We had such a marvelous musical experience on Saturday, September 21, 2019 learning about student-centered and culturally-responsive song materials. The Tried and True workshop featured presenters Katrina Godfrey, Anna Harris, and Rachel Tanenblatt. Many thanks to Loyola University Maryland and the American Kodály Institute for hosting the event and providing free registration and complimentary breakfast.
In the classroom, there are just certain singing games that are guaranteed to make the students engaged, excited, and well, Gaga for Games! Katrina Godfrey, who is currently an educator for Baltimore County Public Schools, shared a variety of games for all grade levels, including a plethora of opportunities for creativity, variations, and modifications.
Anna Harris, a teacher in Montgomery County Public Schools, shared her Ethiopian Children's Songs project. Anna's session highlighted the importance of teaching music that represents our students' identities, and how to present music in a way that goes beyond "let's just sing this song." She also shared how to go about learning more about the various cultures represented in one's community and school.
Lastly, Rachel Tanenblatt, who many know as Music with Miss Tanenblatt from her blog and Teachers Pay Teachers, highlighted the importance of imagination and play in the learning process in her session titled, Mystical, Magical, and Musical Materials. Rachel spoke to the importance of using the repertoire to not only reinforce musical elements and concepts, but to let student creativity and ideas come alive, and become new experiences with each class. Many of the best ideas and ways to play will come from our students.
If you couldn't tell, we simply has a fantastic experience on Saturday. Don't miss the next opportunity to spend the day making music with other passionate music educators! Join us on January 11, 2020 for Just Try the Kodály with AKI Musicianship instructor, François Suhr, Children's Chorus of Maryland instructor and middle school choir director Angela Pope, and more! Registration is free and breakfast and lunch are complimentary. See you there!