Sensational Elementary Music EducationThrough the Winter Doldrums

Feb 22 2024

The beginning of the school year is such an exciting time for me. August rolls around, and as comfortable as I am with my relaxed summer schedule, I get pumped about starting a new school year. I thrive with new students, schedules, and programs. I get enthused about planning new lessons and activities for my students. I usually hit the ground running with each grade level, making music, singing songs, and playing instruments. We are mastering all those music standards.

By Thanksgiving, reality sets in, and I start to recognize the challenges I will face for the remainder of the school year. Come December, I am just surviving until winter break. My New Year’s resolutions might get me focused on my students again, but I quickly begin to feel the winter doldrums setting in. Our counselors and health care professionals often remind us that this temporary feeling of lethargy and melancholy is the result of shorter days disrupting our circadian rhythms. Either way, I struggle to keep things engaging for all students in my classroom as I feel the school year slow to a snail’s pace. 

This year was particularly gloomy with the cancellation of our annual conference. Every year, I look forward to the conference. I enjoy seeing old colleagues, meeting new friends, and hearing all the amazing concerts. I don’t know about you, but I need this time every year. I find it essential to my professional growth and to my ability to “make it” through the rest of the school year. I need fresh, new ideas and lesson plans. I need new songs and inspiration to get my brain back in creative mode.

How are we going to “make it” this year without our conference? Rest assured, your elementary/general board members are hard at work developing some upcoming professional development opportunities for us all. Stay tuned for more information, and start planning now for next year’s conference. In the meantime, I asked a few of our elementary division board members to share some of their favorite music lessons based on children’s literature. I hope we can inspire you with a little something to bring your classroom out of the winter doldrums.

One of my favorite children’s books is Mortimer by Robert Munsch. It is the story of a young boy who resists the attempts of his parents, siblings, and even the police to put him to bed by singing a song. I use the book to teach first grade-students high and low on Orff instruments. In the book, as each person (or group of people) goes upstairs or downstairs to scold Mortimer, we hear Thump, Thump, Thump, Thump, and students play going upstairs or downstairs or their instruments. Students also enjoy banging a drum when someone shuts the door, and they love repeating “Mortimer, be quiet,” in different voices. We sing Mortimer’s song together throughout the book. I composed a tune for Mortimer’s song on mi, sol, la. You could compose your tune using any pitches or rhythms you need to teach your students. This book is fun for all grade levels and can be used to teach many different music standards.

From Melissa McIntyre, Vestavia Hills Elementary Liberty Park:

Happy Fall Y’ll!

Oct 13 2023

Greetings music educators, and Happy Fall y’all!

As I sit here sipping my pumpkin spice latte, the aroma of a newly purchased apple cinnamon candle filling the air, I am thinking about all the challenges I face with my students this year. I know you too have a packed schedule of classes filing in one after another, performances approaching, and deadlines looming. At times like these, I am grateful to AMEA and NAfME for their support as well as for the opportunities they provide to me and my students.

Please consider renewing your NAfME/AMEA Membership today. Membership runs from July 1 to June 30. NAfME is the national voice representing music education. NAfME advocates at the local, state, and national levels; and provides resources for teachers, parents, and administrators. It is well worth your investment.

Also, be sure to visit our website at myamea.org to learn more about music education advocacy and projects in which you and your students can become involved. Thank you to everyone who supports our organization in all the different ways. Please know that the Elementary/General division wants to provide the best opportunities for our students. Please reach out to your district chair if you would like to serve in any capacity or if you have any questions or suggestions for us. Perhaps you might consider mentoring a new teacher in your district. If you are a veteran teacher, you have a wealth of knowledge you could share with a beginning teacher who needs some guidance. Reach out to your district chair, and she can put you in touch with someone who can help you!

Upcoming events:

We are so excited about the 2023 AMEA Elementary Music Festival to be held at Metropolitan Church of God in Birmingham on October 27th. We have two incredibly talented clinicians, Dr. Emily Burch and Mrs. Margaret Heron, joining us at this fantastic venue for a great day of learning and making music. Don’t forget, the festival concert on the evening of the 27th starts at 6:30 and is free and open to the public. Please help us spread the word on social media about this outstanding concert.

I urge you to make plans now to attend the AMEA conference on January 18-20, 2024, in the beautiful city of Huntsville. I assure you that it will be worth every minute you spend in conference workshops and concerts. We are elated to have Denise Gagne once again with her 35 years of teaching experience join us to share some of the latest and greatest in elementary music education. In addition, we are excited to welcome award-winning composer and conductor, Greg Gilpin, to demonstrate his approach to elementary choir and share some of his favorite repertoire with us. Mr. Gilpin will also be directing our All-State Honor Choir students as they rehearse on Friday and perform that evening in the first-ever All-State Elementary Choir concert. I encourage you to have your students participate in this awesome opportunity.  

Other upcoming events:

  • National Orff AOSA Conference is November 1-4, 2023, in Albuquerque, NM.
  • Orff Spring Workshop with Artie Almeida is scheduled for February 24, 2024, from 9:00-12:00 at Samford University. Please contact Jason Jackson for more information or to register. 
  • National Kodály OAKE Conference is March 14-17, 2024, in Chicago, IL.

We want to be able to stay in touch with you and reach out to those who are not members of AMEA.  Please email us at elementaryamea@gmail.com to update your information and share this address with those who you know are not members. Also, please follow AMEA Elementary on Facebook for updates and reminders.

Elementary/General Executive Board (2023 – 2025)

  • President – Alicia Luttrell
  • President-Elect – Jason Jackson
  • Treasurer – Devin Lacey 
  • Secretary – Melissa Galanopoulos 
  • Past-President – Sarah McLendon
  • Festival Director—Melissa McIntyre  
  • District Chairs (2023 – 2025)
    • District 1: Lea Hoppe & Viktoria Truesdail
    • District 2: Karen Morgan & Jamie Howell
    • District 3: Trudye Confessore & Kris Lindley
    • District 4: Laura Clevenger & Kaitlyn Melton
    • District 5: Katie Boyd
    • District 6: Christy Clark
    • District 7: Regina Williams
    • District 8: Andrea Marsh

Reflecting on the Past: Looking to the Future

Aug 8 2023

This summer has been a busy one for me. I have spent the summer preparing my triplets to head off to college. Yes, I am exhausted but thrilled for them as they are anxious to get going. Their eagerness, however, causes me some unease. I find myself looking back, reflecting on our time together, and questioning how prepared they are. Did I instill in them all the values they will need? Did I equip them with all the tools they will require to succeed?

Likewise, I am prompted to reflect on the past year and my teaching. I find myself considering whether I did all I could do for each student. You too may have taken time to step away from the business of the school year and reflect on your students’ progress and analyze how you could improve your approach to elementary music education.

Amid the hectic responsibilities with my triplets, I also had the opportunity this summer to teach enrichment camp at my school as well as music camp at church. Both experiences allowed me to dig deep and look for fun new ways to stimulate my students. I have been able to try out new lessons, those activities for which I do not always seem to have the time but have been wanting to try with my students. I have been rejuvenated and now look forward to the new school year when I can incorporate an innovative approach to my teaching, a new slant on teaching the same old standards. I discovered many of these music education lessons and activities at AMEA Professional Development Conference last year.

I urge you to make plans now to attend the AMEA conference on January 18-20, 2024, in the beautiful city of Huntsville. I assure you that it will be worth every minute you spend in conference workshops and concerts. You will come away refreshed and equipped to make yourself a better music educator.

We are elated to have Denise Gagne once again with her 35 years of teaching experience join us to share some of the latest and greatest in elementary music education.

In addition, we are excited to welcome award-winning composer and conductor, Greg Gilpin, to demonstrate his approach to elementary choir and share some of his favorite repertoire with us. Mr. Gilpin will also be directing our All-State Honor Choir students as they rehearse on Friday and perform that evening in the first-ever All-State Elementary Choir concert. I encourage you to have your students participate in this awesome opportunity. Be on the lookout for emails about how to register your students.

Meet your new executive board (2023 – 2025)

  • President – Alicia Luttrell
  • President-Elect – Jason Jackson
  • Treasurer – Devin Lacey
  • Secretary – Melissa Galanopoulos

Life Isn’t a Line

May 2 2023

Life isn’t a line, but a circle. The ending of each year brings with it a new beginning. We should always be striving to make our program better than the year before. Think back on the school year. What went well; what did not go as well? Which lesson did you knock out of the park; which lesson was a total flop? What amazing things did you accomplish; what did you not? This circle is ending, but a new one will soon begin.

We had our first Music Education Hill Day this past March. The choirs from Hillcrest and Rucker Boulevard Elementary performed at the Capitol. State Senator Josh Carnley said, “It was so special for me to see the future of our town and nation stand with confidence as they performed.” Remember to advocate for your program. The best advocate for your program is you! Use #ala4musiced when you post to social media about your program.

As we move forward into 2023, I am excited for music education in Alabama. As you know, my two-year term as Elementary Division President is coming to an end. It has been a pleasure serving you. You have elected a wonderful slate of officers who stand poised and ready to take the helm in June.

Your newly elected Elementary Board is as follows: President: Alicia Luttrell
President-Elect: Jason Jackson
Secretary: Melissa Galanopolous

Treasurer: Devin Lacy
Past President: Sarah McLendon Festival Director: Melissa McIntyre

We have started planning our annual AMEA Professional Development Conference. Our 2024 conference will be in Huntsville, on January 18 – 20, 2024. Some of you may not know how items are selected for Conference. We love to showcase the talent from around the state! This year we are going to add an Elementary All-State Choir. Check your email this fall for more information. Please consider applying for your choral or instrumental group to perform at the conference. It is a lot of extra work, but it is so worth it. Your students would love to be on that stage. The board goes through the applications and listens to the recordings to select the performances for the year.

We would also love for you to be a presenter. What are you passionate about? Some of our best interest sessions have come from our fellow Alabama music teachers. Please consider sharing your wonderful ideas with us. We can only pick from what has been submitted; if no one submits, then there is nothing from whichtochoose.Weusuallyhaveagreatvarietyofsubmissions,butwouldlovetohavemore! Wewould love for you to share with us!

Both conference applications can be found on the myamea.org webpage https://myamea.org/conference- apply/. The deadline to apply is June 1st.

It is time to renew your NAfME membership. Do so quickly so that you will not miss any fun PD sessions and conferences.

We want to stay in touch with you and reach out to those who are not members of AMEA. Please email us at elementaryamea@gmail.com to update your information and please share this address with those who you know are not members.

It is time to recharge our batteries. “The best six doctors…are sunshine, water, rest, air, exercise, and diet.” Enjoy your summer break and get ready for the new circle to begin.

Upcoming Dates:

East Alabama Workshop, Saturday, August 26, 2023, 9am-1pm, Grace United Methodist Church, Auburn, AL

Elementary Music Festival, Friday, October 27th, 2023; Metropolitan Church of God in Birmingham, Alabama

Joint Fall Workshop sponsored by Elementary/General Division of AMEA, AOSA, and SHAKE, Saturday, October 28th

2024 AMEA Professional Development Conference, January 18 – 20, 2024, Von Braun Center, Huntsville, AL

Conference from the Eyes of the Elementary/General Division: “The Happiest Room at the Conference.”

Feb 12 2023

Rucker Rhythms – What did performing at AMEA mean to you?

“Performing at AMEA showed me that even though I’m young and little, I can make a big impact on people’s lives.” – Ania Lloyd, 6th grade

“What it means to me is that whatever happens, somebody’s there for you.” – DeKadra Richardson, 6th grade

“It means a lot because performing for other people means you can succeed in life.” – Natalia Crislip, 5th grade

“It was amazing. It meant the world to me.” – Kate Delgado Gomez, 4th grade

“I am grateful for the opportunity performing at AMEA afforded my students. We have an important message to share, and are thankful for AMEA providing a platform to do just that.” – Andrea Marsh, Rucker Rhythms director

Holly Seales – “It was wonderful to have the opportunity to come back to AMEA after missing it the past 3 years. I thoroughly enjoyed all of the sessions with John Jacobson (I’m a huge fan) and Sandy & Gretchen! I also enjoyed meeting and chatting with NAfME President-Elect Deb Confredo and listening to many featured performers. All this combined with fellowship among colleagues and reuniting with old friends has inspired me! Our AMEA leadership did a fabulous job this year and I cannot wait to come back in 2024!”

Rhonda Tucker – “ What an amazing time I had singing, playing, dancing, and learning with my Alabama colleagues after being away for 15 years. Sandy Lantz and Gretchen Wahlberg’s sessions incorporated activities involving recorder, ukuleles, barred and unpitched instruments. Their children’s literature connections were my favorite. John Jacobson introduced the JJ and Me Experience with fun movement activities and performance pieces for the entire school year. His energy is infectious! Tiffany Strickland showed this old dog innovative ways to incorporate visuals and props using Kodaly. I learned so much, but the best part of this conference was being home with my Alabama Elementary Music Teacher family. I treasure these times to connect with my friends and to make new ones. Thank you AMEA Elementary Board for planning a wonderful conference! Can’t wait for AMEA 2024!”

Anna Kelley – “As a new teacher, I always love going to the AMEA conference! It always had wonderful workshops with amazing ideas that I can use in my classroom. It also is a great place to meet new people and visit with friends from the music education community.”

Kristen MacQueen – “Every January I look forward to AMEA. It’s a time to collaborate, visit, and enjoy wonderfully talented educators and their performances with their students. Elementary music teachers are a different breed and we embrace all the crazy. We love what we do as educators and hope we pass that love on to our students. Dance, sing, and play isn’t just in the classroom, it’s life!”

“I loved singing in our performance because it made me feel like I don’t have to worry about anything going on in my life.” – Harper Rainbolt, 5th grade

“When I stood up there on the stage, I left proud. I felt a wave of sound move through my body. My heart bursts with joy. I see my parents clapping for me. I sang like I meant it. When we were done singing, I felt like I accomplished my goal.” – Maadhev Karthikeyan, 5th grade

“Performing at AMEA was a wonderful experience for both me and my students. Preparing made us push ourselves, and ultimately made us very proud of the hard work it took to get there.” – Lisa Latham, Trace Singers, director

Thank you so much to everyone who helped make this a wonderful conference! Your Elementary/General officers did a great job preparing everything. If you were unable to attend, you can still view the handouts in the Guidebook app.

As we begin to plan for next year, we would love to have you present a session. What are you passionate about? What would you love to share with others? What do you do in your classroom that would be helpful to others? We would also love to have an elementary group perform. Do you have an Orff ensemble or choir? Bucket drummers or recorder ensemble?

Huntsville 2024, here we come!

The Magic and Power of Music

Oct 10 2022

Our classes are continuing their way back to normal after COVID.  Unlike the general education teacher, we have a unique tool to help us get there. We have the magic and power of music.

Science has proven that music makes you happier.  William James said, “I don’t sing because I’m happy; I’m happy because I sing.”  Find those folk songs and pop songs; those patriotic songs, and multicultural songs. Seek out the songs that resonate with your students. Sing those songs.  Move to those songs. Respond to those songs. Create with those songs. Share those songs with your audiences. Get those children smiling and enjoying their day.

Music lowers stress!  Music is healing!  The stress hormone cortisol decreases when we listen to music. Turn the music on, sing along, feel the beat, and feel that stress melt away. Do this as a form of self-care for your students as well. Advocate for your student’s well-being by facilitating engaging musical experiences in your classroom, school, and community.

Use the magic and power of music! You wield an indispensable weapon in the struggle for normality. Don’t lose heart. Most importantly, don’t forget how important it is to collaborate with fellow music teachers.  We can do this!

The 2023 AMEA Professional Development Conference will be held January 19-21 at the BJCC in Birmingham.  We are so honored and excited to have Sandy Lantz and Gretchen Wahlberg joining us at AMEA this coming January.  They are both national board-certified teachers who have taught elementary music in Florida for over 38 years. For the past 18 years, they have taught Orff-Schulwerk Level I teacher training courses sponsored by the Central Florida Orff Chapter, Stetson University, Florida Gulf Coast University, and Florida International University.  They have co-taught workshop sessions at National Orff Schulwerk conferences and numerous state music conferences throughout the country.  Together they have written the following books:   Drum It Up, Creative Bits with Children’s Lit, Strum It Up, and S’More Bits with Children’s Lit.  They will be presenting four sessions for us.  They are Quaver, John Jacobson, Tiffani Strickland, Kristin Pugliese, and Becky Halliday.  This is a conference that you do not want to miss.

We want to be able to stay in touch with you and reach out to those who are not members of AMEA.  Please email us at elementaryamea@gmail.com to update your information and share this address with those who you know are not members.

District 1 Chairmen – Lea Hoppe & Viktoria Truesdail

Colbert, Cullman, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Morgan, and Winston

District 2 Chairman – Karla Hodges & Karen Morgan

Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Lamar, Marion, Pickens, Shelby, Tuscaloosa, and Walker

District 3 Chairman – Deanna Bell & Kate Donaldson

Jefferson

District 4 Chairman – Kaitlyn Melton & Laura Clevenger

Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee, Cleburne, DeKalb, Etowah, Marshall, St. Clair

District 5 Chairman – Vacant

Chambers, Clay, Coosa, Elmore, Lee, Macon, Randolph, Russell, Talladega, and Tallapoosa

District 6 Chairman – Christy Clark

Autauga, Chilton, Choctaw, Clarke, Dallas, Hale, Lowndes, Marengo, Montgomery, Perry, Sumter, and Wilcox

District 7 Chairman – Jason Jackson & Regina Williams

Baldwin, Escambia, Mobile, Monroe, and Washington

District 8 Chairman – Andrea Marsh

Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Coffee, Conecuh, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston, and Pike

Give it Away

Jul 20 2022

The existential question: What is the meaning of life? This question has probably been asked by just about everyone in history. And you will receive a different answer from just about everyone that you ask. Pablo Picasso said, “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”

We have two gifts: music and teaching.

”Music is the universal language of mankind.” Music has no boundaries. Everyone can enjoy music regardless of age, language, religion, or culture. Music can make us feel the full spectrum of emotions. Music can cure insomnia and anxiety. Music is magical!

We have spent our lifetimes learning our craft. What other professionals start to prepare for their careers in infancy? None of them! At an early age, we were listening to and moving to music. As we got older, many of us took lessons on an instrument or voice. We have been gifted with the ability to read, analyze, and make music.

According to Miriam-Webster, the definition of a teacher is “one whose occupation is to instruct.” Teachers help students learn by giving subject knowledge to them in situations where they can learn. We create a loving, safe environment; an environment where our students can learn and succeed.

Children are fun! We lead the students in their discoveries. We get to see the lightbulb go off when they finally get it! We make a difference in the lives of children every day. We teach life lessons from failures and successes. We get to see our students grow up before our eyes.
We know our gift, now go give it away! Best wishes on a fabulous new year teaching our favorite musicians!

Upcoming Dates:

East Alabama General Music Workshop, Saturday, August 27, 9 am – 1 pm, Auburn; Clinician – Dr. Scott Sexton

NAfME In-Service Conference, Nov 2-6, 2022, National Harbor, Maryland

Elementary Music Festival, Friday, October 14, Metropolitan Church of God in Birmingham, Alabama;
Conductors – Cristi Cary Miller & Dr. Scott Sexton

Joint Fall Workshop sponsored by Elementary/General Division of AMEA, AOSA, and SHAKE, Saturday,
October 15, 8:30 am – 1 pm at Metropolitan Church of God

American Orff-Schulwerk Association, National Professional Development Conference, November 2-5, 2022, Kansas City, Missouri

2023 AMEA Professional Development Conference, January 19 – 21, 2023, BJCC – Birmingham, AL;
Clinicians – Sandy Lantz & Gretchen Wahlberg

Sarah McLendon

Why?

May 9 2022

“A sound of hope. A sound of love. Music builds a bridge, a sound of peace, it can tear down a wall. A sound that celebrates. Music is a language that can speak to one and all! And speaks what we believe. This is why we sing, a sound so strong. Why we lift our voice. It’s amazing what is given why we stand as one in harmony. When we share a song….

This is why we sing, why we lift our voice. Soothe a soul, mend a heart. Take my hand and sing with me. Bring together lives that have been torn apart. This is why we sing!” Share the joy, find a friend. It’s a never ending gift that circles back again…

We have been teaching through some of the toughest days in recent history. We will continue to teach in times of contentment along with times that require deliberate perseverance.

But why? Why do we keep doing our jobs? What keeps you in the classroom? What motivates you to walk into the building every day? Do you know the answer to your “Whys?”

To me, it is watching my students grow as musicians. It is the smiles on their faces when they finally grasp a concept. It’s the laughter as they folk dance around the room. It’s the joyful sounds of songs coming together. It’s the scarves floating through the air to the music. It’s watching a production slowly come to fruition. It’s the audience’s reaction as we finish a performance. It’s going to performances at the secondary schools and seeing my former students on the stage. It’s hearing from former students as they recount their favorite stories from my class.

This summer as you relax and recharge, use that time to reflect on your “whys.” Take time to discover why you sing and why you lift your voice. In doing so, you will identify the foundational purposes of why you chose the field of music. Music education is more than an occupation. It is a calling. Let us start the new year with a recharged passion.

It is time to renew your NAfME membership. Do so quickly so that you will not miss any fun!

PD sessions and conferences

We want to stay in touch with you and reach out to those who are not members of AMEA. Please email us at elementaryamea@gmail.com to update your information and please share this address with those who you know are not members.

Upcoming Dates

Elementary Music Festival

Joint Fall Workshop sponsored by Elementary/General Division of AMEA, AOSA, and SHAKE

Saturday, October 15th, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Metropolitan Church of God

NAfME In-Service Conference

Nov 2-6, 2022, National Harbor, Maryland

American Orff-Schulwerk Association, National Professional Development Conference

November 2-5, 2022, Kansas City. Missouri

2023 AMEA Professional Development Conference

January 19 – 21, 2023, BJCC Birmingham, AL

Submitted by Sarah McClendon

Better Together

Nov 1 2021

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” ~ African proverb

Do you ever find yourself jealous of classroom teachers? I do all of the time! They have a “tribe” in their hallway. They can collaborate daily. They can walk next door to ask a question about their subject. The lesson didn’t work the way they wanted……what worked for you?

We are on an island. Most of us are the only music educators in our building. Some are the only music educators in the system. Some of us are lucky to be in a larger system and have people in town with whom we can bounce around ideas.

We have started yet another year unlike any year in the past. However, we are all in the same boat. We all have children who may have lost singing skills due to the lack of singing. We have children who have missed out on playing the recorder. (My students are begging to be able to play this year!) Do not let the challenges of the year discourage you!

We need to form our “tribes.” We need to support each other. Share ideas. Ask questions. Give answers without being condescending. Form a text group. Share ideas on social media. Write articles for the Ala Breve.

Those of us veterans have it better than novice teachers. We have years of experience from which to draw. Are you a veteran teacher with a new teacher in your district? Become a mentor! You have a wealth of knowledge to share. Are you a beginning teacher and need some guidance? Reach out and we can put you in touch with someone who can help you!

Read More

Do Nothing

Aug 29 2021

 

Do nothing. That is a terrifying thought for me. I am always thinking about what I have to get done next. Finish one task and move on to the next. I have to get this finished so I do not fall behind.

“Life is all about balance. You don’t always need to get stuff done. Sometimes it’s perfectly okay, and absolutely necessary, to shut down, kick back, and do nothing.” – Lori Deschene

We all had a year, unlike any other year. We encountered numerous obstacles that seemed insurmountable. However, we all know that music teachers are superheroes! We managed to teach, love, and inspire our students just like any other year. We taught lessons in new, fresh, and innovative ways. We creatively figured out how we would be able to get music manipulatives in the hands of our students. We are rock stars!

If there was ever a summer when we needed rest, this one was it. “The best six doctors…are sunshine, water, rest, air, exercise, and diet.”

Go outside! Go to your happy place: the beach, the lake, the mountains, even your own backyard. Enjoy the fresh air. Smell the flowers and the grass. Listen to the birds sing and the breeze as it moves the branches in the trees. Feel the soft grass or sand under your feet. Embrace the sunshine as it warms your face. Take a walk. Notice the natural beauty all around you. The sunrises and sunsets are beautiful paintings every day. The bright rainbows glow after the summer rain showers. Taste the fresh foods of summer. There is nothing better than fresh fruits and vegetables straight from the vine…except maybe my mother-in-law’s homemade peach ice cream, but that counts as a fruit, right?

Our students need us! They need us to be 100% there. We must take care of ourselves to be able to take care of others. Do not think you are being selfish when you take some time for yourself. Rest, recharge… “kick back and do nothing.”

SHAKE Back to School Workshop, Lea Hoppe, Clinician Saturday, August 14, 9am-12pm
Vestavia Hills Elementary East, Free

East Alabama Workshop
Sandy Lantz & Gretchen Wahlberg, Clinicians Saturday, August 28, 9am-12pm via Zoom, Free

AMEA Elementary Festival
Jeremy Howard & Rhonda Tucker, Clinicians Friday, October 15, Eastmont Baptist Church

AMEA/AOSA/SHAKE Fall Workshop
Rhonda Tucker, Clinician
Saturday, October 16, 9am-12pm, Eastmont Baptist Church $25

AMEA Conference, Tiffany Taylor English, Featured Clinician January 20-22, 2022, Birmingham, Alabama

 

ELEM/GEN: I Wish You More

Jun 10 2021

 

I Wish You More

I was in the bookstore last week and I found a delightful children’s book entitled, I Wish You More by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld (Chronicle Books, 2015). After reading a few of the pages, I bought the book as a gift for my student intern. It also made me think of you. Here are a few lines:

“I wish you more ups than downs,
I wish you more give than take,
I wish you more tippy-toes than deep (illustration of a pool)
I wish you more we than me
I wish you more hugs than ughs.. (skipping ahead…)
I wish you more treasures than pockets
I wish you more stories than stars,
I wish all of this for you, because you are everything I could wish for….. and more.”

Elementary AMEA, you are everything I could wish for and more. When the pandemic hit, you stepped up to the plate with lessons and materials to share with others. You participated in numerous Zoom and Google meets to plan how to teach and what to teach for the upcoming school year. Your colleagues reached out for help and you were there. Maybe you reached out too and found help through our organization or a colleague. You attended the 1st ever, virtual AMEA conference, making it one of the most successful conferences ever. You fill in the gap every day even though it has been hard and sometimes seemed impossible. You are amazing and I wish you more!

As we move forward into 2021, I am excited for music education in Alabama. As you know, my two-year term as Elementary Division President is coming to an end. It has been a pleasure serving you. You have elected a wonderful slate of officers who stand poised and ready to take the helm in June. Your newly elected Elementary Board is as follows:

President: Sarah McLendon President Elect: Alicia Luttrell Secretary: Melissa Galanopolous Treasurer: Devin Lacy

Past President: Betty Wilson Festival Director: Melissa McIntyre Hospitality: Erica Lutz

Please reach out to any of these educators or your district chairs if you have any questions about our upcoming workshops and conferences. We look forward to hearing from you about conference sessions, possible inservices, and/or clinicians you would like to have.

Remember, we have many excellent music education opportunities at our disposal this summer including Orff levels I and III at Samford University and Kodaly levels I, II, and III at the University of Montevallo. Also, registration for the Elementary Music Festival is open until May 7th. The festival will be held on October 15th at Eastmont Baptist Church in Montgomery. Details are below. Lastly, we have started planning our annual AMEA Professional Development Conference. This year our 2022 conference will be in Birmingham, on January 20-22, 2022. Please consider applying for your choral or instrumental group to perform at the conference or to be a presenter. Some of our best interest sessions have come from our fellow Alabama music teachers. Please consider sharing your wonderful

ideas with us. Both conference applications can be found on the myamea.org webpage https://myamea.org/conference-apply/. The deadline to apply is June 1st. These are just a few of the amazing opportunities we have for professional and personal development and I hope you will take advantage of as many as you can.

In closing, I know it has been a challenging year. I thank you for hanging in there and for doing your best during this unprecedented time. One day we will tell our grandkids the most amazing tales of when everything closed for months, including schools, there was no toilet paper to be found, and how we had to teach music over the computers. In fact, we may go down as the first generation of digital music educators. The next generation may laugh and tell us we are spinning a yarn. Won’t that be wonderful? I wish you all the best! I wish you more. More drums than desks, more smiles than masks, more hugs than waves. I wish you more sunshine than rain and more joy than sadness. “I wish all of this for you, because you are everything I could wish for….and more.”

For questions or updates, please contact us at elementaryamea@gmail.com.

Have a Great Summer,

Betty R. Wilson, President Elementary/General Division

 

Workshops and Other Professional Development Opportunities Alabama AOSA

Orff Levels I, and III Summer of 2021, June 21-July 2, 2021 Samford University: contact Dr. Soja msoja@samford.edu

Orff-Schulwerk Level One Workshop: https://eve.samford.edu/index.php?formid=3423&he=no Orff-Schulwerk Level Three Workshop: https://eve.samford.edu/index.php?formid=3424&he=no

AOSA Spring Workshop
March 5, 2022, Jennifer Donovan, Clinician

Sweet Home Alabama Kodaly Educators (S.H.A.K.E.)Workshop https://sites.google.com/view/alabamakodaly/home
Kodaly Levels I, II, III, July 12-23, 2021
University of Montevallo: Contact Becky Halliday ahalliday@montevallo.edu S.H.A.K.E. Workshops

Fall (August/Sept) 2021: Lea Hoppe, Clinician April 2022: Rachel Gibson, Clinician

East Alabama Music Educators

August 28th, 2021, Auburn, Alabama
Contact Dr. Rob Lyda for details lydarob@me.com

AMEA Music Festival
October 15, Eastmont Baptist Church
Clinicians: Rhonda Tucker and Jeremy Howard
For details email: ameafestival@gmail.com
The sign-up deadline is Friday, May 7, 2021, and all sign-ups must be completed online using this link: https://forms.gle/bb5syP2Y9Ci8UQfTA

AMEA Fall Workshop
October 16, Eastmont Baptist Church, TBA

AMEA Professional Development Conference January 20-22, 2022, Birmingham, Al

ELEM/GEN: Greatness Lies in You – Conference Review

Feb 5 2021

Wow! Just wow! I was sincerely blown away by our recent virtual AMEA Professional Development Conference. I will admit that coming into the conference during an unprecedented pandemic ridden school year, I had some skepticism and reluctance about spending the weekend on the computer. However, my attitude quickly changed with the very first session. A little later in the evening, keynote speaker, Dr. Judy Bowers reminded us to focus on what we can do instead of all the things we can’t do. She encouraged us to continue to do everything we can, to collaborate with others and to think outside the box to further music education during these unusual circumstances. She said “ The only real power that any of us have for change is personal or professional action.” This can be hard, but we took the first steps! We attended this conference, we learned from others, we collaborated, we expanded our professional learning communities. I know that “greatness lies in you.” One day, our students will tell our story. Let’s help them write the most amazing tale of strength, perseverance, and love.

My time as your Elementary/General Division President is coming to a close. I would like to thank AMEA President, David Raney, Garry Taylor, Dr. Rob Lyda and the entire AMEA Executive board for the extraordinary work that went into the AMEA conference. I would also like to commend Carl Hancock and our elementary division zoom hostess, Adrienne Wiggins, for all of their hard work and support. This year was the 75th anniversary of our Professional Development Conference and it was exceptional. Presenters David Row, Dr. Julie Bannerman, Quaver, and many of our own educators shared their gifts and talents with us. I would also like to thank, Past President, Phil Wilson, and long time, elementary treasurer, Lori Zachary. At the conference, you elected your new incoming leadership team. These officers will be installed in late May and take office June 1st. They are as follows: President: Sarah McLendon, President Elect: Alicia Luttrell, Secretary: Melissa Galanopoulos, Treasurer: Devin Lacy, Festival Director: Melissa McIntyre, and Hospitality: Erica Lutz. Next year, our Professional Development Conference will be back in Birmingham, Alabama in January. I am looking forward to seeing you in person at this wonderful event, but remember, your elementary AMEA division is here year round to help you. Keep us up to date with your teaching and contact information by emailing us at elementayamea@gmail.com. Continue to “sharpen your saw” as an educator by attending some of the workshops and events listed below. Reach out to us anytime through our Elementary AMEA Facebook page.

Sincerely,

Betty R Wilson, President Elementary/General Division

 

Workshops and Other Professional Development Opportunities

Alabama AOSA Spring Workshop

  • March 6, 2021: Manju Durairaj, Clinician

Cost: FREE!

Virtual workshop 9-11 and 12-2

Register at https://site.google.com/view/alabamaaosa

  • March 5, 2022 Jennifer Donovan, Clinician
  • Orff Levels I, and III Summer of 2021, (date TBA)

Samford University: contact Dr. Soja msoja@samford.edu

Sweet Home Alabama Kodaly Educators Workshop

https://sites.google.com/view/alabamakodaly/home

  • Fall (August/Sept) 2021: Lea Hoppe, Clinician
  • April 2022: Rachel Gibson, Clinician
  • Kodaly Levels I, II, III, July 2021 (date TBA)

University of Montevallo: Contact Becky Haliday ahalliday@montevallo.edu

East Alabama Music Educators
August 28th 2021, Auburn, Alabama
Contact Dr. Rob Lyda for details lydarob@me.com

AMEA Music Festival
October 15, Eastmont Baptist Church
Clinicians: Rhonda Tucker and Jeremy Howard
For details email: ameafestival@gmail.com

AMEA Fall Workshop
October 16, Eastmont Baptist Church TBA

ELEM/GEN: Life’s Full of Tough Choices

Nov 10 2020

To say that the start of the school year was unusual would be an understatement. Many of you are facing and conquering challenges you’ve never dreamed of. You might be teaching online, in a general education classroom, or in a hybrid model where sometimes synchronous and asynchronous learning occurs at the same time. Again, I am reminded of the seven habits book, I referenced last October, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen Covey. Habits 2 and 3 begin with the end in mind and put first things first. What do we want our students to know at the end of the year and how can we accomplish that in a COVID-19 teaching and learning environment? While we know that some of our traditional teaching methods have been suspended temporarily, there are many ways to accomplish our goals. It’s a good thing that most music teachers are creative because we are all having to think outside the box. (I don’t know who wanted to be in the box in the first place, but that’s a different article.) To attain these learning targets, we must put first things first. This is where the tough choices come in. There’s no way to do it all, every day! Some days that may mean making a lesson plan, or a video of yourself singing a song for your kids or a video of you reading them a book to post in your Google classroom. Other days, putting first things first may mean attending to your family’s needs, making sure that the grass is cut, the laundry washed, the homework checked. Or maybe it’s putting yourself first, taking time to meditate, pray, exercise, or get your nails done. When you feel refreshed, you will be better equipped to handle the daily stresses that accompany this pandemic and the months ahead. Begin with the end in mind and put first things first today.

As many of you already know, our AMEA Choral Festival was cancelled, however, the fall workshop was not. The fall workshop, featuring clinician Jeremy Howard, will be held online from 9:00-12:00 on October 17th, 2020. I would like to thank AOSA and SHAKE President, Deanna Bell for partnering with us to provide this workshop for free. Members need to preregister to receive a link to the Zoom meeting. Make sure you include the email you would like to use to receive your link to the workshop. Register at https://tinyurl.com/2020AMEAFallWorkshop Jeremy will present a session on Elementary Improvisation. During the session participants will “extract the core tenants of improvisation (framework + choice + time); explore aural, kinesthetic, and visual preparation methods for improvising with movements, vocal explorations, words, instruments, rhythms, and melodies; and foster Kodály’s vision for complete musicianship.” The workshop will be followed by our fall board meetings. This year, the Elementary Division will be nominating officers for the following positions: President-Elect, and Secretary. A nominating committee has been working on securing nominations for these vacancies, but we will also take nominations from the floor. To nominate a person for a position, you must first have their permission and they must agree to serve if elected.

Finally, on January 21-23, 2021, we will host our virtual AMEA Professional Development Conference. Conference planning is well underway. Since we know it might be difficult to find a sub and take time off, the Executive Board has made several adjustments to the schedule that will allow you to stay at work during the day and enjoy sessions in the evening. Please check out the excellent sessions we are planning for you. David Row will be our main clinician. You may know David from his amazing Facebook Live broadcasts, Teachers Pay Teachers page (TPT), and Make Moments Matter webpage. David is an excellent educator and we are thrilled to have him share virtually in January. We will also have sessions by Dr. Julie Bannerman (University of Montevallo), Toni Garza (Quaver), and various other Alabama music educators. Additionally, you may sign up to share a lesson at the lightning round on Thursday night, or plan to share a book at the Elementary Happy Hour Session (BYOB, Bring Your Own Book) on

Saturday. Be sure to renew your NAfME membership as soon as possible to register for these events and to take advantage of all that NAfME and AMEA have to offer this year.

Thank you again, for your hard work, dedication, and continued support of the Elementary/General Division of the AMEA and the children of Alabama.

See you in October,
Betty R Wilson, President Elementary/General Division

Upcoming Dates:

Fall Workshop – AMEA/AOSA/SHAKE Saturday, October 17, from 9-12 Online Format

NAfME National Conference
November 4-8, 2020
In-person conference is cancelled.
Visit Nafme.org for upcoming virtual sessions

AMEA Professional Development Conference January 21-23, 2021
Online Format

Alabama AOSA Spring Workshops (Details TBA) March 6, 2021: Manju Durairaj, Clinician March 5, 2022: Jennifer Donovan, Clinician

Sweet Home Alabama Kodály Educators Workshops (Details TBA) April 2021: Lea Hoppe, Clinician
April 2022: Rachel Gibson Clinician

 

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