choral
Meet My Students at the Center Shawn Gudmunsen, WMEA State Chair, Choral
Kim Carter, the 2017 New Hamp- shire teacher of the year, posted a quote on her page
that
Instagram read;
“Learning is rooted in emotion; the qual- ity of relationships impacts the quality
of learning.” One can easily insert the word [music] into that quote. Developing relationships with our students has now become a priority. We rely on music to help us out, but how well are you equipped with other materials to meet the needs of a student-centered education?
Here is a list of resources that I hope will better equip yourself and your students as we work to put and/or keep our students at the center of what we do. Whether you prefer books, podcasts, apps, web resources or social media, we as choral directors [educators] must adapt and diversify as best we can to maintain that center. With that, I hope you can find at least one resource in this article that may be useful. Some are new, some are tried and true, and some have been developed in my classroom. Nonetheless, student centered choral education must include many different avenues of incorporating mental health and social and emotional learning if we are to connect with our students. Most links are hyperlinked to amazon or websites as an easy click and go to read more about them and explore resources for the upcoming year ahead.
“Learning is rooted in emotion; the quality of
relationships impacts the quality of learning.”
~Kim Carter 42 Books
Drive – Daniel Pink • A 2009 publication, Pink offers great insight on what motivates us as humans to become the best we can be. This text offers a scientific look at true motivation versus a business approach to motivation. Included in the book are very prac- tical ideas that you can use in your classroom.
The Talent Code – Daniel Coyle • Another 2009 publication, Coyle offers a scientific approach to tracking the talent hotspots throughout the world and why cer- tain areas have amazing athletes, musicians and the like while other areas do not. The solution is under- standing the neurological mecha- nisms that develop this talent and the environment they come from. An easy read with great stories of how programs have developed over time.
This is Your Brain on Music – Daniel Levitin • A really cool read, especially if you’re into brain, science and the connections music can make. Levitin originally was a rock star and began to explore neuroscience as a career, Levitin examines the obsession humans have to perfor- mances, compositions, why we listen to music, and why we enjoy it.
Compassionate Music Teaching – Karin S. Hendricks • This 2018 publication was promot- ed by NAfME as a top read. Hen- dricks provides a great framework for helping students become more engaged, focused and motivated in the classroom. You’ll find yourself
Go to the online version of WSM to easily access hyperlinked content within this article.
putting in many little notes and post-its to save for yourself to help students thrive in your classroom.
Polyphonic Minds – Peter Pesic • This book, although a harder read, is well worth your time. Pesic looks at the development of po- lyphony not only in western music but throughout the world. In addi- tion, the brain science behind why polyphony is such a tremendous attribute to learning music.
Cultivating Mindfulness in the Classroom – Robert Marzano • Admittedly, I am a bit of a brain science person when it comes to lifelong learning, but this book is more practical and provides great activities and advice on cultivating mindfulness in your classroom. Although not music specific, this book can be put to use in your classroom.
Mental Health/ Music Podcasts
Check Your Head • This podcast utilizes musicians and experts to share their experiences with mental health solutions and ideas to help stop the stigma of mental illness and provide mean- ingful thoughts and discussion.
The Hilarious World of Depression • This podcast discusses situations with comedians and other perform- ers who have experienced depres- sion. A fresh, funny look at a very serious topic facing a lot of our students today.
September 2021
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
