[HANASHIR:7321] Music Educators Institute (MEI)

[DHolop <DHolop...>]

I suppose it's time to introduce (and re-introduce) myself to you.  I'm Dara 
Holop, originally from Florida, then Cleveland (OH), and now No. Virginia (DC 
area).  I've served in such capacities as:  music teacher, songleader, 
soloist...  I attended the very first Hava Nashira in 1992.  Now I'm 
primarily a stay-at-home-mom, enjoying time with my 21 month old son, Noah.  

I work part-time with the BJE of Greater Washington and could really use your 
help on an exciting new initiative we're embarking on!  It's called the Music 
Educators Institute (MEI) and is designed to recruit and train potential 
music teachers (for congregational schools).  We are working on the 
curriculum, which will be taught over the course of six 2-hour sessions.

Some of the topics we're considering including are:
-Text & Music:  how to discover and effectively utilize the connections
-How to teach a fabulous, fun & effective music class and make the songs 
"stick"
-The power of music in informal settings
-Basic songs every Jewish child should know (and then some)
-The role of music in Jewish worship and Jewish life.
*there will be a "repertoire building" component to each session and 
participants will have an opportunity to practice teaching songs.

I would grealy appreciate any suggestions you may have, as this is a pilot 
program and we are creating it somewhat from scratch.  If you know of any 
resources that may be helpful, I would appreciate that information as well.  
Thank you in advance.

B'Shalom, 
Dara Holop

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