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Abby Butler


As I review this issue’s articles in preparation for writing my column I am struck not only by the number of knowledgeable, experienced teachers in the state but by the depth and rich- ness of the information they are willing to share. I know, this is Michigan and I shouldn’t be surprised. The state is home to innumerable outstanding K-12 music programs, countless community music schools, and boasts over 30 accredited music schools in higher education1


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In spite of the challenges engendered by an unstable economy and an educational reform movement that is out of control, we have what really matters – a workforce of dedicated and hard-working teachers.


Our strength as a profession rests on who we are and how we share what we know. And I am reminded that this journal is – and should be – more than a calendar of events or a source for tips, tricks and quick fixes. It is a place for sharing what we know and what we believe. All of the authors featured in this issue work, teach, and/or attend school in Michigan. I am proud of their contributions and I’m excited to share their ideas. So read on, may you find sustenance and inspiration to feed your soul and invigorate your teaching.


Featured Articles


Do we truly honor creativity in music educa- tion? That question is at the heart of Shannan Hibbard’s thought provoking article, Honor- ing Creative Voices: Thoughts For Developing Practice In Music Education. Hibbard ques- tions our assumptions about creativity while explaining its value in all music classrooms. She addresses the dichotomy of process vs. product in performance-based classes and provides suggestions for nurturing creativity regardless of the class setting. Arguing that cre- ativity abounds in every aspect of music mak- ing, Hibbard reminds us that we can and should promote creative thinking across all activities, not just those concerned with composing and improvising. Hibbard believes all students pos- sess the capacity to be creative and encourages us to find ways to support their growth.


Chris Bulgren’s article, Showcasing Music Composition in Michigan Schools, focuses on student composers featured in the 14th annual Honors Composition Concert held January 24, 2015 at the Michigan Music Conference


in Grand Rapids. Chris interviewed student composers participating in this year’s event. After providing background information about the event itself, Bulgren shares these young composer’s views about composing. What inspires them to write music, how do they approach the process of composing, how does it feel to perform their own music or have it performed by others, and what are their plans for future compositions? The excitement and pride engendered through this event reinforces the value of Hibbard’s belief that creativity is an essential part of our musical development.


Column Articles In Provoking Meaning: Five Key Questions, Dr. Jerry Custer illustrates the use of question- ing to foster creative thinking in relation to analysis and interpretation of text in choral mu- sic. Framed around a set of key questions that can be used with any text, Custer urges choir directors to challenge singers to investigate the meaning behind quality texts. He uses W. B. Yeat’s poem, “I will arise now and go to Innis- free” to demonstrate how each of the five ques- tions uncovers possible interpretations; he then provides suggestions for implementing these ideas while involving choir members in active exploration of textual meaning. Custer’s ideas promote critical and creative thinking within a performance-based ensemble, serendipitously echoing strategies described by Hibbard.


Leslie Nielsen reminds us of the importance of classroom management in her article, Smil- ing Musicians: Creating a Positive Classroom Environment in Elementary General Music. Nielsen explores ideas for maximizing time with students by setting up routines and pro- cedures in ways that create a structured envi- ronment while serving to motivate students. Drawing from her own classroom experiences Nielsen shares strategies she has found suc- cessful. For new teachers Nielsen’s article will serve as a great resource, for experienced teachers, it’s a refreshing reminder.


Amy Sierzega describes how she struggled to meet the needs of one student in her compel- ling article, Teaching a Deaf Student in a Main- stream Classroom: One Elementary Music Teacher’s Reflection. Sierzega’s advice, much of which developed out of her own trial and er- ror experiences, will be valuable to any music


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From the Editor


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