Inviting guest artists to further enhance your music program delivery is indeed a valuable activity. This past week, I invited percussionist / guitarist: Rodrigo Chavez to work with my classes for five days. It was an incredible experience. This is not the first time for this visiting artist. Over the years, I have invited him many times, and for five days in a row as well. But for some reason, it was different this time.
He is a very talented educator, keeping the students engaged with his skill and artistry. He includes lessons on playing technique, posture, and variety of performance tones from each percussion instrument he describes. Students are exposed to a variety of Latin American styles: samba, Salsa, etc., and a variety of percussion instrument colours. He invites students to move to the music and sing in Spanish. The memory work is challenging and the concentration level is consistent. The students celebrate music and experience music in a community of sound, all contributing something unique and special at any expertise level.
Also, Rodrigo includes historical information that is interesting and raises the curiosity level of the students.
I really to think that this type of music instruction would work in the elementary school system. I wonder if something like this could be arranged. Rodrigo supplies the music instruments and is professional and so knowledgeable - everyone participates because he welcomes the energy and enthusiasm. He is supportive and knows how to get the most out of every student. The size of the group can be anywhere from 10 to 45 students. Although, the best results do come from working with smaller groups. The session would be work effectively if it happened once, but over five days is the best because he builds on previous experiences and reviews.
Congratulations!
