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...
Percussive Play: Building Rhythmic Skills Through Partwork, Poetry, and Movement By Roger Sams and Michael Vasquez
It’s the start of the year! You can't wait to pull out instruments! You question whether or not to bring out the big instruments…maybe work up to them. Starting the year slowly and surely by introducing unpitched percussion (UPP) can be a great way to ease into your...
Building Your Classroom Instrumentarium: Recorders!
Recorders! It had such a positive impact on my elementary music experience that it's to blame for starting me on my musical path! The rest is history and here I am, full circle as an elementary music teacher! Now, I know you’re excited and committed to including the...
Building Your Classroom Instrumentarium: Unpitched Percussion
I have walked into classrooms that have 40 triangles but only 10 strikers, an entire box full of shekeres in 3 different sizes, and jingle bells to outfit the entire school, but not one decent hand drum or pair of claves! This has kinda been my world since jumping...