Framework of Choices, Sub-Plan Ideas, Part II
Framework of Choice Sub-Plan Ideas, Part II Whether it’s you or your sub, having a list of possibilities to use for your music class is reassuring and helpful to everyone. Create a framework to work within. Maybe begin with a video, followed by quiet background...
When The Cat’s Away, The Mice Need To Play! Sub-Plan Ideas
When The Cat’s Away, The Mice Need To Play! Sub-Plan Ideas There are times when I would rather go to school and push through feeling lousy than make sub-plans. Our subs are typically not musicians or music teachers. And on top of it all, our students need us to be...
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...
Building Your Classroom Instrumentarium: Drums
At the beginning of the school year, when choosing an instrument to introduce first to students, drums (tubanos) would be high on the list of what I’d put in front of them. Am I crazy? Maybe, but I want students to understand how to approach an instrument...