RUCKER, from p. 30
where you are comfortable being uncomfortable. Is the classroom place of trust where student’s interests and preferences are valued? Furthermore, what curricular space is provided to hear these desires? A humble and flexible teacher will be able to utilize student requested music and still teach curricular objectives.
Student Driven Instruction Students are oftentimes the most critical of their own work. How many times has a guest clinician repeated previously mentioned criticism? Allow students to provide feedback for group development. Engagement is bound to increase if done under the correct structure and high standard. Try this with students and ensemble members. Have them lead and witness the results. They have been taught to think critically. Put that skill set to use. Harry claims using this democratic approach will not only broaden the audience of people you engage, but connect them to experiences that can create a desire to continue in music.
Music has most likely ‘sprang up’ in your life. What is your story? Music is a driving force that opens the gates of acceptance and equity. Do you know your students’ stories? Classroom and rehearsal halls are places where rivers of connectedness and emotion can run deep. When did music first impact your life? Our environment can be the playing (and singing) field of both the haves and the have-nots.
Ti Moune was a peasant girl with a heart that did not acknowledge the boundaries of her social standing. She cared unconditionally for Daniel despite her financial inferiority. She dies in the story, but a tree grew from her spirit and stood as a symbol of her humility and relentless quest for freedom.
“A tree that watched over Daniel for his lifetime A tree in which his children played
And one day as Daniel’s young son sat in the shade of the tree He noticed a beautiful young peasant girl high in the branches Looking out at the world
And the spirit of Ti Moune touched their hearts And set them free to love
And she stands against the lightning and the thunder And she shelters and protects us from above And she fills us with the power and the wonder of her love”
Remember, the rippling impact of teaching lasts way beyond the hours of instruction. So I must ask, what story are you telling?
References: Ahrens, L., & Flaherty, S. (Writers). (1990, October 18). Once On This Island. Live performance in Booth Theatre, New York, NY.
Cecil, H. (2017, January 26). Equitable Educational Experiences. Lecture presented at Missouri Music Educator’s Association Conference in Tan-Tar-A Resort, Osage Beach, MO.
spring 2017 |
www.mmea.net
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