Our Classroom
Instruments ranging from auxiliary and unpitched percussion to traditional Orff xylophones are used through the Kinder to 5th grade spectrum. Beginning in Kinder we explore instrumental timbres and basic ascending and descending melodic patterns. Instruments of the orchestra are also explored and experienced through a field trip to a local symphony. In fourth grade, recorders are introduced and studied through the end of the elementary music curriculum.
Movement is key to a full musical education. Listening lessons, cultural folk dances, staged choreography, and student generated movement all create a kinesthetic understanding of music. We use a variety of props including ribbon streamers, scarves, parachutes, and costumes to help our exploration.
Using campus technology, we explore apps such as Garage Band to understand composition, instrumentation, and arranging. Computer lab days are arranged to provide a chance to further study ear training, composition, instrumental families, and even beatboxing! BYOD (bring your own device) is encouraged for research projects and shared using video software and apps.
We use various materials including flashcards, LEGOs, puppets, and rubber ducks to reinforce musical concepts. These tools help us visualize music and tap into other intelligences to have a stronger understanding. They may be used one on one as a reinforcement, small group stations, or as a whole class activity.
An aspect of the advanced percussion ensemble is for second year members to mentor first year members. This both strengthens the second year member while building a stronger support structure for the whole ensemble. Mentoring fosters accountability, responsibility, dedication, and leadership. In the general classroom student leaders are encouraged to step up and help support other students. Peer teaching bolsters understanding but also creates a sense of ownership in the classroom community.
Annual grade level productions allow students an opportunity to experience a staged performance and the components to a full production including staging, set design, costumes, and choreography. These opportunities may be a more formalized musical, a student created informance, or may be collaborating with a curriculum night to showcase an interdisciplinary approach.
Music is a form of literature and incorporating children's stories helps demonstrate the storytelling nature of art. These books bring to life the history of songs and biographies of musicians. They challenge us to find ways to enhance the written word with instruments and movement. A rich classroom library invites students to immerse themselves in a variety of musical topics including jazz, dance, composers, history of songs, instruments, and sing-a-longs.
Music is a communal art form. I actively work to create community partnerships with local symphonies, operas, workshops, and performances for students. Relationships have been built with organizations such as Dallas Symphony Orchesta, The Dallas Opera, Plano Symphony Orchestra, and Brookhaven College. Family curriculum nights encourage the students to take the role of teacher as they share their knowledge with family and friends. Interactive curriculum creates curiosities and ownership.