first impressions of Ithaca High School, are there any differences in the community or school environment than at the district you were previously at?
JF: Yes, that’s for sure. One of the things is . . . that there is such a strong support for the arts and music. You don’t really see that everywhere in the fact that if you go down the street here, you can say, “I play the violin,” and people are like, “Oh, that’s awesome.” Whereas you go someplace else and they go, “What’s the violin? I don’t know what that is.” I don’t want to say we take it for granted, but I think it’s awesome that we have that.
GL: Is there anything that surprised you about the community or high school student body?
JF: Well, surprised isn’t really the word for it, but I knew based on coming here in the fall and getting to conduct and do this interview, IHS is a very welcoming place. When I think about the fact that this is only my second week here, it almost feels weird. It feels like it’s been so much longer because it is a very welcoming place and a very supportive environment. I feel very supported and everything like that, which is awesome.
GL: How would you describe yourself as a teacher?
JF: Being supportive. Caring. Those are the biggest things that I try to do. I’m going to say accommodating as well. Music class especially, you will have ability levels all over the place because of circumstances, musical ability, and talent and so on. I try to make a very conscious effort to accommodate all of that. For example, if you think the music’s too easy, I can give you another part to work, or if you’re struggling, we can come in after school and can work on it together.
GL: What’s your favorite aspect about teaching?
JF: The reason I first got into teaching is because of the “pay it forward” idea. Growing up with music, specifically orchestra in general, brought a lot into my life. I know that by doing this [teaching], I can help other people realize the potential in themselves as well. So I’d say that’s my favorite part.
GL: On the flip side, what’s your least favorite aspect about teaching or something people may not know?
JF: Well it’s not easy, let’s say that. I think you’d actually get a kick out of this. This is very specific, not just teaching in general, but the fact that we, here at IHS, we have some really accomplished players. I previously taught middle school before this, and in terms of instruments, cello and bass are not my own. There’s a lot of the [IHS orchestra] parts that if you told me to play them right now, I would not be able to and I would have to work on that. It’s something that I’ll grow into and get used to. It’s like not being able to sight-read a piece perfectly from the start. It’s interesting. It’s a jump you sometimes have to do.
GL: To connect with students, what are your hobbies and things you enjoy?
JF: Let’s see . . . in my free time, it’s kind of gone in other ways lately, but I’m a runner. I enjoy cooking. And then just, you know, taking it easy and relaxing. It’s underestimated just to sit and do nothing.
GL: After talking with some students about their experience with the temporary orchestra teachers, they mentioned that they didn’t really find orchestra appealing anymore. What do you think you can do to make orchestra enjoyable, or is there anything new you can bring?
JF: Basically, I think when you have people that you referred to as temporary, you don’t really want to rock the boat that much. You don’t really want to shake things up because you know that you’re only there temporarily. When you have longevity and where you can settle and make roots, there’s a chance to do more interesting and different types of music. One of the things that I really want to do in the future is to enact more composition type stuff because I know we have a lot of really talented composers, arrangers, etc. in our group. If you’re doing something that you yourself wrote, then it’s not as boring. It might have also been the level of music as well. One of the things that I quickly found out after coming here last week is that when I gave the group music, it was way too easy. So then the next day we said, ok, let’s step it up from here. And then we had some harder stuff. I think we’re slowly finding that level where it’s a challenge, but at the same time, it’s doable.
GL: What goals do you have in mind for the Ithaca High School orchestra?
JF: Well, I think that’s definitely founded upon the fact that this program has a legacy to it. So I think it’s retaining that reputation, but also seeing how we can go up from there. One of the things that I would love to say, just because I think it’s been lacking in the last few years, is maybe not even so much doing competitions, but doing tours, and going to different places. When we’re in our room rehearsing, that’s great. But one of the ideas of being a musician and being in a performing ensemble is that you perform for other people, whether it’s getting out into the community, into Ithaca itself, or going to Syracuse. Not only will it make a bigger name for our orchestra and the music department at the school, but it would also provide, as a musician and you as a member of the ensemble, that kind of satisfaction, saying: yeah, I’m a part of something that’s bigger than just in the school orchestra.
GL: Do you have any good orchestra music jokes?
JF: Oh, goodness gracious. Well, I’m a viola player, so the possibilities are endless. The only one that I can think of that comes off the top of my head—because it’s a viola joke, of course: what’s the difference between a violin and a viola? The viola burns longer! Because it’s a bigger instrument. It’s a really bad viola joke. But it still counts.
GL: Is there anything else you want to add or wish students knew about you?
JF: Just that I’m really happy to be here. It’s an awesome place with really awesome people, students, and staff alike. It’s good to be here.