Creative Clutter and Music

 I feel so inspired and excited and validated to teach music after attending CMEA!  I serve as the District 4 Representative on the General Music Council for CMEA.  I love our team.  We did a tremendous job of planning and executing the conference this year.  A new thing, and a definite positive was having the kiosk at the front of Colorado Hall for the council to provide information and keep everything.  We had a free drawing of random items allowing for socialization and recruiting.  My students performance was AMAZING!  The have worked so long and hard and we got everything transferred the 50 miles to the event.  They were stellar actors and singers and also behaved so well.  I really could not have asked for a better result.  I am so thankful for my friend Rosina and all of the families! I attended many sessions and learned so much!  Artie Almeida is ALWAYS a must see.  I met her 25 years ago in Manhattan, Kansas. She always reminds me to HAVE FUN WITH MY STUDENTS. I immediately ca

Pirates 2: The Hidden Treasure Notes regarding rehearsal and performance. STUDENT PARTICIPATION I began the school year with 55 students (4th and 5th grade) in choir. A few weeks in I realized that was too many to put on a performance this caliber.  We decided to only have the 5th grade students participate in Pirates 2, these students were part of the Pirates production in 2022 that was submitted to the CMEA selection committee. As rehearsals began in late October we had some students drop out who were less committed. In January we added 5 stellar 4th grade students to the cast.  All rehearsals were conducted outside of the school day with one rehearsal per week until December when additional rehearsals were added. VOCALS:      We study Broadway music in September and October of 5th grade.  We discuss and learn differences between head voice and chest voice and how to sing in each.  Students in this performance have sung in after school choir and worked extensively on singing in a cho

 There is not a real answer to this real question.  I get busy with life and often share ideas with other music teachers in passing, but completely space keeping this updated. SO... 2023 Goal - blog once each month or more. Personal Update: I'm getting old! LOL We got all of our kiddos for Christmas this year! Terrel (27), Andrea (25), Cody, Me, Dylan (24), Ashtyn (21)

 

Individual Student Grades (I keep track on the class seating chart.  In general students receive 5 points per lesson unless they obviously were at a lower level.)

  In addition to students receiving daily points (which I only input into the online grading system monthly) classes strive to earn class points. Class points are determined by classes holding up fingers for the number of points they think the class deserves.  I often remind the students about behaviors I observed and then we take a consensus and place the points into the chart.