[HANASHIR:7339] Re: Music Educators Institute (MEI)

[Singalong2 <Singalong2...>]

I find this topic of great interest, probably because I am of the minority in 
this group. I taught for 17 years in public school - K-6 Elementary Vocal 
music, and came to the Jewish educator thing through the back door. I now 
teach N-8 at a Schechter Day school and am music director of a large reform 
temple religious school. I also teach in a Montessori school. I think there 
is a great difference between those of us who are "songleaders" and those of 
us who are the sole music teachers of children who attend day schools. For 
the day school kids, we are likely the only music teachers they will have 
until, and if, they attend public high school (or secular private highs). I 
truly believe it is our responsibility to take courses and attend workshops 
in areas of music education that is secular. I attend both Orff and Kodaly 
workshops on a regular basis, and always have, but know how so much of what 
you learn and experience can be applied to Judaic teaching. Movement, 
listening, improvisation, choral experiences are vital to any child's music 
education. I truly believe that we all, as "music" educators , have a 
responsiblity to learn what we can, and be current on what "secular" music 
educators have to be current on. Orff Schulwerk workshops are so incredibly 
creative and musical - notes are always incredible, and there is quite alot 
of movement/drama/rhythmic speech/ improvisation that we need to experience 
in order to be able to teach our kids the most effective way wwe can. 

In my experience since I left public school, I have learned that many 
songleader/educators pitch songs too low, use melodies that are too 
difficult, and do  not know age appropriateness of much of the song material. 
That is not to say that there aren't many who, through natural ability, or 
experience, are aware of these things, but just as many of the classroom 
teachers who teach songs are not aware of these things, I totally agree with 
Rachelle, and encourage all of you to investigate the workshops available in 
your area. Orff especially. They will be an energizing and joyful experience 
for you, I assure you. There are also many two week summer courses throughout 
the country. Look at AOSA.org.

Laura Deutsch

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