Enriching Music Education Through Service-Learning: The Fusion Rock
Orchestra, Lowell High School Steve Dieleman The Fusion Rock Orchestra generates excitement and pas- sion for music education in the school and community. After performing at several city events, the Lowell High School Fusion Rock Orchestra participated in a Service-Learning workshop at the 2013 Michigan Music Conference. Follow- ing the program, the orchestra took a road trip to Cleveland, Ohio, and performed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!
Wendy and Aaron Tenney organized the Fusion Rock Orchestra in 2007 to inspire students and provide new opportunities for community performances. Wendy is the Director of Orchestras at Lowell Area Schools and Aaron is the Director of Music and Arts at NorthPointe Christian Schools. Te Fusion Rock Orchestra allows students to give something back to the community. As a result, students are motivated to pursue music and area residents are more supportive of the school music program. Te Fusion Rock Orchestra uses a Service- Learning experiential instructional method. Trough Service-Learning, teachers increase student engage- ment and excitement for music education. By perform- ing for other organizations, music students improve their skills, increase their opportunities for scholarships and make a valuable contribution to the community. In addition, teachers and music directors build long-term support for music education in schools.
Service-Learning is a teaching method that combines meaningful service to the community with classroom learning. Service-Learning challenges students to iden- tify, research, design, and implement solutions to real needs in their school or community as part of their mu- sic curriculum. Te Fusion Rock Orchestra performs for several community organizations including Cham- ber of Commerce events, Arts Council programs, Senior Neighbors, retirement homes, assisted living facilities, elementary schools and preschools.
In addition, the
group performed at the Lowell Pink Arrow Pride event to raise support for cancer victims and survivors. Ben- efits of Service-Learning include increasing student: (1) engagement in music education (2) understanding for the needs of the community (3) understanding for com- munity organizations and (4) confidence and ability to make an impact on the community. Benefits for the city include enriching the artistic culture of the community and providing entertainment or educational opportuni- ties for children, adults and senior citizens.
Interest in Project Based Learning (PBL) is growing throughout the state and nation as educators embrace the Common Core State Standards, Next Generation Science Standards and Smarter Balanced Assessments. Historically, since music education uses hands-on expe- riential learning strategies, music teachers can provide leadership in Project Based Learning in their districts. All quality Service-Learning is Project Based Learning.
Lowell Fusion Rock Orchestra, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Per- formance, Cleveland, OH, April 2013
Academic Service-Learning is more comprehensive than traditional community service. While opening up a school concert to the community is a positive step, simply performing for parents and citizens is not Ser- vice-Learning. Service-Learning is a deliberate teach- ing methodology using a research-based process to pro- mote student achievement. Te Service-Learning Cycle has three (3) dimensions: Pre-Service includes identify- ing academic goals for a project, identifying community needs, establishing evidence for learning, planning and preparing for service activities; Service includes con-
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