Making It Work: Family Folk Dance Night
Folk dancing is one the most popular components in our lower school music curriculum. Through controlled chaos the dance consistently brings a sense of joy and a feeling of community to its participants. In a subtle way folk dancing encourages risk taking, exercises...
Purposeful Pathways, Part 2: Unlimited Potential
Purposeful Pathways: 1 Rhyme, 5 years! Pathways, possibilities, opportunities…it all points to students learning about music by making music. Purposeful Pathways is designed to be fluid and flexible, allowing you to choose from multiple pathways, making it so...
Purposeful Pathways, Part 1: Abundant Possibilities:
Imagine: Just before walking out of the building on the last day of school, eager to greet your well deserved summer, you’re informed by your principal that you will be teaching a different grade next year, in addition to what you already teach (cue the distressed...
Teacher Talk: Perspective
Teacher Talk This is such a Roger Sams phrase! It makes so much sense! Of course, you know what teacher talk means…all those thoughts, good ideas, insecurities, doubts, and small gems of victory we carry around with us that in many ways might only make sense to us...
One Other Thing….
Something has been on my mind that is important to share with you! Collaborating with MIE is exciting for me in a couple of different ways. About 2 years ago, I reached out to Beth Ann Hepburn to answer a call put out by AOSA about mentoring teachers. I’ve always had...
Concerts Part I
Concerts!How many of you are already thinking about concerts for this year? You might be, especially if it’s been scheduled in December or sooner! Concert performances are exciting, especially for the kids, and they can demonstrate all the great things you do in the...
Concerts Part II
Concerts! Part II Ah concerts….sometimes a double-edged sword. Process over product or product over process, getting a framework in place is a good starting point. I am committed to having our concerts reflect much of what we do in the classroom. I will...
Mallet Technique
Mallet Technique I am certain that you discussed mallet technique in your Level’s courses, so as you already know, how we hold a pair of mallets to strike barred instruments really affects the quality of sound! Here are a few tips for correct mallet grip: Use a...
Early Elementary Barred Instrument Lesson: Exploring Sound with Frog and Toad
First Grade Barred Instrument Lesson: Exploring Sound with Frog and Toad Objective Students will explore sound using barred instruments while practicing good mallet technique, focusing on allowing the mallet to bounce off the bar. Materials Barred instruments...
Exploring Unpitched Percussion: A Halloween Lesson
Exploring Unpitched Percussion Lesson I LOVE the creative possibilities in the music room during October! From songs like, “Who Has Seen the Wind,” to poems and “B” sections about leaves falling, and of course Halloween, I find that students’ imaginations burst with...