American Kodály Institute at Loyola University of Maryland and Maryland United Specialists in Kodály welcomed the new year with 125 attendees at the January 16, 2021 winter workshop, Kodály Together. This complimentary workshop featured 30 and 40 minute mini-sessions. covering a broad range of topics and pedagogical variety for learners of all ages.
Randi Bradley Martin, the Fine Arts Director at St. James Academy in Baltimore, began the morning with Awakening the Bodies, Minds, and Hearts of Young Singers. She shared and demonstrated the physical, emotional, and cognitive connections and sensations that singing creates within the body through vocal exercises, stretching, and movement. We continued moving and singing throughout second session of the morning. Montgomery County Public School teachers Bethany Pasierb and Theresa Sharp shared their presentation, Camping with Kodály. This joyfully themed session had a range of repertoire exploring musical elements, engaging attendees and most certainly young learners in the music classroom.
Randi Bradley Martin, the Fine Arts Director at St. James Academy in Baltimore, began the morning with Awakening the Bodies, Minds, and Hearts of Young Singers. She shared and demonstrated the physical, emotional, and cognitive connections and sensations that singing creates within the body through vocal exercises, stretching, and movement. We continued moving and singing throughout second session of the morning. Montgomery County Public School teachers Bethany Pasierb and Theresa Sharp shared their presentation, Camping with Kodály. This joyfully themed session had a range of repertoire exploring musical elements, engaging attendees and most certainly young learners in the music classroom.
After a short Zoom video conference break, Korey Cunningham, a Prince George's County K-8 music educator, shared OBS Studio for Virtual Versatility. This free software allows educators to create digital video guides for recording and live streaming. Scenes can be added, such as logos, notation, or images and excerpts to the live stream. The next clinician, National Board Certified Teacher Jeannette Boyd, shared Kodály Strategies to Engage ESOL Learners. The strategies, visuals, and materials shared were adaptable and accessible for all learners.
The workshop closed with two sessions. First, Alvaro Silva shared "Kiss Your Brain" - An Introduction to Neuroplasticity in the Music Classroom. Mr. Silva shared evidence and research demonstrating the impactful benefits of a well-rounded music education. He then shared a sample lesson demonstrating how to incorporate beneficial activities with singing and music making. Our final session was led by Howard County Public School teacher Molly Park. Her session, Let the Joy of Music-Making Continue!, shared a variety of repertoire that included active music making through games, play, dancing, and movement. It was a joyful and uplifting way to end what and incredible day.
The workshop closed with two sessions. First, Alvaro Silva shared "Kiss Your Brain" - An Introduction to Neuroplasticity in the Music Classroom. Mr. Silva shared evidence and research demonstrating the impactful benefits of a well-rounded music education. He then shared a sample lesson demonstrating how to incorporate beneficial activities with singing and music making. Our final session was led by Howard County Public School teacher Molly Park. Her session, Let the Joy of Music-Making Continue!, shared a variety of repertoire that included active music making through games, play, dancing, and movement. It was a joyful and uplifting way to end what and incredible day.
We hope you will join us and Virginia Organization of Kodály Educators on May 1, 2021 for Applying Decolonizing and Anti-Racist Teaching Approaches to Teaching Practices with Brandi Waller-Pace and Lorelei Batislaong from Decolonizing the Music Room. You can register on the VOKE website.