Professional Development

“Put one foot in front of the other…” Do you remember that song from the 1970 stop-motion film “Santa Claus is Comin' to Town”?

11/15/20 -- Nominations for the 40 Under 40 program are closed. In January 2021, an article listing the 40 recognized educators will be posted.  

After a semester of percussion activities, it’s time to assess all your instruments, including marimbas, vibraphones and xylophones, and take proactive steps to protect your equipment.

A toddler kicking and screaming in the middle of the produce section of the grocery store is not cute. But we understand that children are still developing.

The clarinet is the coolest and perhaps most versatile instrument in the band. It has an amazing 3.5-octave range, the greatest dynamic capabilities of any band instrument, and is used in many different genres of music from jazz to klezmer to classical.

“I’m just so overwhelmed.” Bet you’ve heard — or said — that lately. Life sometimes feels like bailing water from a leaky rowboat.

I am continuing my quest to learn and use the Dorico notation program.

To paraphrase English poet John Donne, no man or woman is an island. He wrote that we are all “a piece of the continent, a part of the main.”

Music students work well in groups — they encourage each other, learn from each other and play in ensembles.

I approach teaching like a coach would their sports team. As music educators, we must always remind ourselves that music is an activity — it is an ACTIVE pastime for students.