My article entitled: Repeat Signs! Appears in the Journal of the Ontario Music Educators' Association, Autumn 2016, Volume LVIX, Number 1, pages 14, 16.
The article offers ideas for the classroom, activities and examples of what I tend to do daily with my work at St. Elizabeth CHS. I describe and share details about specific lesson activities and encourage other educators to think about observing best practices.
Currently, I am developing another article and hope to submit it before Christmas. Again, my focus with this new article is to share and describe activities I carry-out in the classroom which I believe challenges the music students to develop thinking skills, their reading abilities, their musical ear and more! So, these growing activities are based on my experience and tested.
Bye for now,
Tuesday, 22 November 2016
Tuesday, 1 November 2016
Environment -actually the weather today
I know that I have commented on the weather in other submissions to this blog. Today is November 1st, and the high today reached 18 degrees Celsius. It was a beautiful day with sunshine and some cloud.
Certainly usual for this time of year. The fall this year has been remarkable. Similar to this summer, absolutely amazing! There is no denying that the environment does affect our mood. I think I noticed people in general to be more pleasant this past summer and th emood of the students at school this fall has been better. Is this due to the weather? Perhaps indeed it does play a role. The classroom environment is one that maximizes the potential for learning. If your classroom is organized and fairly clean and you have colour posters attached to walls and you play recorded music or arrange activities that allow the space to be utilized safely, wow, what a great place to learn! We do get better results when we feel good and the weather establishes and encourages a better mood. So, get outside and make music, walk, see and feel the warmth of a beautiful fall day. When you return inside, you may be a slight bit better as the residue of the outside environment stays alive inside your mind, your heart, your soul!
Bye for now, going outside to listen to the sounds of fall.
Certainly usual for this time of year. The fall this year has been remarkable. Similar to this summer, absolutely amazing! There is no denying that the environment does affect our mood. I think I noticed people in general to be more pleasant this past summer and th emood of the students at school this fall has been better. Is this due to the weather? Perhaps indeed it does play a role. The classroom environment is one that maximizes the potential for learning. If your classroom is organized and fairly clean and you have colour posters attached to walls and you play recorded music or arrange activities that allow the space to be utilized safely, wow, what a great place to learn! We do get better results when we feel good and the weather establishes and encourages a better mood. So, get outside and make music, walk, see and feel the warmth of a beautiful fall day. When you return inside, you may be a slight bit better as the residue of the outside environment stays alive inside your mind, your heart, your soul!
Bye for now, going outside to listen to the sounds of fall.
Saturday, 17 September 2016
My return to school to teach after summer break
Well, back to it. I am excited about this year. I return differently. I feel less pressure and stress. It really is different. I am less responsible for administrative stuff and focus on my classroom work. It is much easier. Last year, my first year back without the headship, I really did not know what it would be like to do on-calls and cafeteria supervision. Having experienced a year of duties under my belt, this year I return with easy mind. Also, I realize how much easier it is to simply teach!
As a department head, there is that added pressure one puts on oneself to serve the department members, and be a part of many battles and critical decisions' to collect information and to act on problems to find resolution' to organize numerous events and be responsible for supporting decisions' to be a "go-to" person. Without these added duties, I go home early at night after teaching the day, and I don't carry any guilt, to stay for longer periods of the day to complete all the extra stuff.
I get involved with projects that I want to participate in. I choose instead of some one else choosing for me! It's a good start to the year!
As a department head, there is that added pressure one puts on oneself to serve the department members, and be a part of many battles and critical decisions' to collect information and to act on problems to find resolution' to organize numerous events and be responsible for supporting decisions' to be a "go-to" person. Without these added duties, I go home early at night after teaching the day, and I don't carry any guilt, to stay for longer periods of the day to complete all the extra stuff.
I get involved with projects that I want to participate in. I choose instead of some one else choosing for me! It's a good start to the year!
Friday, 5 August 2016
The weather
This past winter was so mild that I posted my joy about the weather some months ago! Well, currently the weather has been amazing; in fact, this summer has been one of the best that I can remember. Very little if any rain, hot and humid, beautiful sunny days, and warm evenings. The weather has been consistently beautiful since June! We were expecting the summer to be poor since the winter past was mild. But, no, incredibly dry and hot. However, the cost to air condition and water the lawn has been a difficult pill to swallow!
Does the weather help our mood? Does the good weather help educators to appreciate how fortunate we are to have our summer breaks?
In my community, I heard that some schools have already started the new year! These students and teachers will get time added to their winter break at Christmas, and march break, etc.,
My family travel has always had to take place in the summer, during peak cost time. It would have been nice to travel in the September / October time period when the weather was still very nice, a bit cooler, avoiding the humidity, and less costly to travel!
Something I can look forward to in a few years!
Does the weather help our mood? Does the good weather help educators to appreciate how fortunate we are to have our summer breaks?
In my community, I heard that some schools have already started the new year! These students and teachers will get time added to their winter break at Christmas, and march break, etc.,
My family travel has always had to take place in the summer, during peak cost time. It would have been nice to travel in the September / October time period when the weather was still very nice, a bit cooler, avoiding the humidity, and less costly to travel!
Something I can look forward to in a few years!
Sunday, 5 June 2016
A time for cleanup and future planning
It's June, and I'm in two different modes: 1). Clean-up for the year and 2) planning for next year. It's different this year since I am no longer a department head. I am finding it less stressful. I have already completed all my recitals! It's only June 5th. I have never been done with recitals this early. I have CPT's to complete with my classes and those begin next week. This week I will have the written examination completed - indeed, it's very early for this component, and I will have plenty of time to mark the written examinations. I have already submitted ordering for next year! I have collected some music and so my list of things to do is getting smaller!
I think the added on-call supervisions and cafeteria duties have not been too bad. I had a couple of uncomfortable moments, but they passed and I am proud that I managed to keep my cool under some questionable challenging moments with students. I have to admit that some on-calls were very pleasant and enjoyable. It all seems to balance-out in the end.
Bye for now.
I think the added on-call supervisions and cafeteria duties have not been too bad. I had a couple of uncomfortable moments, but they passed and I am proud that I managed to keep my cool under some questionable challenging moments with students. I have to admit that some on-calls were very pleasant and enjoyable. It all seems to balance-out in the end.
Bye for now.
Tuesday, 31 May 2016
Recitals help to expose students and teachers to new music
Every year, my students complete a recital. It's a good challenge for students. They search for music to learn, think about acquiring an accompanist or use recorded backing track. Visit music stores, research the Internet, listen to music and decide which pieces to perform and fit into their theme or objectives. Every year, I too get exposed to some amazing music I have never heard before. I end up asking the students if I can keep their music to sight read and also learn some new tunes to add to my list of repertoire I can play. It's fascinating and enriching for students to be exposed to different styles and different RCM pieces of music. Some students include small ensemble material as well. They arrange a guest speaker to announce the tunes. Some students arrange to share some bits of information about the music. Some students invite family members to attend and some students even bring refreshments! It's great that students perform for their classmates, so the learning that takes place is immeasurable, I think. I find the best part for me is the music that inspires me to continue to learn as well. I am amazed at the artistry and level of sophisticated understanding students delve into as a result of meeting this recital challenge every year. It's definitely a keeper!
Monday, 16 May 2016
Listen to marches to raise your spirits
I am planning to listen to Sousa marches daily for a few weeks. I want to test the idea about listening to spirited music to inspire mood and uplift one's spirits. Today in one of my classes we listening to Sousa Stars and Stripes forever. A brief discussion took place and I shared this idea I remember hearing about some years ago about a book written that promotes listening only to Marches - that marches are the best music. We should avoid listening to all other music which promotes negative results. I shared my story about two students (twins) who showed their classmates two plants as part of their choice to present a music topic in grade eleven. To one plant, only classical music is played daily for a certain time frame; the other plant a different type of music: heavy metal style.
The plant which was exposed to classical music sounds outgrew the other plant.
I also talked about the "Mozart-effect", to make you smarter if you listen to certain pieces of music composed by Mozart.
At any rate, I am planning to try this daily dosage of March-listening!
The plant which was exposed to classical music sounds outgrew the other plant.
I also talked about the "Mozart-effect", to make you smarter if you listen to certain pieces of music composed by Mozart.
At any rate, I am planning to try this daily dosage of March-listening!
I have been writing lately
I recently submitted an article to the OMEA Quarterly Journal and it was published. I have also submitted another article which the editor has indicated she plans to include in the summer edition of the "Recorder" journal. I am excited about this new found desire to write and contribute articles. I write about my experiences in the classroom as a music educator. I think that the ideas I share are good ones. These strategies have been tested by me as I use these activities or methods / activities in my teaching daily. My themes are about practicing music, learning music, developing music understanding and more. For example, I truly support improvisation and sight reading as important components to teaching - and these must be explored daily. Another feature I support is learning a new phrase daily and a new tune every week.
I have thought about writing in other areas not related to music. I hope that I do get started on these topics in the near future. For example, I want to write about my father and also an autobiography.
Thanks!
I have thought about writing in other areas not related to music. I hope that I do get started on these topics in the near future. For example, I want to write about my father and also an autobiography.
Thanks!
Sunday, 28 February 2016
Toronto children's Chorus part two
This is a continuation to my last posting and is about the Toronto children's chorus. My daughter was a member of this organization and I too shared in the wonderful professional development offered to me.
One of the many numerous special offerings on this world class ensemble included their consistent connections to many artists, performers, composers, musicians, etc. the group under the capable artistic direction Jean Ashworth Bartle would often invite composers and other musicians to work with the group of young singers.
I remember one such session where Sir David Willcocks visited and worked with the choir at many rehearsals and was a guest conductor at an upcoming concert. As mentioned in my first posting, parents were actively involved with this organization. I would mark theory on a weekly basis! What they (the organization) is excellent at doing is to identify the contributions parents could make to make the organization stronger. For example, if you are an accountant, you could help with finances, if you were a medical doctor, you would travel with the group, be the doctor on call at summer camp. If you were a musician, like myself, you marked theory papers, helped with set and operation of a PA sound system when at concerts at invited events. Your experience and talents and gifts would be tapped into.
Getting back to Sir David Willcocks. I got opportunities to talk to him about music and watch him rehearse, and consequently learn from this artist. There were many such opportunities to interact with visiting artists. I enjoyed watching Jean Ashworth Bartle work as well. She ran an amazing rehearsal. Disciplined and challenging students to listen and focus for the full time. Jean never wasted a minute of rehearsal time - it was too valuable to her and the choir!
The fund raising this organization did was out of this world. As mentioned, high level people were asked to be Board members. This CEO's of large companies used their knowledge to make the organization a huge success. Artisitically amazing, business savvy, and everything worked from top to bottom. Communication was top notch. The organization would raise 1000's of dollars through ponssietta flower sales. Every family was expected to sell a base amount. If you didn't make your quota, the family would make-up the difference! They guaranteed themselves 100,000.00$ in sales! Imagine! There was promotion, a committee to take of this, a committee to take care of fund raising, a committee to arrange social activites, etc. the organization consisted of many choirs, from the little ones to the teenager age and of course alumni! I think they had some 7 choirs working, rehearsing on a weekly basis, and you dare not arrive late for a rehearsal or be absent. There was a waiting list of many youngsters ready to take your place if you did not behave or know your singing part. The audition of some 300 youngsters wanting to be a part of this world-class organization took place annually. Parents were interviewed as well as the young chorister. I remember being asked at my interview if I understood what I was getting myself involved with! There was reading of documents And large amounts paperwork to be signed-off on to ensure your commitment to the organization. Expectations were clear and this organization was around long enough to prove that what they were accomplishing was world class in everything, not just musically, but business -wise as well. There was the desire to be the best and they followed their plan efficiently, effectively and attentively!
I loved it. I witnessed extraordinary experiences, the concerts, the fund raising, the social activites, the many artists, the beautiful choral music, it was exceptional and I was so proud for my daughter because this organization helped to build her not only artistically, but to be organized, committed, to be prepared weekly, to aim for high goals and accomplish beyond your dreams. To meet wonderful people with so many gifts, to share in this excitement. Wow!
I have incorporated some of the ideas gleaned from this organization in my own work as a teacher and when I was department head of arts at saint Elizabeth catholic high school. I was indeed fortunate to have experienced some amazing training and got to spend time with my daughter, special time with her where we could talk about the music, learn the music together and share in the energy of this great journey we took together. It cost my wife and I some money and time, but it was worth it!
One of the many numerous special offerings on this world class ensemble included their consistent connections to many artists, performers, composers, musicians, etc. the group under the capable artistic direction Jean Ashworth Bartle would often invite composers and other musicians to work with the group of young singers.
I remember one such session where Sir David Willcocks visited and worked with the choir at many rehearsals and was a guest conductor at an upcoming concert. As mentioned in my first posting, parents were actively involved with this organization. I would mark theory on a weekly basis! What they (the organization) is excellent at doing is to identify the contributions parents could make to make the organization stronger. For example, if you are an accountant, you could help with finances, if you were a medical doctor, you would travel with the group, be the doctor on call at summer camp. If you were a musician, like myself, you marked theory papers, helped with set and operation of a PA sound system when at concerts at invited events. Your experience and talents and gifts would be tapped into.
Getting back to Sir David Willcocks. I got opportunities to talk to him about music and watch him rehearse, and consequently learn from this artist. There were many such opportunities to interact with visiting artists. I enjoyed watching Jean Ashworth Bartle work as well. She ran an amazing rehearsal. Disciplined and challenging students to listen and focus for the full time. Jean never wasted a minute of rehearsal time - it was too valuable to her and the choir!
The fund raising this organization did was out of this world. As mentioned, high level people were asked to be Board members. This CEO's of large companies used their knowledge to make the organization a huge success. Artisitically amazing, business savvy, and everything worked from top to bottom. Communication was top notch. The organization would raise 1000's of dollars through ponssietta flower sales. Every family was expected to sell a base amount. If you didn't make your quota, the family would make-up the difference! They guaranteed themselves 100,000.00$ in sales! Imagine! There was promotion, a committee to take of this, a committee to take care of fund raising, a committee to arrange social activites, etc. the organization consisted of many choirs, from the little ones to the teenager age and of course alumni! I think they had some 7 choirs working, rehearsing on a weekly basis, and you dare not arrive late for a rehearsal or be absent. There was a waiting list of many youngsters ready to take your place if you did not behave or know your singing part. The audition of some 300 youngsters wanting to be a part of this world-class organization took place annually. Parents were interviewed as well as the young chorister. I remember being asked at my interview if I understood what I was getting myself involved with! There was reading of documents And large amounts paperwork to be signed-off on to ensure your commitment to the organization. Expectations were clear and this organization was around long enough to prove that what they were accomplishing was world class in everything, not just musically, but business -wise as well. There was the desire to be the best and they followed their plan efficiently, effectively and attentively!
I loved it. I witnessed extraordinary experiences, the concerts, the fund raising, the social activites, the many artists, the beautiful choral music, it was exceptional and I was so proud for my daughter because this organization helped to build her not only artistically, but to be organized, committed, to be prepared weekly, to aim for high goals and accomplish beyond your dreams. To meet wonderful people with so many gifts, to share in this excitement. Wow!
I have incorporated some of the ideas gleaned from this organization in my own work as a teacher and when I was department head of arts at saint Elizabeth catholic high school. I was indeed fortunate to have experienced some amazing training and got to spend time with my daughter, special time with her where we could talk about the music, learn the music together and share in the energy of this great journey we took together. It cost my wife and I some money and time, but it was worth it!
Saturday, 27 February 2016
Toronto Children's Chorus connection, introduction
Before I begin, I think I plan to post additional entries about my experience with the Toronto children's chorus.
I reflect about a few years ago when my daughter Sarah was a member of this organization for 6 years. If you know anything about this organization, this meant that your entire family was involved in some way with the organization!
I learned a lot from watching the artistic director and conductor of the ensemble Jean Ashworth Bartle work rehearsals and direct concert presentations. I learned a lot about an organization that was truly world-class with its fund raising, its activities, its music learning, its network with artists from around the world, its promotion, its business structure, its operation. The organization was a machine, highly intricate, with many parts and levels that all worked together to achieve the highest of goals both artistically and in management. This artistic Machine kept re energizing itself with new talent, replacing graduates as needed. How, with such extraordinary abilities, support, thinking, confidence, and more did they move forward year after year?
In my observations, I put together some ideas.
My daughter loved every minute of it. I got to receive professional development in the highest order. It was challenging, exhausting at times, frustrating, joyful, time consuming, valuable, meaningful, everything you would want for your daughter to experience. I was totally impressed and still believe that this organization is thriving after so many years.
Is it the music? Is it the leadership? Is it the people? Is it the desire to achieve greatness by contributing to something you believe in strongly? Maybe all of these and then some.
Stay tuned for part two, where I describe some specific details.
I reflect about a few years ago when my daughter Sarah was a member of this organization for 6 years. If you know anything about this organization, this meant that your entire family was involved in some way with the organization!
I learned a lot from watching the artistic director and conductor of the ensemble Jean Ashworth Bartle work rehearsals and direct concert presentations. I learned a lot about an organization that was truly world-class with its fund raising, its activities, its music learning, its network with artists from around the world, its promotion, its business structure, its operation. The organization was a machine, highly intricate, with many parts and levels that all worked together to achieve the highest of goals both artistically and in management. This artistic Machine kept re energizing itself with new talent, replacing graduates as needed. How, with such extraordinary abilities, support, thinking, confidence, and more did they move forward year after year?
In my observations, I put together some ideas.
My daughter loved every minute of it. I got to receive professional development in the highest order. It was challenging, exhausting at times, frustrating, joyful, time consuming, valuable, meaningful, everything you would want for your daughter to experience. I was totally impressed and still believe that this organization is thriving after so many years.
Is it the music? Is it the leadership? Is it the people? Is it the desire to achieve greatness by contributing to something you believe in strongly? Maybe all of these and then some.
Stay tuned for part two, where I describe some specific details.
Friday, 12 February 2016
Ontariio Band Association festival feb. 11, 2016
Saint Elizabeth Senior Concert Band performs at 8:00 a.m., and is awarded Gold! Further, our band is being further recognized to be given one of the special awards, for it performance of Persichetti's Psalm for Band, and suite in f, by Holst. Also, the band has been invited to the Nationals level festival in May, to be held in Ottawa. I am very pleased with our work at school and the students are approaching the music learning and performing with a bit more sophistication. I am proud to be recognized and look forward to continued success. The OBA festival is great. I have been attending and participating for years. Congratulations to the school, the program and of course the students for their professional and artistic performance completed yesterday, early morning!
Next event is Music Alive festival, held in York Region. Participating at festivals is a wonderful and worthwhile experience. It is challenging and it opens a window to exploring repertoire, getting feedback from adjudicators and the workshop is fantastic, too.
Next event is Music Alive festival, held in York Region. Participating at festivals is a wonderful and worthwhile experience. It is challenging and it opens a window to exploring repertoire, getting feedback from adjudicators and the workshop is fantastic, too.
Tuesday, 2 February 2016
Change the world
Yesterday, I visit a community centre located nearby to gather information about registering for a community self defence class. The community centre offers a library so I dropped in and walked around. I enjoy a visit to the library and really should do this often. I signed-out a DVD and a book caught my attention: 31 ways to change the world. These gathered actions were collected from listening to some several hundred young children. I took the book home and examined some of the pages. I enjoyed looking at the suggestions that I decided to share this concept with a couple of classes today at school. It was my introduction and certainly engaged the students and captured their attention. Let's call these moments the teachable moment. It's something interesting and curiosity is tapped. The students responded with enthusiasm and comments as I read out loud some of the actions we do each and everyday that really do found for something. For example:
1)) smile 2) shower for two minutes instead of 7 minutes to save water, 3) show granny how to text - why? Because you are spending time with her and she can text other people as well! 4) compliment often - it does not cost anything, and it can make someone feel good, sometimes that positive feeling could last for weeks! 5) stand up for something! 6) love your stuff 7) take dad for a walk. The book offers inspiration, to consider how your little steps can make a big difference, that putting these little actions together with many others could "change the world".
1)) smile 2) shower for two minutes instead of 7 minutes to save water, 3) show granny how to text - why? Because you are spending time with her and she can text other people as well! 4) compliment often - it does not cost anything, and it can make someone feel good, sometimes that positive feeling could last for weeks! 5) stand up for something! 6) love your stuff 7) take dad for a walk. The book offers inspiration, to consider how your little steps can make a big difference, that putting these little actions together with many others could "change the world".
Saturday, 23 January 2016
Teachers
When I started lessons in music many years ago, I went through a number of teachers. I really do not remember many of them now, but I do support the idea that one should try to study with many teachers because you learn different ideas and of course are challenged differently by each teacher based on their experience. We have all learned that we have many teachers through books, videos, and readings we encounter. Books are useful and there are many available to experience. Today, you can arrange a skype lesson with anyone located anywhere in the world. Of course, we learn best through attending concerts, and listening to recordings. I think recordings are the best teacher!
Sunday, 10 January 2016
Sightreading or reading new music everyday
Haopy New Year! The weather is just turning bad today, January 10th, 2016. Amazing, but I think we have arrived or rather, winter has arrived. I just completed a posting in the Accordion blog, a similar posting about the importance in reading new music daily. This skill is so important. I have noticed that over the last couple of years in my teaching, I have tried to incorporate more reading opportunities for my students. It is challenging to do daily, but I think the benefits are worth the time invested in this. Reading new music requires the culmination of all music skills - control, listening, attention to detail, and challenges the student to apply these skills in time, at a comfortable tempo. Also, it challenges the student to be musical, to pay attention to sound quality, tuning, expression, and more. So, every practice routine at home must include a portion of time dedicated to reading new music. Over time, the student will improve in so many areas, including a gain in confidence!
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