general music


What’s an Administrator to Do? Karen Tordera, WMEA State Chair, General Music


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My name is Karen Tordera and for the last 15 years I have taught K-5 general music in Whitewater. I am the new WMEA state chair for general music. Having taught stu- dents in Wisconsin, Spain and Germany, I have held positions in eight buildings. It may seem hard to believe, but I have had 13 administrators in my 23 years of teaching! None were former music educa- tors, but nearly all were very supportive of the music program in their schools. Even without a musical background, adminis- trators can certainly be of assistance to music educators in their buildings. They can learn what students should know and be able to do, support “little” musical op- portunities, encourage teachers who are ready to innovate, and discover how other districts improve their programs.


In the Know


It is common that administrators without any training in music are required to hire and evaluate music educators. When a music position needs to be filled, admin- istrators can make sure there is a music teacher on the interview team. When it is time for observation and evaluation, the Wisconsin’s Model Academic Stan- dards for Music is a great resource. In it, administrators can learn what students should know and be able to do at all levels. Administrators as well as teachers will find Planning Curriculum in Music another great resource. This guide helps educators plan curriculum and improve instruction. It also includes Wisconsin’s


Practical Pointers


Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance (CMP) model as well as instruction/assessment strategies and rel- evant research. Both of these publications can be purchased at: http://dpi.wi.gov/ pubsales/pdf/music_guide_flyer.pdf


A Little Bit Goes a Long Way


How can administrators help the music staff in their school when the concert season is underway? They can pave the way for music teachers by encouraging the school staff to help in ways that they are able, publicly recognizing the efforts of the music teacher at concerts, and even participating as a musician! One principal I know played the bass drum with the fifth graders on one piece in their concert. An- other sings in the staff choir. What a great way to model lifelong learning!


It’s easy to fit music “into the cracks,” too! Have you tried having students sing the “Star-Spangled Banner” at announce- ments; sing songs or perform movements to pieces everyone knows at assemblies; or present recess recitals featuring student’s compositions? Perhaps the staff at your school is willing to perform at a concert as a group. An administrator can support these opportunities and more…for free!


A Day Away


Administrators should promote network- ing with other music teachers. That may mean agreeing to allow teachers to observe


a colleague. Other teachers may want to at- tend a conference or a meeting where they can network with others. One example of a professional learning community is Student-Centered Learning in the Arts. This group of Wisconsin arts educators are working toward creating and promoting strategies that keep students involved in the planning, instruction and assessment of arts lessons. They meet one day during the school year to discuss and learn what other educators are doing to foster student- centered learning. More information can be found at www.SCLAwisconsin.com.


Stringing it Together


Schools everywhere are cutting budgets, programs and positions. Last year in Whitewater (during a recession!), an innovative group of people started an after-school orchestra program. General music teacher Christine Hayes and her principal at Lincoln Elementary School, Jo Bernhardt, worked together to make it happen in the fall of 2009.


Professors Benjamin Whitcomb and Sue Chandler from UW-Whitewater Music Department selected instrumental music majors to serve as instructors, observing them during lessons and full orchestra rehearsals. Elisabeth Ellenwood, an el- ementary string educator and Whitewater parent, was deeply involved the first year in planning and writing lesson plans for the instructors and meeting with them to practice teaching the lessons. Tom Spitz


~ Karen Tordera


If your school district is looking for alternative ways of funding, there are some web sites that will connect your school need with those willing to donate. One web site is called www.DonorsChoose.org. Teachers post their needs and donors select which project to which they would like to contribute. In Wisconsin, teachers can request materials through the Classroom Connection web site sponsored by the television station WISC-TV at http://www.channel3000.com/classroomconnection/index.html.


22 January 2011


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