Thursday, September 27, 2012

South Elementary

Another school year has begun and we are swinging in the music classroom here at South Elementary School. I can't believe we are already in our 5th week of school! Great things are happening here. Check out the links to the classroom page and performance groups page.

Friday, January 13, 2012


Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent.
Victor Hugo


Music may achieve the highest of all mission: she may be a bond between nations, races, and states, who are strangers in many ways; she may unite what is disunited and bring peace to what is hostile.
Dr. Max Bendiner

FACT: The schools that produced the highest academic achievement in the United States today are spending 20% to 30% of the day on the arts, with special emphasis on music.
International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IAEEA) Test, 1988



All music class students are expected to participate in music classes to the best of their ability. Making a strong effort is what is important. Lessons in music are designed to meet the Massachusetts Frameworks for music and proceed in a sequential order from 1st - 4th grade. Students are exposed to music of various time periods and styles. Students learn about basic music concepts through the Kodaly method of teaching music. Grades are given following the description in the Elementary School report card. Students In grades 4 at South Elementary are invited to join the chorus at school if they choose to do so. Once they have made the commitment, they are expected to participate through the concert.



This is why I teach music:

Not because I expect you to major in music
Not because I expect you to sing or play all your life
Not so you can relax
Not so you can have fun
But, so you will be human
So you will recognize beauty
So you will be sensitive
So you will be closer to an infinite beyond this world
So you will have something to cling to
So you will have more love, compassion, gentleness, good - in short more life.
Of what value will it be to make a prosperous living unless you know how to live?
-Anonymous

(I found this on the blog of another music teacher and I really think it says so much about why I do what I do.)


Wednesday, January 11, 2012