During the eleven-day period from March 21 – 31 it has been my practice for many years to spend some time each day reflecting on the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, as I have written about here. Our friend Sebastian was born this time of year in 1685 – on March 21 or March 31, […]
Off The Podium
Off The Podium: Making Music During the Pandemic
These are uncertain times. The current COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted everyone’s lives, and we are facing a period of time in which much of what we did regularly – our daily and weekly routines – has been impacted. For choral singers and choral directors, this means the cancelation of classes, rehearsals, performances, services, and the […]
Off The Podium: Herring’s Head
Herring’s Head is a cumulative folksong that I taught to and sung with students of all ages at many schools over the course of my teaching career. It features humorous lyrics that deliver a conservation message about whole animal or “nose to tail” eating (mindful consumption). Herring’s Head‘s call-and-response structure, extroverted attitude, and whimsy made it […]
Off The Podium: Universal Music Education
As we enter the third decade of the twenty-first century, the time has come for music educators to stop pussyfooting around and advocate for Universal Music Education. Indeed, it is long past time. We should stop wasting valuable time – time that belongs to us and to the children in our care – we should […]
Off The Podium: What Your Students Will Remember, Part 2
Continued from What Your Students Will Remember, Part 1 Creating Lasting Memories One of the great boons (and perhaps, banes) of being a music teacher is that we teach a performing art, and the school year follows a rhythm determined by a schedule of seasonal performances. This was true of my teaching experience no matter […]
Off The Podium: What Your Students Will Remember, Part 1
At some point early in my teaching career someone told me: They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel. …or something like that. I don’t remember who said it or when, honestly. Someone might have quoted it at a faculty meeting, or as part of a motivational […]