As I was perusing possible musicals, I ran across an article written by a music teacher who had recently performed one of the musicals proffered for sale. The article from Bad Wolf Press was entitled, "Derek's Triumph". Derek was a highly intelligent, autistic student who loved music. The article's author wrote, "Although he was friendly and eager to play and have friends, his black-and-white way of seeing the world was difficult for the other students to appreciate. Derek was quick to tattle because rules should not be broken, ever. Receiving acknowledgment and praise from his peers was rare." While working on the school musical, Derek's mother had ordered the piano score online so he could learn the music and play along with the recording on one of the songs. During the performance, which began well, the CD player abruptly stopped, leaving the students with no music. Derek, who had learned to play ALL of the songs in the musical, saved the day as he brilliantly accompanied all the remaining songs. To abundant applause, Derek bowed as his classmates and the audience showered their new-found hero with praise!
I love this story! Every person has a place in music! In fact, every person has a place in this world! God made each of us and because of that we are highly valued! I find this quote by Albert Einstein to be quite apt: “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” These are facts: I will never play pro football, be a skilled mathematician, or a proficient skydiver--but, I am a skilled musician. The marvelous truth about music is that the field is so vast and diverse, there is something for everyone! All God's children have a place in the choir!
Musically Yours,
Mrs. Debbie Dyer
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Monday, December 16, 2013
My Christmas Present to All of You
May God bless you with a very Merry Christmas!
Love in Jesus,
Mrs. Debbie Dyer
Thursday, December 12, 2013
WONDERFUL PERFORMANCE!!
3rd & 4th grade students, you did a FABULOUS job on "It All Happened in the Country"! I was very proud of all of you! All of the practices and hard work paid off! Thank you for a job well done! I love you and hope you have a very Merry Christmas!
Love,
Mrs. Dyer
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
This 'n That
ATTENTION PARENTS! Here's some info I'd like you to know:
1. Georgia Children's Chorus is holding ongoing auditions for boys and girls with treble voices , ages 8-18. If you are interested in having your child try out or wish to find out more info, contact the GCC office at 706-542-8711 or email gcc@uga.edu Rehearsals are held in Athens.
2. In my music classes, I award a "Noteworthy" to children who answer questions, help pass out papers, are especially kind to others, etc. Children fill out a "noteworthy" coupon and drop it in my bucket and at the end of each month, I draw out several names. These students are then permitted to choose a small prize from my treasure chest. If you would like to contribute small items from the dollar store to help replenish my goodies, I would greatly appreciate it!
3. If you are aware of any musical opportunities for elementary aged children (concerts, audition choirs, workshops, for example), contact me and I will do my best to post the info on my blog. Also, if your child has won a musical award, please let me know that as well! I love to share good news!
Musically Yours,
Mrs. Debbie Dyer
1. Georgia Children's Chorus is holding ongoing auditions for boys and girls with treble voices , ages 8-18. If you are interested in having your child try out or wish to find out more info, contact the GCC office at 706-542-8711 or email gcc@uga.edu Rehearsals are held in Athens.
2. In my music classes, I award a "Noteworthy" to children who answer questions, help pass out papers, are especially kind to others, etc. Children fill out a "noteworthy" coupon and drop it in my bucket and at the end of each month, I draw out several names. These students are then permitted to choose a small prize from my treasure chest. If you would like to contribute small items from the dollar store to help replenish my goodies, I would greatly appreciate it!
3. If you are aware of any musical opportunities for elementary aged children (concerts, audition choirs, workshops, for example), contact me and I will do my best to post the info on my blog. Also, if your child has won a musical award, please let me know that as well! I love to share good news!
Musically Yours,
Mrs. Debbie Dyer
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Music and Dance Go Hand-in-Hand!
In my music classes, we engage in many forms of dance and movement. American folk dances are some of my favorites! Here's why:
1. Folk dancing is part of our American heritage! Before computers, ipads, iphones, and modern technology, singing and dancing and playing musical instruments were the main form of entertainment.
2. Listening skills are increased--The calls (directions) are given by the caller (person giving directions) and students must immediately perform the dance moves.
3. Social skills are practiced--Boys and girls learn to bow and curtsy, and also how to dance with different people of both genders.
4. Students learn the basic music skill of "keeping the beat"! Most folk dances have a strong, well-defined beat.
5. Children are MOVING! Many times, students come to me after having done desk work for an hour or so, and dancing re-energizes them!
6. Folk dancing is FUN! Ask your child, almost all my students LOVE to folk dance!
Here's a short video of a 3rd grade class performing "Heel-Toe Polka":
http://youtu.be/I8LgjAcPUUE
1. Folk dancing is part of our American heritage! Before computers, ipads, iphones, and modern technology, singing and dancing and playing musical instruments were the main form of entertainment.
2. Listening skills are increased--The calls (directions) are given by the caller (person giving directions) and students must immediately perform the dance moves.
3. Social skills are practiced--Boys and girls learn to bow and curtsy, and also how to dance with different people of both genders.
4. Students learn the basic music skill of "keeping the beat"! Most folk dances have a strong, well-defined beat.
5. Children are MOVING! Many times, students come to me after having done desk work for an hour or so, and dancing re-energizes them!
6. Folk dancing is FUN! Ask your child, almost all my students LOVE to folk dance!
Here's a short video of a 3rd grade class performing "Heel-Toe Polka":
http://youtu.be/I8LgjAcPUUE
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Musically Healthy Children
As we begin a new school year, I'd like to remind everyone to stay musically healthy! God gave us an incredible gift when he gave us the "voice". It is a built-in instrument that is one of the most flexible instruments ever! With our voices we can sing, whistle, make animal sounds, cry, cluck, whine like a fire truck siren, and make a multitude of sounds. We must preserve this gift by taking special care of it.
Here are a few tips:
1. Eat healthy foods. Since our voice is part of our body, we need to keep it strong and well. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is one way to do that!
2. Get plenty of rest. Ever notice how your voice sounds "scratchy" after you have spent the night with a friend? When you stay up late, and don't give your voice "rest time", it is overworked.
3. Yelling AND whispering can injure your voice. Most people know that yelling or screaming hurts your voice, but whispering is harmful, too. It's best to speak in a NORMAL voice, just do it more quietly. Here's one link that helps explain it: http://blogs.voices.com/voxdaily/2009/07/the_dangers_of_whispering_for_your_voice.html
4. Drink plenty of water. The vocal cords work best when moist and free of excess mucus. If your body is dehydrated, your voice will be, too. Avoid caffeinated drinks, as caffeine pulls moisture out of your body. Water is best!
5. Medicine can affect your voice. Many over-the-counter cold and flu medicines can dry out even the healthy mucus your voice needs to function properly. The National Center for Voice and Speech has a list of prescription medicines and how they may affect your voice--*Parents, check it out!
6. Stop talking or singing if you are hoarse or your voice is raspy. Limit talking when your voice is tired. Do not talk or sing through it. You can damage your voice if you continue to use it when it is strained.
7. Avoid being around smoke or other pollutants. Strong scents and cleaning products can cause irritation that often affect the voice.
These are just a few ways to help keep your voice healthy! For more information, go to the National Center for Voice and Speech at: http://www.ncvs.org/ Happy Singing!
Here are a few tips:
1. Eat healthy foods. Since our voice is part of our body, we need to keep it strong and well. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is one way to do that!
2. Get plenty of rest. Ever notice how your voice sounds "scratchy" after you have spent the night with a friend? When you stay up late, and don't give your voice "rest time", it is overworked.
3. Yelling AND whispering can injure your voice. Most people know that yelling or screaming hurts your voice, but whispering is harmful, too. It's best to speak in a NORMAL voice, just do it more quietly. Here's one link that helps explain it: http://blogs.voices.com/voxdaily/2009/07/the_dangers_of_whispering_for_your_voice.html
4. Drink plenty of water. The vocal cords work best when moist and free of excess mucus. If your body is dehydrated, your voice will be, too. Avoid caffeinated drinks, as caffeine pulls moisture out of your body. Water is best!
5. Medicine can affect your voice. Many over-the-counter cold and flu medicines can dry out even the healthy mucus your voice needs to function properly. The National Center for Voice and Speech has a list of prescription medicines and how they may affect your voice--*Parents, check it out!
6. Stop talking or singing if you are hoarse or your voice is raspy. Limit talking when your voice is tired. Do not talk or sing through it. You can damage your voice if you continue to use it when it is strained.
7. Avoid being around smoke or other pollutants. Strong scents and cleaning products can cause irritation that often affect the voice.
These are just a few ways to help keep your voice healthy! For more information, go to the National Center for Voice and Speech at: http://www.ncvs.org/ Happy Singing!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Why I Teach Music to Elementary-aged Students
1. I am NEVER bored! Music encompasses many genres and is constantly changing.
2. When you teach music, you also teach History (the time/place/culture during which songs are written and why they are written); Language (most musical terms are in Italian and we sing many songs in other languages. Music itself is another language), Social Studies (we study the people of a culture, the instruments used and the country itself); Dance (folk, line-dancing, square dancing, ETC); Math (time signature, measures, note values, and so on).
3. You indulge your creative side: Students create new tunes, new lyrics, & new movements/dance steps.
4. Children are transformed from shy to confident students when Music is used to teach Performance Skills! It's thrilling to watch! These skills will be useful in any career they choose!
5. Music is one place where being silly is encouraged--Think "Banana Dance", "Sneaky Snake", "Chicken Dance", "The Ants Go Marching", "Chicken Lips"...
5. Virtually all of my students enter the classroom smiling! Many say Music is their favorite class! Several students have said they want to be a Music teacher when they grow up! What could be better than that?
2. When you teach music, you also teach History (the time/place/culture during which songs are written and why they are written); Language (most musical terms are in Italian and we sing many songs in other languages. Music itself is another language), Social Studies (we study the people of a culture, the instruments used and the country itself); Dance (folk, line-dancing, square dancing, ETC); Math (time signature, measures, note values, and so on).
3. You indulge your creative side: Students create new tunes, new lyrics, & new movements/dance steps.
4. Children are transformed from shy to confident students when Music is used to teach Performance Skills! It's thrilling to watch! These skills will be useful in any career they choose!
5. Music is one place where being silly is encouraged--Think "Banana Dance", "Sneaky Snake", "Chicken Dance", "The Ants Go Marching", "Chicken Lips"...
5. Virtually all of my students enter the classroom smiling! Many say Music is their favorite class! Several students have said they want to be a Music teacher when they grow up! What could be better than that?
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