In Harmony Studios | Northern Colorado Lifestyle Photography

This might surprise some of my newer clients…I’m not just a photographer.

I am a teacher.  A music director, in fact.  (And not just because my last name is Horn!)

In my past life, I was a middle school band and orchestra teacher and I had let go of teaching to be a full-time photographer.  Yes, I did get to actually make that happen!

And though I was plenty grateful to be busy enough to support this occupation…I missed it.  So as I began subbing on the side, an opportunity came up that I just couldn’t refuse.

Last May, I accepted a position at Windsor High School as a band director.  It’s an interim (one year only), part time position for the current director who returned to Illinois to obtain his master’s degree.  Since I knew the students a bit from subbing and my interactions with them, it seemed like  a great fit.  And, I figured, that it being part time, I could still maintain my workload of photography clients.

Hi,
My name is Susan and I over extend myself AND I have unrealistic expectations.  :)

This little part time job got way out of hand.  Entirely my fault, for two reasons:  one–not comprehending what  part time actually means.  I should have recognized that just because it was part time pay, I wouldn’t really be putting part time hours into it.  HA!  I mean, this is me we’re talking about.  I have issues with boundaries and saying no.

The second was less about me and more about the job.  The program is extremely successful and the students have two directors.  It became evident to me that if I stuck to my part time obligations, I would not only be letting the students down, but also my wonderful colleague.  She was already doing plenty and I didn’t want to add to her workload just because I was a part-timer.  So I spent a LOT of time at school.

And then my mom got cancer.  I wasn’t really ever home any more, let alone working in front of my computer…

To my wonderful clients, I am admitting that I should have scaled back a lot, especially during marching band season.   Too little too late.

However, this little story has a great ending.

This little band I was working with WON STATE.  That’s right: 3A State Champions.

Here are some of my favorite memories from the year…

I also want to point out that this day–October 24, 2011, Bryan and I celebrated our 8 year anniversary of our first date.
AND, I became an Aunt that day!  It was a fantastic day and I’ll never forget it!!

Thanks for being so understanding and letting me do this.  It was such an amazing experience and I am getting back to my other work!  ♥

Stay tuned for all the updates!