PSD Music

David Sousa - CH 6 "Musical Talent"

2006-10-24T11:04:00.000-07:00

Using the PSD Music Blog to continue our collegial conversation from October 18th, I'd like to invite teachers to respond as they would using "The Final Word" sharing protocol.

I would like to direct attention to the quote on page 173 of Chapter 6 from David Sousa's book, How The Gifted Brain Learns. It says,

"Musicians brains may be much better at chunking information than the brains of nonmusicians."

Why would that be of interest? How could this be of benefit to learners? How could this be useful to educators? If you read the quote in context under the section "Memorizing Music," you might have commentary or further questions to pose. Please consider continuing the conversation by commenting on this blog posting.

Go Seahawks!

2006-02-15T15:41:00.000-08:00

Waller Road students worked together to encourage the Seahawks at a special assembly. Check out this article talking about music teacher, LAURIE HELLE and the chant she led.

http://www.puyallup.k12.wa.us/ourdistrict/news/newsdetail.cfm?NID=156

Maynard Ferguson

2006-01-30T20:11:00.000-08:00

Well, I have to share about my evening Sunday night. I was nagged all week by my sophmore son who wanted to go to Jazz Alley over the weekend. He and a buddy were bound and determined to see (and hear) Maynard Ferguson and the Big Bop Nouveau Band perform. I really didn't want to drive in the horrible weather Sunday night - but I'm so glad I did! What a fabulous concert. The ten piece band was "tight," and the drummer, Stockton Helbing was worth the drive all by himself. Has anyone else seen this group?

The picture above was taken by - Bob Gould. Photo was taken in Greenville, Michigan in November 2002. To view a great website, take a look at http://maynard.ferguson.net/default.htm

All-State Info

2006-01-21T09:04:00.000-08:00

The information and audition materials for the Junior (8th grade) All
State Choir, Band, and Orchestra are now available online at www.wmea.org
- they are only giving a 2 month window to send audition/apply, so time is
of the essence.

Variations on a Theme from Windows

2006-01-12T07:11:00.000-08:00

I thought you guys might enjoy this music:

http://www.songfight.org/music/welcome_to/jimofseattle_wt.mp3

Chase

BRAINCOMPATIBLE TEAC

2006-01-12T06:49:00.000-08:00

BRAIN-COMPATIBLE TEACHING
     The Creative Dance Center will present Brain-Compatible Teaching and the
Brain Dance on Sunday, January 22, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at the Creative
Dance Center (12577 Densmore Ave North in Seattle).  Join Anne Green
Gilbert as she takes participants through her patently successful
five-part conceptual lesson plan and the ten brain-compatible principles.
You will gain new appreciation and a deeper understanding of how movement
and the brain are linked as Anne takes you through the developmental
movement patterns that are part of the Brain Dance and integrate body and
brain, enhancing life-long learning.  For registration information visit
www.creativedance.org/workshops/workshops.cfm or call (206) 363-7281.

Professional Development Opportunity

2006-01-06T13:42:00.000-08:00

Evergreen Orff Chapter and our local Kodaly chapter are sponsoring a workshop Jan. 20 and 21 presented by Peter and Mary Alice Amidon.

I quote
"  Peter and Mary Alice are versatile musicians and gifted teachers who are dedicated to traditional song, dance and storytelling.  The Amidons have been headliners at the national OAKE and AOSA Conferences and are founding members of the New England Dancing Masters, publishers of Chimes of Dunkirk, and other collections of traditional Anglo/American dances and singing games for children.  This workshop will focus on the community building power of traditional dance, song and storytelling in the schools, and will include instruction in traditional dances and singing games"

Pre-registration  - Jan. 13 - EOC Members $40, Non members $80

Walk-ins EOC Members $45, Non-members $85

Walk in Friday only - $20 member, $30 nonmember.

Walk in Saturday only Member $30, Nonmember $55

For additional fee 1 credit available from SPY
10 Clock hours available through WMEA

Contact Sue Schultz at    schultzes@wavecable.com,  360-387-9063

Location Meridian Park Elementary
17077 Meridian Ave. N.
Shoreline, WA 98133

To register by mail:

Send fees, name, address, phone, email address, school and district to
Laurie Selle,
10918 203rd ave. E.
Bonney Lake, WA 98391

Congrats to Todd

2006-01-06T07:06:00.000-08:00

I know most of you have heard this news two or three times but I feel that it could be given one more time.

Todd Giltner will be inducted into the Washington Music Educators Hall of Fame this February at the state conference in Yakima.  This is an enormous honor, considering he's a string player and received his masters from UW.  :)    Only 8 state music teachers are inducted every other year.

Todd has been at PHS forever.  He also teaches orchestra at several PHS feeder schools.  He's been many students' "orchestra teacher" from 4th grade, through Aylen and then PHS.  That's 9 straight years!!!

Many of you don't know that for many years, Todd has been the chair and organizer of the Washington All State Honor Groups (jazz, band, choir, orchestra, elem choir).  Todd hires guest conductors, finds audition tape screeners, hires managers, coordinates itineraries, caters, transports, houses, and takes full responsibility for thousands of students who are accepted every year for these groups.  This year the groups meet, rehearse and perform in Yakima over Presidents Day Weekend.  He'll be there working 4 days straight, staying up all night,  making it possible for ALL the state's students to be a part of an extremely educational and for some "life-changing" experience.  Of course, he does get paid to do this and he uses those pennies to take his wife out to dinner at KFC.  I'm certain he doesn't manage this task for the money... or the chicken.

I believe Todd is most deserving of this honor because of the way he mentors and counsels his students.  When a student walks through Todd's doors, he knows instantly if something is wrong and will take the time to help that student through what it is they are struggling with.  I've seen him sit and work through math problems, listen as a student seeks help with their troubled home life, help re-write a senior research paper (and the students isn't his mentee) and even give relationship advice to a 17 year old who was going through a bad break up (and it was good advice).  He builds unbreakable bonds with his students and most would tell you he was their favorite teacher.

I can't say enough about him.  He's gotten me through my first five years here at PHS and I know will continue to save my butt for the next five.  I figure by then, he'll have 30 years in and I'll have to start saving his.

Congrats Todd.  You deserve it!  I think there's a KFC in Yakima.  My treat!

eric

Hi everyone!

2006-01-04T18:22:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to you all. Hope your winter break was as eventful as mine!!! My grandchildren, daughter and son-in-law were here for a week and it was a blessing to see them. What a Christmas gift!!!

Regarding the Brain Research article, I would love to have Linda Miller come back and give her research on the brain as a workshop. This really fascinates me as I continue to work with kids and their parents.

Look forward to seeing you all at our next meeting in aocuple of weeks.

Take care.

Paula :-)

This is cool!

2006-01-04T10:54:00.000-08:00

Hi all! What a great way for us to talk to each other! Music specialists can get very lonely.

Happy New Year!

Nancy

WMEA Hall of Fame

2006-01-04T10:13:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday night, January 3rd, Todd Giltner learned that he will be inducted into the WMEA Music Educators' HALL OF FAME in February! He will receive his award on Friday, February 17th at the 2:45 keynote session at the WMEA Annual Conference in Yakima.

Todd is in his 21st year as an educator and has worked with the WMEA All-State program for some time now. Todd is a respected musician and orchestra teacher at Puyallup High School, Aylen Junior High, Maplewood, Fruitland and Waller Road Elementary Schools.

Please help me congratulate Todd in receiving this honor.

Honors Concert - May 22, 2006

2006-01-03T14:02:00.000-08:00

The elementary Honors Concert, featuring musicians in BAND, CHORUS and ORCHESTRA, will be held at Rogers High School in the evening of May 22nd. Watch for further information from the directors:

Band

Jim Hunt

Gary Jacobson

Chorus

Melanie Florian

Jennifer Garrett

Orchestra

Catherine Johnson

Hallie Johnston

Connections

2005-12-19T15:23:00.000-08:00

Please consider submitting something to Karen Hansen for the March issue of CONNECTIONS. Keep in mind that this publication goes to EVERY household in the Puyallup School District. See the recent request from PSD Teamwork:

MARCH CONNECTIONS DEADLINE - Friday, February 3, 2006
The deadline to submit stories and/or photos for the March issue of Connections is Friday, February 3, 2006. The theme for this issue is music and the arts, however all story and photo ideas are welcome. Photos and articles can be sent by e-mail or via courier to ESC, Attn. Karen Hansen. Please identify individuals in the photos from left to right, the name of the individual who took the photograph, and a contact number where you can be reached for additional information. Also, please specify if you would like the photos returned.

Music - A New Field of Scientific Study

2005-12-19T11:32:00.000-08:00

My interest in brain research has led to interesting reading over the years. When we added FastForword at Zeiger Elementary, the staff received training on current brain research sponsored by the vendor, Scientific Learning. The presentation inspired me to purchase all kinds of "brain reasearch" books such as:

The Secret Life of the Brain by Richard Restak, M.D.

Inside the Brain by Ronald Kotulak

How the Brain Learns by David A. Sousa

Teaching With The Brain in Mind by Eric Jenkins

How People Learn - Brain, Mind, Experience, and School published by the National Research Council

My new role in the Puyallup School District has allowed me to pursure this interest even more. I'm facinated by the study of brain hemispheres, and used Betty Edwards's book, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain for many years, particularly in teaching visual art lessons to my sixth-grade students. This study of "right brain" versus "left brain" functions, and the idea that we use, and need both hemispheres for daily life is the focus of a new book I'm reading called, A Whole New Mind. My goal during the next couple of weeks is to finish reading the book and apply the research to my work.

Musicians are perfect examples of effective use of both sides of the brain. To study the lyrics of a song and "read" the music on the staff is clearly a "left-brain" function. Language skills, math skills, simply moving from left to right across the page - these are all left brain activities. However, to apply emotion, dynamics, interpretation and improvisation is right brain activity at its finest. Music educators serve the whole brain of each student, and should consciously teach with this in mind.

"Music researchers are finding correlations between music making and some of the deepest workings of the human brain. Research has linked active music making with increased language discrimination and development, math ability, improved school grades, better-adjusted social behavior, and improvements in 'spatial-temporal reasoning,' - a cornerstone for problem solving." This message, taken from the American Music Conference website, introduces readers to a collection of research you can read for yourself. Take a look, click here or go to the AMC home page by clicking on the link provided on the PSD Music blog.

I'd love to read your feedback, and encourage you to exercise your ability as a contributor to this blog. Post your thoughts. Let talk with each other!

Elementary Choirs Tour PSD

2005-12-16T11:29:00.000-08:00

Choirs from Waller Road, Riverside and Fruitland Elementaries took their show on the road earlier this week. Their first stop was Aylen Junior, where following their performance, AJH Choraliers and Falconnaires shared music as well. This was a great opportunity for student singers to share, and listen to each other.

Here you see masses of elementary students waiting for the sharing to begin.

This is Riverside's choir, directed by Dawn Harmon

This is Nancy Nole with her choir from Fruitland.

Jazz Fest 2005

2005-12-07T16:27:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to all participants of this year's Junior High/Middle School/High School Instrumental Jazz Contest held last Wednesday at Rogers High School. Seventeen bands from the Valley Region performed in the annual Jazz Festival - 5 of them from the Puyallup School District. Hats off to Bruce Leonardy, Doug Minkler, Emily Asher, Gail Phillips, Eric Ryan and their fine student performers from Rogers High School, Emerald Ridge High School, Ballou Junior High, Kalles Junior High and Puyallup High School. Much thanks goes to Eric and Bruce for directing and hosting this event. Much thanks goes to Mother Nature for holding the snow for one more day!

Music Everywhere

2005-11-30T07:36:00.000-08:00

During September's LEARNING IMPROVEMENT DAY, elementary music teachers were challenged to spend a day focusing upon the integration of mathematics and mathematical concepts into their instruction. As musicians, we all know that a natural connection exists. As educators, it was important to actually identify current connections. For example, Nancy Nole shared a collection of songs she compiled/wrote with a "math" focus, including:

Add These Numbers

Recognize Doubles

The Dollar Song

Five Pennies Make a Nickel

Donna Knudson shared with me a video of a recent 4th-grade program she directed, "On Fire With Math." Songs included:

Geometry

40 Performing Bananas

Shula (a franctions song)

Washington Rondo (a song comparing math and musical patterns)

With all PSD K-5 students following the same content schedule in the newly adopted Growing with Mathematics series, teachers can count on topics of study such as:

Identifying and Creating Patterns (Kinder)

Modeling one-half and one-fourth (First grade)

Using Patterns to Explore Number Relationships (Third grade)

Relating Fractions and Ratios to Music (Fifth grade)

being taught during the same week for a given grade level throughout the district. Knowing the topic of study in the general classroom, music teachers can connect musical skills such as knowing patterns of sound and silence, reading rhythmic phrases, or identifying musical notation such as measures and time signatures with some of the mathematics instruction taking place in the general eeucation classroom. How interdisciplinary!

Elementary music teachers maintain that music instruction touches all the content areas. Some are just "closer fits" than others. We are committed to music education as an important "stand alone" curriculum, but want to demonstrate how interdisciplinary our approach can be. Take a look at the "Music Everywhere" bulletin board display posted outside the music room at Brouillet Elementary above. Melanie Florian and Heather Provencio show that MUSIC instruction can integrate math, language arts, science, reading and culture.

School Board Meeting Performance

2005-11-29T22:02:00.000-08:00

To honor Veterans, students from RHS ROTC, Aylen Junior High Falconaires and Firgrove Elementary 5th/6th grade Choir performed at a recent PSD School Board meeting. Following a posting of the colors and pledge of allegiance, Joyce Larsen led the male chorus in a beautiful rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner." Shortly thereafter, Danielle Boley directed from the piano, as a select group from Firgrove's 80 member intermediate grades choir sang, "You're a Grand Old Flag" to the delight of the entire audience.

It was a great evening to honor both Veterans and student musicians.

In addition, Kathy Gustafson was recognized by the board for her honor as the Valley Region's Educator of the Year.

Here you see the Falconaires working hard and playing hard. They were treated to ice cream at Dairy Queen following their performance. It looks as if Joyce was receiving some royal treatment as well!

Let's Get Bloggin'

2005-11-29T19:53:00.000-08:00

I committed to a monthly newsletter and did it for a month. Not very impressive. I then announced to elementary music teachers that I'd be creating a blog. That was a few weeks ago. I can no longer wait for everything to line up perfectly. I'm just going to start "blogging!"

Welcome to a new way to collaborate and communicate! Blogging is a way to stay in touch, chat with each other via the internet, post pictures and comments, etc. I hope to use this blog to communicate with Puyallup K-12 music teachers, and encourage you to respond to my postings, and create postings of your own.

Please check-in periodically. Watch for new postings, or catch up by reading the old ones. Each month, the blog will archive automatically. This is a great place to find all communications (without having to open your groupwise trash!)