Strategies for Building Community through Music

Amplify: Community

Friday, November 8, 9:15 – 10:15 AM

Marcus Morris

Many music programs experience musical success, but knowledge of that success does not often extend past the four walls of their classrooms. Many educators struggle to gain recognition and support for their music programs, and, as a result, struggle to maintain numbers of students and finances necessary for program growth. The strategies presented here will offer ideas for building connections in schools and with surrounding communities as well as provide practical ideas for building community through music.

Increasing Diversity and Equity in K–12 Ensemble Repertoire

Amplify: Community

Friday November 8, 2:45 – 3:45 PM

Christine D’Alexander, Alexis Lamb & Mary Lynn Doherty

This session focuses on using repertoire to promote values of inclusion, diversity, and increasing equity of women and nonwhite composers in the band and orchestra context. We will assist teachers in using repertoire to engage their students and community, share resources and repertoire lists featuring women and nonwhite composers, and encourage discussion that serves as a model for how we can address inequities and promote a more inclusive learning environment.

Diverse Learners: Teaching for Tolerance K–5

Amplify: Community

Saturday, November 9, 9:15 – 10:15 AM

Alice-Ann Darrow & Ryan Aguirre

As elementary music educators, we teach students who represent broad dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, age, and ability. We strive to create a welcoming and more inclusive learning environment by acknowledging our students’ diverse strengths and experiences. This session will provide attendees with songs and activities that build community and encourage students to embrace their differences and recognize their similarities.

No Teacher Is an Island: Tools for Survival

Amplify: Community

Saturday, November 9, 10:30 – 11:30 AM

Jenny Neff

This island-themed session will share insights into maintaining a positive department culture, understanding others, uniting with colleagues to face adversity, building consensus, and working toward department advocacy. Results of research on the use of types of power, dealing with difficult people, and overcoming adversity will be woven into engaging activities for participants.

The World in Their Hands

Amplify: Community

Saturday, November 9, 2:45 – 3:45 PM

Rosalee Goley

This session is about how Google Earth can promote global music citizenship and community in a rural classroom. Using location hotspots, students and teachers can walk in the footsteps of Bach or visit a famous music hall. This activity also lends itself to dynamic interpretation and the study of musical genres. This session will be hands-on and accessible to all who want to add a new technology resource to their curriculum.