Parents do not always recognize what we do or realize the impact it has on their child’s learning, so I crafted this article for our parents to let them in on what all of us know ~ we build better brains! I share this with you not only as a bit of inspiration…after all, I […]
Last week I spoke about teaching the kids how to learn new rhythms through the steady beat ~ click HERE to read. This week I want to talk a little about beats and length. We don’t really teach this. On a whole, we don’t single out notes and have kids explore counting the beat to […]
I am so excited about a lesson I did with my students last week! In a piece of music that we are working on, there is a particularly difficult rhythm. It is a sixteenth syncopated rhythm, of course, and I was thinking about how to teach it like a professional musician would break it down […]
I love putting my students into small groups! It benefits them in so many ways and it allows me to step back and observe ~ something that we do not get to do very often! It also allows me to connect with students individually as I ask questions about their work or offer assistance when […]
Good Morning!! We are in the home stretch ~ Wahoo!! Only a few more days…. we can do it!! As concert dates are quickly approaching, I know how stressful things can get! So in this issue, I thought I would give you some ideas on how to involve the audience both before, during and after the […]
I just finished teaching a small group of boys and it is clear that they need to move around and/ or use their hands!! As I researched gender differences in the classroom, it is astonishing to me that we still teach in a manner that requires kids to sit most of the day! We are […]
Classes can be crazy this time of year, especially when you are preparing for a concert! If you find yourself with a bit of time that needs to be filled, here is a fun game to play! It takes “Hot and Cold” to a whole new level!! When one is far from the object, one sings […]
The Macy’s parade interactive website offers a variety of facts and photos from its long history, but I pulled out those that I thought were musical noteworthy! (Some are direct quotes, while others are a summary) Here they are: 1920’s The inaugural Macy’s Day Parade took place on Christmas, 1924 with performers, jazz bands and animals from the […]
It is quite a big deal to be a part of this event! If you would like your marching band to participate, you need to apply by March 1st, 2017 to be considered for the 2018 parade! Talk about planning!!! (You can apply HERE!) It is said that approximately 300 bands apply and only 12 […]
The musical performers for this year are quite a diverse crew, however, my 2 favorites have to be Tony Bennett and of course, the Muppets!! Here is they are: Brett Eldredge Chloe and Halle Daya De La Soul Easton Corbin Fitz And The Tantrums Jacob Whitesides Kelsea Ballerini Maddie & Tae Aloe Blacc Ben Rector […]