#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 January 8, 2018
8:00 PM EST

  • participatechat Jan 8 @ 8:00 PM EST
    Participate in the upcoming #musedchat by sharing resources and collaborating at https://t.co/x9OSK7xqnl
  • jguarr - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:01 PM EST
    Welcome to the first #musedchat of 2018! We'll be talking about our goals for the upcoming year. Be sure to introduce yourself! #musiced
  • jhallma_mused Jan 8 @ 8:01 PM EST
    Greetings, I'm John from MI. Currently a music education major! #musedchat
  • jguarr - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:02 PM EST
    Hi John, hope you enjoyed your holidays! #musedchat
    In reply to @jhallma_mused
  • TubaChic Jan 8 @ 8:02 PM EST
    Hello everyone! I'm Susie and I teach 4th and 5th grade band near Sacramento, CA. #musedchat
  • jguarr - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:02 PM EST
    Welcome Susie, hope you enjoyed your break #musedchat
    In reply to @TubaChic
  • jhallma_mused Jan 8 @ 8:03 PM EST
    Thank you! Hope you had a relaxing break and that you feel ready to take on the world this semester! #musedchat
    In reply to @jguarr
  • TubaChic Jan 8 @ 8:04 PM EST
    I did!! Got some things accomplished and relaxed a little. For the record, I still dislike painting. How about you Joe? #musedchat
  • jarvelamused Jan 8 @ 8:04 PM EST
    Hey everyone! Adam from NJ, I teach music to preK thru 6. Happy new year! #musedchat
  • jguarr - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:04 PM EST
    It was a nice, much-needed vacation. Energized! #musedchat
    In reply to @jhallma_mused
  • jguarr - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:05 PM EST
    Welcome Adam, and a happy New Year to you as well #musedchat
    In reply to @jarvelamused
  • bksnider Jan 8 @ 8:05 PM EST
    Hey, everybody! It’s been a while! I’m Becky, and I teach junior high band & choir in northern Indiana. #musedchat
  • TDucassoux Jan 8 @ 8:05 PM EST
    Hello! Theresa from D.C. I teach 4th-5th grade band and orchestra 🎶 #musedchat
  • jguarr - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:06 PM EST
    Great break, we did absolutely nothing and it was wonderful #musedchat
    In reply to @TubaChic
  • EmilyAnn0113 Jan 8 @ 8:06 PM EST
    Hi everyone! Emily from NJ. I teach prek-8th grade #musedchat
  • jguarr - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:06 PM EST
    Welcome Becky, how are you tonight? #musedchat
    In reply to @bksnider
  • jguarr - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:06 PM EST
    Good to see you Theresa, how are you? #musedchat
    In reply to @TDucassoux
  • ABarneyMusic Jan 8 @ 8:06 PM EST
    Happy New Year everyone! Austin from NJ 2-5 gen. music teacher. Excited that we're all back together #musedchat
  • theatreducate - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:07 PM EST
    There you all are, I hashtagged incorrectly, TWICE! #musedchat
  • jguarr - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:07 PM EST
    Welcome back, hope you enjoyed your holiday break #musedchat
    In reply to @ABarneyMusic
  • EmilyAnn0113 Jan 8 @ 8:07 PM EST
    Hi everyone! Emily from NJ. I teach prek-8th general. 4-8th instrumental and k-2 violins #musedchat
  • jguarr - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:07 PM EST
    Good to see you! #musedchat
    In reply to @theatreducate
  • jguarr - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:07 PM EST
    Hi Emily, hope you're doing well tonight #musedchat
    In reply to @EmilyAnn0113
  • jhallma_mused Jan 8 @ 8:07 PM EST
    Lol! Good to see you. #musedchat
    In reply to @theatreducate
  • bksnider Jan 8 @ 8:07 PM EST
    I’m doing well! I had a great first day back from break today—a two hour delay helped! #musedchat
    In reply to @jguarr
  • TDucassoux Jan 8 @ 8:07 PM EST
    Great, thanks! Happy new year! #musedchat
    In reply to @jguarr
  • jguarr - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:07 PM EST
    Q1 coming shortly #musedchat
  • theatreducate - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:08 PM EST
    #musedchat Hi All! Glad to be back, even if it’s on,y because bad weather has school cancelled! MT, on MD’s Eastern Shore
  • EmilyAnn0113 Jan 8 @ 8:08 PM EST
    Happy new year hope you’re off to a good start! #musedchat
    In reply to @jguarr
  • jguarr - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:09 PM EST
    Q1: What are you most looking forward to in the second half of your school year? #musedchat
  • jhallma_mused Jan 8 @ 8:11 PM EST
    A1: I get to be in a new placement! I'm really looking forward to seeing myself change into a better educator as well as try out new conducting gestures I've been working on. #musedchat
  • jguarr - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:11 PM EST
    Awesome! What level is the new placement? #musedchat
    In reply to @jhallma_mused
  • jhallma_mused Jan 8 @ 8:12 PM EST
    High school band! #musedchat
    In reply to @jguarr
  • theatreducate - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:12 PM EST
    A1: spring concert, 8th grade play, incorporating coding into my music curriculum #musedchat
  • jguarr - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:12 PM EST
    Very cool, you're going to love it #musedchat
    In reply to @jhallma_mused
  • jguarr - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:12 PM EST
    Using Scratch to code, or something else? #musedchat
    In reply to @theatreducate
  • bksnider Jan 8 @ 8:13 PM EST
    A1: I’m really psyched about the rep I’ve picked for this semester. But more than that, I’m excited that my mental health seems to be on an upswing and I have more energy for juggling ALL THE THINGS. #musedchat
  • jhallma_mused Jan 8 @ 8:13 PM EST
    Thanks, I'm already excited for the new opportunities. #musedchat
    In reply to @jguarr
  • jarvelamused Jan 8 @ 8:13 PM EST
    A1: Trying some new things with small group lessons, and getting to that spring concert. #musedchat
  • jguarr - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:13 PM EST
    Mental health is hugely important, glad you're doing well. What rep do you have planned? #musedchat
    In reply to @bksnider
  • TubaChic Jan 8 @ 8:14 PM EST
    A1: Not having pre or post concert brain until April! Improving fundamentals and playing some fun games. Also planning a composition unit. #musedchat
  • jguarr - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:14 PM EST
    A1: I somehow lucked into a handful of monster bassoonists...so we're going to try Alligator Alley. #musedchat
  • ABarneyMusic Jan 8 @ 8:14 PM EST
    A1: MIOSM, Spring Concert and multi-level musical. Also going through my entire first-year as a teacher. #musedchat
  • theatreducate - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:15 PM EST
    Using my Dash robots and their xylophones to accompany a piece. #musedchat
    In reply to @jguarr
  • jguarr - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:15 PM EST
    Those long stretches without a performance can be such a blessing...there's finally time to really dig in #musedchat
    In reply to @TubaChic
  • jhallma_mused Jan 8 @ 8:15 PM EST
    I love that piece! I got the opportunity to learn it in my ed classes. Best of luck! #musedchat
    In reply to @jguarr
  • TDucassoux Jan 8 @ 8:16 PM EST
    A1: Lots of good stuff! I have some collaboration projects planned…breaking down the walls of the classroom 😀 Also continuing w/ personalized learning goals...so much fun! 🎶 #musedchat
  • EmilyAnn0113 Jan 8 @ 8:16 PM EST
    I started a new job this year after being in the same one for the past ten years. The transition was really tough but I’m excited to say I’ve settled in and I’m just excited to be building a program with a new group of kids. #musedchat
    In reply to @jguarr
  • bksnider Jan 8 @ 8:16 PM EST
    I’m doing Hazo’s As Winds Dance with my 7th grade band, and Arabian Dances (Barrett) with 8th grade, among other things #musedchat
    In reply to @jguarr
  • jguarr - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:16 PM EST
    A1: We're also going to @MMEAMichigan instrumental clinics for a second year. Highly recommend you go if you're in MI. #musedchat
  • jguarr - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:17 PM EST
    Arabian Dances is a blast, love that piece. #musedchat
    In reply to @bksnider
  • EmilyAnn0113 Jan 8 @ 8:17 PM EST
    A1 I started a new job this year after being in the same one for the past ten years. The transition was really tough but I’m excited to say I’ve settled in and I’m just excited to be building a program with a new group of kids. #musedchat
  • jarvelamused Jan 8 @ 8:18 PM EST
    and i mean getting to that spring concert because i’m genuinely excited not that i want it over with #musedchat
    • jarvelamused Jan 8 @ 8:13 PM EST
      A1: Trying some new things with small group lessons, and getting to that spring concert. #musedchat
  • TubaChic Jan 8 @ 8:18 PM EST
    Yes they can be! Our performance calendar looks different this year as we had combined concert with MS in December. So I threw in our first recital night in February, but it's optional. #musedchat
    • jguarr - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:15 PM EST
      Those long stretches without a performance can be such a blessing...there's finally time to really dig in #musedchat
      In reply to @TubaChic
  • jguarr - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:20 PM EST
    Q2: What do you hope to improve on as a teacher or musician in 2018? #musedchat
  • TDucassoux Jan 8 @ 8:20 PM EST
    Congrats! What are you MIOSM plans? #musedchat
    In reply to @ABarneyMusic
  • jarvelamused Jan 8 @ 8:20 PM EST
    if I can jump on and make this a spring rep thread, I’m gonna be pulling out Anne McGinty for my kids this year, hopefully they get hooked on it early I will so pumped #musedchat
    In reply to @bksnider, @jguarr
  • bksnider Jan 8 @ 8:22 PM EST
    A2: Really hoping to be more consistent with classroom management. #musedchat
  • EmilyChurch86 Jan 8 @ 8:22 PM EST
    A1- I am looking forward to teaching and learning as much as I can before Maternity leave in April! I plan to make the most of my 12ish weeks left and giving my students awesome experiences learning to read, write, and perform music #musedchat
  • TubaChic Jan 8 @ 8:22 PM EST
    A2: Teacher: CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT. ugh Definitely one of my weakest points. 4/5th Graders are like herding kittens. #musedchat
  • jguarr - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:22 PM EST
    Congratulations! #musedchat
    In reply to @EmilyChurch86
  • jarvelamused Jan 8 @ 8:23 PM EST
    A2: as a teacher: trying to be more accessible. as a musician: bar chords on guitar! #musedchat
  • jhallma_mused Jan 8 @ 8:23 PM EST
    A2: As a teacher I want to take what I learned in elem classes (use of metaphors and talking less) and apply it to a different setting. #musedchat
  • theatreducate - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:23 PM EST
    A2: not enough characters to respond..... I want to try more quantitative assessments #musedchat
  • TubaChic Jan 8 @ 8:23 PM EST
    A2: Musician: Getting better at switching between BBb and Eb. Also, learning to play my newly repaired F Tuba. More horn on face time for Clarinet and Trombone. #musedchat
  • ImTheRealReRe Jan 8 @ 8:24 PM EST
    A2: remembering that singing should be fun not stressful. I don’t always have to prove myself every time I Sing or be the one that doesn’t make mistakes. It’s ok to ask for help and admit that something is hard. It doesn’t make me a bad musician when I struggle. #musedchat
    In reply to @jguarr
  • jarvelamused Jan 8 @ 8:25 PM EST
    Congrats! Mrs. and I are having our first due in March. I’m very excited! (and the walls are closing in...) #musedchat
    In reply to @EmilyChurch86
  • TubaChic Jan 8 @ 8:25 PM EST
    What's your plan for this? I'm currently reading "Classroom Mgmt for Arts, Music and PE Teachers". Also will work on routines. #musedchat
    • bksnider Jan 8 @ 8:22 PM EST
      A2: Really hoping to be more consistent with classroom management. #musedchat
  • jguarr - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:25 PM EST
    Congratulations to you too, Adam! We had our first back in September, it's an amazing experience #musedchat
    In reply to @jarvelamused, @EmilyChurch86
  • ABarneyMusic Jan 8 @ 8:26 PM EST
    A2: trying to be more reflective on my lessons. What worked, what didn't. Also more time on my Ukulele and Guitar! #musedchat
  • jhallma_mused Jan 8 @ 8:26 PM EST
    A2.1: As a musician I want to play with a better sound, play with better intonation, better rhythm, better articulation, and become a better storyteller with my performances. #musedchat #higherfasterlouder
  • TDucassoux Jan 8 @ 8:26 PM EST
    A2: As a musician: develop a better practice routine. As a teacher: better help/inspire the lower quarter of my ensembles #musedchat
  • EmilyAnn0113 Jan 8 @ 8:26 PM EST
    A2: Classroom management particularly with the little kids since I’ve never taught elementary school before this year. #musedchat
  • jguarr - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:27 PM EST
    A2: I'd like to play my horn outside of school more often...tried playing Blue Bells of Scotland the other day and it was a disaster. Need to practice again! #musedchat
  • jarvelamused Jan 8 @ 8:27 PM EST
    and you’re still alive! That’s an encouraging sign... #musedchat
    In reply to @jguarr, @EmilyChurch86
  • EmilyChurch86 Jan 8 @ 8:27 PM EST
    A2- I hope to improve on teaching kdg. It is my first year for teaching them and I LOVE their energy and excitement but I know I can make their lessons much more impactful. I have lots of resources I need to get reading and using... #musedchat
  • jguarr - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:28 PM EST
    Here's the secret #musedchat
    In reply to @jarvelamused, @EmilyChurch86
  • bksnider Jan 8 @ 8:28 PM EST
    Starting out, I’m planning to just work on holding us all accountable to the expectations I’ve already had. It’s so easy for me to get impatient and just start teaching over the chitchat. #musedchat
    In reply to @TubaChic
  • TDucassoux Jan 8 @ 8:28 PM EST
    Reflection is huge! Not only for us as T's but also for our Ss. I've begun blogging this year, and it's made a huge impact #musedchat
    In reply to @ABarneyMusic
  • jhallma_mused Jan 8 @ 8:28 PM EST
    Good luck! In my experience classroom management for little kids means letting them blow off steam when they need it. #musedchat
    In reply to @EmilyAnn0113
  • jguarr - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:28 PM EST
    A2: Teaching wise, I'd like to get better at time management. A few projects coming up, need to make sure they all get handled well #musedchat
  • TubaChic Jan 8 @ 8:28 PM EST
    Ooohh that's a good idea too! Our kiddo received a ukulele for Christmas and she's going to town on it. I need to learn some chords too. #musedchat
    In reply to @ABarneyMusic
  • EmilyAnn0113 Jan 8 @ 8:30 PM EST
    Thanks! Yeah there have definitely been days when that had to happen and it completely caught me off guard! #musedchat
    In reply to @jhallma_mused
  • Mwren13 Jan 8 @ 8:32 PM EST
    Yes to both! I will be attempting to play guitar during Mass so bar chords would be helpful. #musedchat
    In reply to @jarvelamused
  • theatreducate - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:35 PM EST
    I’ve been teaching my 7th graders guitar to play in Mass this year. #musedchat
    • Mwren13 Jan 8 @ 8:32 PM EST
      Yes to both! I will be attempting to play guitar during Mass so bar chords would be helpful. #musedchat
      In reply to @jarvelamused
  • dan_austin76 Jan 8 @ 8:35 PM EST
    A2. Gotta learn to manage my time better and not get too busy. Also need to learn how to say “no” more often #musedchat
  • jguarr - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:36 PM EST
    Q3: What challenges do you anticipate through the rest of this school year? #musedchat
  • dan_austin76 Jan 8 @ 8:36 PM EST
    A1. Festival season!!! Love getting my bands out playing and getting great adjudications #musedchat
  • jhallma_mused Jan 8 @ 8:37 PM EST
    A3: Time management in and outside of the classroom for sure. #musedchat
  • theatreducate - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:37 PM EST
    A3: Time, weather is causing major havoc. Nervous about getting it all done. #musedchat
  • TubaChic Jan 8 @ 8:38 PM EST
    A3: Managing time between home and work. Making sure things happen when they are supposed to. #musedchat
  • dan_austin76 Jan 8 @ 8:38 PM EST
    A3. As the year progresses and the weather improves it is hard to keep the students engaged and enthusiastic #musedchat
  • EmilyAnn0113 Jan 8 @ 8:39 PM EST
    My biggest challenge in life #musedchat
    In reply to @TubaChic
  • TubaChic Jan 8 @ 8:39 PM EST
    A3: Helping Ss who are behind the class, to get caught up while still challenging Ss who are ahead of the class. #musedchat
    In reply to @jguarr
  • bksnider Jan 8 @ 8:39 PM EST
    A3: The daily grind tends to get me down. I have to work at finding the place where there’s consistency but not monotony. #musedchat
  • jarvelamused Jan 8 @ 8:39 PM EST
    A3: I’m trying new stuff and oh my god what am i doing i have no idea is it gonna work oh man #musedchat
  • TDucassoux Jan 8 @ 8:39 PM EST
    A3: Making it all fit! A lot of irons in the fire, both in and out of school. Very excited about it all though 😀 #musedchat
  • EmilyAnn0113 Jan 8 @ 8:40 PM EST
    A3: Time. Both at home and at work. Trying to retrain myself not to let work take all my energy and i end up too exhausted to do anything when i get home. #musedchat
  • jhallma_mused Jan 8 @ 8:40 PM EST
    Feeling burnt out is a difficult thing to avoid. It's important to step back, relax, and remember why we're doing what we're doing! #musedchat
    In reply to @bksnider
  • TDucassoux Jan 8 @ 8:40 PM EST
    I'm with you here! My biggest challenges is getting them caught up #musedchat
    In reply to @TubaChic, @jguarr
  • dan_austin76 Jan 8 @ 8:42 PM EST
    Always a challenge to keep motivated. I truly to always take on something new and different each year to keep me interested. Helps break up the monotony #musedchat
    In reply to @bksnider
  • jguarr - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:42 PM EST
    How many snow days have you had so far? Those can definitely complicate everything #musedchat
    In reply to @theatreducate
  • TDucassoux Jan 8 @ 8:42 PM EST
    That's the best! What's the worst that can happen? #musedchat
    In reply to @jarvelamused
  • TubaChic Jan 8 @ 8:43 PM EST
    I have been offering some before school help. I'm also doing our first Recital night so hoping that will help with motivation to practice at home. At least to help Ss who are ahead have challenging music to perform on. #musedchat
    • TDucassoux Jan 8 @ 8:40 PM EST
      I'm with you here! My biggest challenges is getting them caught up #musedchat
      In reply to @TubaChic, @jguarr
  • EmilyChurch86 Jan 8 @ 8:43 PM EST
    A3 - Fitting everything in! And when I don’t, letting it go and knowing that however far I get curriculum-wise is less important than the actual music making. Yes, curriculum is so important- but relationships with students are more important. #musedchat
  • theatreducate - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:44 PM EST
    We’ve been off since last Thursday, 2 hr delay tomorrow. Because of holidays, only 1 class in 4 weeks. #musedchat
    • jguarr - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:42 PM EST
      How many snow days have you had so far? Those can definitely complicate everything #musedchat
      In reply to @theatreducate
  • jguarr - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:45 PM EST
    A3: Seems like we pack a million things into the March-June stretch...avoiding burnout will be the challenge #musedchat
  • jhallma_mused Jan 8 @ 8:45 PM EST
    Exactly! Always a new lesson teach, new music to learn, and constant opportunities to grow and connect as an educator and musician. #musedchat
    In reply to @EmilyChurch86
  • jguarr - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:46 PM EST
    Oh wow, didn't realize how bad the weather was out east. We've mostly avoided major snowstorms here so far. #musedchat
    In reply to @theatreducate
  • Mwren13 Jan 8 @ 8:47 PM EST
    We started with a 2 hour delay today and then school was cancelled. One of my district's does eLearning days. #musedchat
  • jguarr - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:48 PM EST
    Is the eLearning a mandatory thing? #musedchat
    In reply to @Mwren13
  • theatreducate - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:49 PM EST
    It is for us, but only for core classes. #musedchat
  • Mwren13 Jan 8 @ 8:50 PM EST
    Yes, it counts as a day of school. It is "supposed" to be a full day of work. #musedchat
    In reply to @jguarr
  • jguarr - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:51 PM EST
    What if a kid doesn't have reliable internet access? #musedchat
    In reply to @Mwren13
  • Mwren13 Jan 8 @ 8:52 PM EST
    They have five days to complete it. One of my district does them and my other district does not. Depends on how many have the resources. #musedchat
    In reply to @jguarr
  • theatreducate - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:55 PM EST
    We have polled our Ss and this isn’t an issue for us. On a larger scale, most people have Internet, but only a mobile device. Less of a digital divide, more of a device divide. #musedchat
    In reply to @jguarr, @Mwren13
  • Mwren13 Jan 8 @ 8:56 PM EST
    In Indiana it is district by district. ##musedchat
    In reply to @theatreducate, @jguarr
  • jguarr - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:56 PM EST
    It isn't too common in MI, but I'm sure it'll start popping up more and more. #musedchat
    In reply to @Mwren13, @theatreducate
  • jguarr - Moderator Jan 8 @ 8:56 PM EST
    Gotta hop off a few minutes early to help with bedtime for the kiddo. Have a great week everybody! #musedchat
  • msmusiced Jan 8 @ 8:57 PM EST
    Just reading today...I have not had any snow days and I'm actually jealous. It's so cold. #musedchat