As discussed in last month’s ChoralEd post, there are two primary sections to any classroom management plan. In part 1, we looked at preventative classroom management techniques, which addressed ways to minimize and prevent behavioral issues before they occur. While it’s every teacher’s dream to prevent all behavioral problems before they occur, we must also […]
music educators
ChoralEd: Classroom Management, Part 1
One of the major hurdles in any new teacher’s professional development is classroom management. If you are a younger teacher who lacks experience disciplining a child, let alone a room full of them, the responsibility of managing a classroom can be a daunting task. Even though it may be overwhelming at first, through planning and […]
Best. Interview. Ever! “Doing whatever it takes” with Superstar Deke Sharon
Imagine walking onto the set of a potentially epic movie with a seemingly large task ahead of you: create an “award winning” choir out of a collection of humans, none of which have ever sung in choir, in one month, with one hour of rehearsal a day. Go! Daunting? Fun? A bit intimidating? But possible […]
ChoralEd: Your Teacher Identity
With this post, we would like to both thank Brian O. Ackles and welcome Micah Bland. Since February 2020, Brian Ackles has authored a monthly blog on his approach and experiences with AGILE, a student/learner-centered music education program – even during a time when he was unable to meet with his classes in person. We […]
An Unconventional Approach to the Urban Chorus Classroom for the New Choral Director
By Odell Zeigler New opinions are always suspected, and usually opposed, without any other reason but because they are not already common. – John Locke Have you ever gone along with the majority or followed a script and felt it was not something you should continue to do? Well, let me begin by saying that […]
Stories of Healing and Reimagining with Olivia Vestal
In March 2020, spring break was extended. Olivia Vestal, now a first-year choral teacher in Durham, NC, was supposed to go to Regional NATS. Instead of performing live, she recorded a video, and remembers that was the last thing she did without a mask. After they finished, she wiped down the piano and recording equipment, […]