#musedchat Archive
Each Monday evening at 8PM EST, music teachers get together and share ideas about important topics within music education. It’s a great chance to interact directly with educators from all over the world and to get new tips and tricks to help you succeed in the classroom. The entire #musedchat discussion is organized and moderated by Joe Guarr.
Monday February 22, 2016
It's time! Our topic: Creating your ideal music program. Be sure to introduce yourself.
Hey y’all Anne here from WA!! Just made it home in time :)
Thanks for joining us tonight Anne, hope you're doing well.
hello all Chuck from NJ. I teach 4-5 band.
Bill from Mattawan, MI Teaching 6-12 Band
Hey Chuck, great to see you again. Hope you've been well.
Hi all! Michelle from Florida.
Hi Bill, welcome back. Good evening to you.
Hi everyone! Alex from MI. HS/5th Instrumental Music.
Hi Michelle, thanks for joining us tonight
Hi all! Amy from MI. Middle school band.
Great to see you as always, Alex.
Hi Amy, how was your Monday?
so many folks from MI, my home state!! Any grads??
Hi All, John from Rhode Island, Gr. 6-8, General Music and Choral
happy to be here! It is my favorite way to spend 8-9pm on a Monday.
just a Master's degree...I bleed green :)
Productive! Putting finishing touches on Festival music and we shared out pics as part of .
Hey all! Phyllis from Louisiana. Just learned school is cancelled due to severe weather tomorrow. Eek!
it happens, I did the MLT workshop there this summer :) Grew up in Charlotte
Nice! What's on the festival program?
Hi John, welcome to the chat!
With Dr. Taggart? She's amazing!
Hey Everyone! Chip, 6-12 Band and HS Choir in Jackson, MI. Live in Monroe. Looking forward to tonight's chat!
Hi! Kelly from Rochester, NY Jr High/ High School Choral General
Hi Chip, good evening to you.
Gateway March, Southern Hymn Setting, Ghost Riders for 7th. Command March, Country Wildflowers, Canto for 8th.
Great to see you tonight, Kelly
indeed she is! Love Cindy!!
Oooh, love Country Wildflowers
Dr. Taggart makes me wish I went to MSU for Undergrad. (or did a Masters in Music)
I think I may need to move to MI. Apparently that's where it's at!!!
Vocal Festival on Thursday. Is it wrong I'm hoping for a snow day? could use a few more rehearsals!
Oh and I teach 5th grade choir & 7th/8th grade piano
I think you'll probably get your wish.
Ha! All the cool kids are here! :)
Welcome to the chat and good evening!
Andrea. Gr 6-12 band. Alberta, Canada.
I don’t know, I’ll take my mountains over snow these days! but I’ll come back for the lakes in the summer ;)
Hi all, Band 6-8 greenwood In fully caffeinated and ready for
Our Pre-Fest concert is Wed. Worried evening activities will be cancelled. No snow till Fest season:
Q1: What does the curriculum look like in your ideal music program? What course offerings MUST be included?
IO need to pay off this current masters first. Finishing MSU’s K-12 Ed Admin grad program in May.
It's growing on the Ss (no pun intended). We've got some nice moments, but can always develop more expressive playing.
Welcome to the chat! Caffeine is love...
A1: Band, Strings, Piano, Guitar, Theory/Composition. Curriculum would have specific standards for every level and instrument.
A1: Would love to do more with jazz. More time for history, theory and improv. Feel like everything is concert prep.
A1.1: I also want a music technology and film music class. Perhaps even a rock band…a perfect program would have LOTS of music Ts
A1: Huge question! Performance, Composition, History, Technology, Current Music
A1: Band, Orchestra, Choir, and some sort of beginning instrumental experience for HS students
add Choir and some sort of pop music "garage band (not the app)" class https://t.co/AgnwncqLHM
A1: Band, Strings, Piano, Guitar, Theory/Composition. Curriculum would have specific standards for every level and instrument.
A1: Performance would still play a huge role, but Ss get more time to focus on process and skill development
A1: Comprehensive K-12 scope and sequence. We do so much in the primary grades that can be built upon!
A1: I think the curriculum we have now is pretty good, just needs a few tweaks.
I like the idea of "LOTS of music Ts" https://t.co/IAYLPV46YI
A1.1: I also want a music technology and film music class. Perhaps even a rock band…a perfect program would have LOTS of music Ts
A1: what about a chamber music class?
how did I forget vocal?! mens, womens, mixed, and vocal jazz ensembles.
My school system offers Pk-2 gen mus; 3-5 gen mus, choir, band; 6-8 choir, band, piano; HS: band, jazz band, choir, piano, theory
A1: Lots of time (at least 3x/week) for music in elementary. Maybe an infant music class through a community center.
A1: on a twitter chat the other night someone shared they have an elementary Ukulele club!
Definitely. Love concerts & process of preparing, but run into time issues when trying to incorporate other things.
definitely aural theory/singing throughout, even in instrumental ensembles so ss can become better readers, improvisers, etc
Already offer vocal/band ensemble, small ensembles, solo, guitar. All for student credit.
A1: I'd add jazz choir, guitar, and perhaps a music tech class
Legislation was intro'd this month in MI requiring 90 minutes of music and art in k-5.
Ukes are becoming more prevalent in elementary programs. Great way to get students engaged.
using the Royal Conservatory of Music curriculum in piano. Love the incorporation of ear training and sight reading.
Yup! Glad to see Michigan taking some positive steps there
A1: Would like to see offerings that hit a wider student population than typical performance ensembles.
A1: Opportunity for SS to start an instrument in older grades.
This could be a huge deal for programs. We need more access points. https://t.co/QyJOU8lIfV
A1: Opportunity for SS to start an instrument in older grades.
I've begun flipping for the other stuff: theory, history, listening, even improv.
I have 3 HS beginners in my band this year. Mores Ss need to be given the opportunity.
Hey folks Antoine here from Woodbridge Ontario Canada HS instrumental music teacher MB and drumline director
This is so important! If we're really emphasizing "STEAM," Ss need real, immersive, artistic experiences, not lip service
I’m not familiar with that, but anything that keeps ss internalizing is where it’s at!
Great to have you with us tonight Antoine
They talked about it at MMC. Was very exciting! Said to use when sharing about it on social media.
lansing schools still w/out?
Thanks to for leading the charge here
A1 HS level band, vocal, percussion classes. I'd say no to strings unless the elementary schools teach it.
A1: the flow tends to be try band / orchestra them go to choir. Would be cool to offer it the other way https://t.co/DlEJ8D013e
A1: Opportunity for SS to start an instrument in older grades.
I'll have to check that one out. I use RCoM for my voice Ss
I think it would be so cool to have a world music course inc both history and perf
Immersive is the perfect word. When I was in elem, 1 music T shared between four bldgs. Awful.
Q2: What would professional development look like in your ideal music program?
A2: Lead by music teachers!!!!!
A2: style. Ss and Ts learning from and with each other.
Q2. Opportunities to go watch other conductors and music programs. Lonely in my school division, only 2 band teachers.
A2: Work with prof. conductors, more 1:1 critiquing and growing for my teaching. Personalized to my subject and my kids.
LOVE this idea. They implemented it in my old district and teachers love it
dipping their toes in doesn't give Ss the skills to become "College and Career Ready." Learning artistic skills does
Q2 I hear but understand that MB can be a burden but if I can get any good pd on the marching band aspect for HS
Yes! A system where neighboring districts create a PD cal. that allows Ts to observe each other would be great
A2: hands on playing/singing. T band/orch/choir to try ped. skills, conducting, etc. Totally agree with
That would be phenomenal!
My admin let me do that before I taught choir last year. Would not have survived w/o it.
A2: Observing other teachers at ALL stages of career, combo musicianship and educational practice
A2: Musical. Prof. Dev. for Music Ts should be musical.
Admins get to have cohorts to support their growth. Ts deserve the same!
done it a couple times and loved it. Would like more opportunities.
we did an inst. music string day for PD. we all brought a string instrument. learned pedagogy, SR lit.
it helps we have 12 inst. music teachers…
I'm enjoying being in a bldg w/ other music Ts. Trying to pop into other classes on my prep.
I’ve found so much support in the online community lately, such great stuff out there!!
I love both Twitter and the various Facebook groups for ideas.
Q3: How would your ideal music program interact with the greater school community, and the outside community?
A3: I would have a full time PR person, Social Media account specialist, grant writer, photographer, fundraiser, etc.
Band Directors Facebook Group, Music Teachers, I'm a General Music Teacher are my go-to's.
A3: LOTS of public performances and interactions. Soloists, chamber groups, full ensembles, etc. perform, perform, perform.
A3: I've always wanted to do some outreach concerts during the school day, set up chamber ensembles all around the school.
A3: It would be great to have such a community following that the community pours through the doors to attend music events
A3 regular scheduled community concerts for small children and seniors, ensembles and chamber groups
A3.1 Realistically, our program would need to create community opportunities through performances with various public groups
You have 7 days until March! get prepping!
A3 perform at school game/events ie hockey or grad. Perform in the community ie. Parades or Christmas events ie tree lighting
Are there any community bands in your area that you could share a concert with?
our MS choir/band did a concert @ the largest church in town. Standing room. I'm very lucky. The community loved us
A3 I do roaming concerts w lessons groups now. Once or twice a week I have groups visit K,1 and 2 classes for mini concerts
A3: It would be awesome if the music was more imbedded in the school day for all students—not sure what this would look like!
I'm not sure. We have a fantastic community band in the area, but they do standalone concerts generally,
This is a great idea! https://t.co/GVDDsH6Qxb
A3 I do roaming concerts w lessons groups now. Once or twice a week I have groups visit K,1 and 2 classes for mini concerts
A3: More opportunities for music making/courses outside of large ensemble might help, not as formal. There aren’t enough hours!
Bucket drumming is both cheap and accessible!
agreed. We'd need to run a class on its own but there isn't much interest in composition vs performance classes
that and marimba ensembles (in elem) are HUGE in the PNW. Had never seen either embedded in programs before
Mariachi is a big thing in the Southwest, too.
right, and AP theory is the often the only mused elective offered
also don't forget that Ss only have so much room in there schedule
Truth! That was new to me when I was in TX. Music really is situated, pockets everywhere!
Precisely—it’s an ed culture thing
Q4: What characteristics would you look for in the staff for your ideal music program?
A4: Excellent musicians who are passionate, organized, and put student needs first.
A4: Learners above all. People unafraid to try new things, collaborate with others, etc.
A4: innovator, collaborator, artist, engaging, kind-hearted, student centered.
A4: Must be willing collaborators and communicators. A program works best when teachers work closely together.
A4: teamwork. comradery. flexibility. communication. amongst all.
I really like that you included kind-hearted in there. I think sometimes that gets overlooked.
A4: Focused on KIDS, musicianship, a willingness to be vulnerable and collaborative—two things that can be tricky with Type As!
A4 open minded, all about the students and looking to get involved in the community
A4: Energetic, good humored people who are constantly learning and have a desire to share their love of music with Ss.
Must truly connect w kids first, high level of musicianship 2nd and flexibility, open minded and great sense of humor 3rd
Took the words right out of my mouth!
i always disliked when ed majors would use their degree program as an excuse for poor performance.
music teachers should be the BEST musicians.
vulnerability is hard! we must model it for our students. https://t.co/V0yeb9MenY
A4: Focused on KIDS, musicianship, a willingness to be vulnerable and collaborative—two things that can be tricky with Type As!
definitely a sense of humour. If you can't have fun at work it's WORK. All work and no play makes jack a dull boy
A4: Someone who can make genuine connections with students.
thanks, Amy! It is something I always have to work to allow to shine through.
. How will the kids fall in love with music if it's dull and we don't have a sense of humor about it?
Prof told me that the most passionate person in the room should be the teacher. Stuck w/ me
Q5: What should be included in the physical facilities of the ideal music program? Classroom layout, performance venues, etc.
A5: an entire music wing! Large rooms w gorgeous risers & a tech lab full of macs! And iPads for all!
A5 Plenty of light, Windows, great sound system. Smart boards, practice rooms & lots of doors leading to beautiful outdoor areas
Q5 a room with a ceiling that is taller than 10 feet and able to hold 80+ kids comfortablely https://t.co/wNHMkhFBW8
Natural light is highly underrated! I really miss it in my new room.
A5: Large, open spaces for elementary classes to allow for lots of movement.
A4: an auditorium meant for music performance, not theater. separate rooms for band, orch, choir, piano, computer/midi lab,
A5: Would love to have more storage space...sometimes my room feels a little cluttered.
I have never had a room with a window or natural light :*(
so many storage rooms! (& music library, uniform storage, etc.) https://t.co/J3LyoxUJzW
A5: Would love to have more storage space...sometimes my room feels a little cluttered.
Large space in ensemble rooms to allow for many different setups. Circles, small groups, whatever you can think up
A5: Band room: Plenty of storage=instruments/music/trophies. Organized/bright/energetic environment to engulf them in the moment.
A5: would also love more practice rooms especially if they're sound proof. <3 when students practice, sometimes crave the silence
And this may sound like a "duh" but storage systems in said storage rooms.
