Tag: music
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The Invisible Act of Differentiation
A few weeks before I meet my students, I am already thinking about differentiation. I meet with parents and guardians, learn more about the students who will walk into my classroom, and begin to imagine what this particular group of musicians might sound like. One student may need more support to be successful, while another…
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The Invisible Act of Belonging: Creating a Classroom Where Students Can Take Risks
Four weeks before the school year begins, I am already thinking about classroom culture. I’m thinking about the music, of course. I’m thinking about repertoire, instrumentation, projects, performances, and the skills I want students to develop. But underneath all of those decisions is another set of questions: What kind of room do I want students…
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The Invisible Act of Belonging: Making Room for Students Long Before We Make Music
It’s early August, about four weeks before the school year begins, and I’m looking at my class rosters. I’m trying to learn names. Some of the names are familiar. Others are completely new to me. I’m looking at the list and beginning to imagine the students who will eventually walk through the door. I’m thinking…
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Documenting the Journey of a Music Educator
Among my goals as an educator is helping those around me feel a sense of safety and belonging. Opportunities to build community happen in various settings, where music education happens. A key opportunity arises during concerts and assemblies. Here, students share their efforts with fellow students, faculty, staff, and parents. Additionally, my work in Equity…
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Engaging Music Education: Freedom and Creativity in Performance Classes
Project-based performance classes are a fun and dynamic way to get students playing instruments that aren’t usually part of a traditional orchestra, like electric guitars and drum sets. After hearing from students that they wanted more chances to perform and be involved in music, I decided to switch to this format. Our curriculum is designed…
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Jazz Fest: A New Orleans Story Trailer
I recently watched this film and was both highly entertained and educated. Check out the trailer below:
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Teaching Orchestra and Band in a Digital Space: Day 1
It’s hard to imagine how someone could remotely teach an interactive music class like an orchestra or band, but given the current situation, with Seattle being the epicenter of the Coronavirus, this is now my new reality as an instrumental music instructor. This week starts our three-week (or until further notice) experience teaching and learning…
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My Experience With Classical Music This December
As a trumpeter within the symphonic musical sphere, I don’t always get to look into the audience and notice the demographics of the patrons. A few years ago I started to take stock of the audiences I get the opportunity to perform in front of in December. I wrote about this in a post called…
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Persistent Ear-Worm
Over the summer I find myself going between the dropping off my kid at summer camps, helping the family with home-related projects, working/ continuing to learn how to care for my house, writing/ arranging music and (of course) practicing my instrument. Summer is a convenient time to make significant progress on some of these things.…
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