This week, the author of an article called “7 Myths about Classroom Management” contacted me and shared it with me. The material in the article reflects many of the philosophies that have worked for me in my large choral music classrooms over the last 25 years, so I wanted to share it here with […]
What is your experience with Perfect Pitch?
What is your experience with Perfect Pitch? On Monday morning, I was on the treadmill running, and I came across this article about a child in Atlanta who has perfect pitch. I’ve always believed that perfect pitch was far more rare than some of us believe. Maybe it’s because mine isn’t perfect! 🙂 I certainly appreciate the […]
Keeping our singers motivated at this time of year!
This week, I made a couple of videos to share some ideas about what I’m doing to keep my students motivated as we prepare for our March adjudication. Click here for the rest!
When the Lord closes a door, somewhere he opens a window
One of my favorite musicals of all time is “The Sound of Music”. I never tire of watching it with my students and teaching the lessons it offers us the teach. I’ve watched more times than I can count. I know every line. I’ve done the Salzburg “Sound of Music” tours. I’m a fanatic. One […]
The Winter Months-When the Rubber Meets the Road in your Middle School Choral Music Classroom
January and February can hit a middle school chorus teacher square between the eyes. The dark, cold days can be trying ones. It isn’t easy motivating children to sing when they are struggling with the difficulties of getting back into the daily rigor and routine of life. If our classroom management techniques haven’t been as strong […]
Introducing a New Song to Your Middle School Beginners
The moment when you introduce a new song to your middle school beginners is so important. If we don’t get them hooked from the start, they shut down and decide they don’t like the song. Then, it’s like pulling teeth every time we sing the song. Most of the true beginners aren’t ready to sight […]