The title is true for my school anyway. Amid the rigorous academics demands on school children these days, it is refreshing to see teachers keeping music in the classroom. Most people from my generation got some music instruction, or at least music appreciation, in elementary school. I will never forget Mr. Davis pulling us out of class once a week and teaching us to pluck the guitar saying “Santa Ana freeway” in time. I’ve been carrying that torch, in my small way, ever since I started teaching, keeping music in the schools.
With kids it’s best to start with the basics and work their way out: the parts, the strings, the chords, then teaching with songs, and later riffs and solos. It’s great to know that some administrators, teachers, and districts believe that music in the classroom should remain “still standing” even in these times of recession.
Great story! I always keep a guitar in my classroom (along with a didjeridoo and a shaker or two) Kids are always interested in the instruments and often bring in something of their own to show me. Every once in a while I even play a technology song! Three cheers for Jonathan Coulton.
Keep strummin!
@Jeffrey Slough: That is really encouraging Jeffrey. Woody Guthrie would have called you a coal porter.
Our new music teacher has started a rhythm club. I hope to post video of them soon.
Our principal is going to start playing music based on the music curriculum in the Cafeteria during lunch.
@Kimberly: That is too cool Kimberly. May your tribe increase!
Love it! I have a guitar in my classroom too. Someone once told me all you need is a 5 song repertoire and you can teach just about anything through song!!
I love involving music into the classrooms that I am in. I feel like the students pay more attention to what is going on. It allows them to use different parts of the mind and allows them to experience something new. I’m a strong believer in music in the classroom.