First video post ever. Written post resume next week! Word press cut me off before I could finish!
Step Up to the Mic: Using our new Blue Microphones
This week has been busy and interesting to say the least. With it being the first week back for teachers we have been having 3 days of inservice with plenty of classroom time to set up, it has a been a very productive week for me that way but unfortunately I ended up acquiring an infection at the beginning of the week and was in quite a lot of pain most of those days, don’t worry I’ve been to the doctor but the meds have taken a lot out of me as I sit here and type my eyes are already drooping. My favorite part about this week was going into school on monday and getting all of my budget orders I had placed last year. It truly was like Christmas unwrapping my new portable speaker, movement props and all kinds of brand new music. My big purchase other than my speaker was a plethora of brand new portable microphones from www.bluemic.com . After visiting my good friend Stephanie Sanders at her school last year I got a few great ideas for using mics in some of my classroom projects so I purchase 4 Snowflake mics and 1 Snowball mic for use this coming year.
I tend to do a lot of recording in my classroom so I thought it was about time I gave my students a little better audio than what our netbook and iPad built in mics have provided in the past. There are 3 ways we will be using these mics in the classroom:
- The Blue Snowball will be hooked to the teacher computer: With our future Skype sessions this year better audio will be needed and to record more students performing to share with the community on our class webpages.
- Netbooks: using different websites and software that allow us to record will give small groups of students opportunity to record various composition projects. Our netbooks are connected to the schools wireless so they can travel anywhere in the school or out on the playground and still be able to record.
- iPads: I have a few iPads that have a home in my classroom and with the use of the Apple camera connection kit students will be able to take the high quality Snowflake mic and hook it to the iPad so they can record using apps such as Pocket Wavepad and Garageband.
These new mics will add a level of professional quality to student projects and provide another experience for students to learn more about proper recording techniques.
So what kinds of projects can you do in an elementary classroom using microphones? Here are a few suggestions I have done or will be doing this year:
- Build a Recording Studio: I have posted about this idea before in my Recording Studio post where I cleaned out my closet and had students recording their own original compositions in there. It was a great success last year and with the new mics it will add a level of awesome!
- Recording nature sounds: A great way to help students discover music in everything around them. Using the iPads to record they will have fun finding music in everything they see and hear.
- Make your own rap: Pull in all the notation basics they know into one big project and have them record the finished product. Learn more about my lesson for this here: Silly Rap Rhythms with Quaver
- Full class performances: Perfect as a carrot to dangle over them for working hard or to record them as part of their reflection process. Recording your classes singing certain songs in just the classroom setting or a full performance has many benefits.
- Assessment: This is a big one, not really a project but having students in a large class record their voices or play an instrument individually while you take care of the rest of the class will help in creating concrete evidence for the grades you give and make it easier on you to truly hear a student’s progress in a more relaxed setting after the class has left.
These new microphones are going to be an awesome new tool this year for my students. It adds a new level of tech to my already tech classroom and will help teach students proper use of microphones in recording and performance settings.
My lonely iRig Mic has friends now!
Did you know I will be talking about recording with elementary students at TI:ME/TMEA 2014 this coming February?
If you use microphones for projects in your classrooms how do you do it? What kinds of activities are projects do you use with them?
The Year of Skype
With the new year almost upon me I have been thinking in over drive about how to make the year over the top amazing. I reflected on my sucesses over the past few years and realized Skyping with other classes across the country was something I needed to bring back this year in full force. It allows my students to connect with other students and music professionals across the globe to gain insight as to who else and what else is out there beyond the limits of our city that not many of them have ever crossed.
During a Skype connection, students practice proper audience etiquette while listening to the other line. They listen to other students sing or play songs we might necessarily learn in our class and learn about different parts of the world from another students perspective. They also get to perform for someone other than myself or their school and families in an informal setting. While all of this is happening I’m seamlessly integrating technology into my classroom in a meaningful way and giving students an experience they will never forget.
Using Skype for purposes in the elementary music classroom may seem limited at first glance, but being able to just share music with others can provide a vast set of opportunities if you keep an open mind about it. With song shares, skyping in other ensembles to perform with you during concerts, and playing composer pen pals your classes can make music and memories.
Finding other people to Skype with can sometimes be a tough time, but when you build up connections through social media such as Twitter and Facebook you get endless possibilities for connections all throughout the year. Putting out a tweet or a post in a Facebook group is the best way to start. Use a hashtag like #musedchat or #edchat on Twitter, post in the Music Teacher Facebook group saying what you are looking for and see what kind of response you get. I’ve Skyped with classes from Illinois to my own state in New Hampshire, and I hope to expand to more places this year. If you are a social media novice and are uncomfortable using Twitter or Facebook, try using: www.education.skype.com a website that connect educators from all over the world for the purpose of finding people to Skype with. Creating a profile and a lesson page will help connect you with other educators and start making those Skype connections.
So far for this year I have one song share in October planned, one possible multi-school performance for Jazz month, and a possible ensemble to Skype together with mine for a concert. I hope to have more connections come up during the school year such as music business professionals for my 5th graders, composers, and maybe even a Skype visit from Mr. Quaver , whether it is another class or a music professional to talk to I know it will be a great experience for my students.
If you would like to Skype with my students or if you would like to Skype with me my Skype handle is: Musiccargirl14 and you can find my Skype Classroom profile at: https://education.skype.com/users/66469-musiccargirl14
Airport Blogger: Spending a Few Days at Quaver HQ
It’s been quite the interesting few hours after plane delays and cancellations and having to rebook. I have now deemed New England weather the devil and Delta are a bunch of wimps for not being able to fly through a little rain. Oh we’ll though, my first cancelled flight experience was bound to come up sooner or later and as long as I get home at some point before school starts on the 20th I don’t care, due to the fact I am typing this in between flights on my iPad mini my apologies for any links left out, I promise to be better next week. As I finish this blog I’m finally at dinner in my hometown!
This week has been fantastic otherwise. I have been down in Quaver HQ in Nashville getting a crash course in video and audio production, talking about social media plans for the year, having some fun with the Quaver crew and getting waist deep in their new curriculum being released NEXT WEEK! Can you say, under pressure? Looking through the product going out on the 15th I must say the brochure they have out does not do the product justice, it truly is drool worthy when you see it in front of you. The connections it makes, the new songs it provides, and all of the tools included in it made my head spin in a good way. Just the way it is organized will make your OCD teacher tendencies jump with joy. Everything is there, everything is linked, your stressful planning times would be cut in half and there would be so much more time to just enjoy teaching. I hear some of you complaining though, “But I don’t want to go full Quaver I have my own things to teach and style. With the function to customize your lessons soon out, you will be able to make each and every Quaver lesson your own without having to become as nutty as Quaver himself (that man had me laughing until I was red in the face all day yesterday!)
The program itself is still going to be web based as the kids website and Quaver classrooms currently are but there is talks of many more apps to come for you devote iPad users, this hardworking company is going day and night to make sure Quaver has everything you ever need and their work over the past year truly reflects the many sleepless nights they have gone through for all their Quaver teachers.
Looking at the price of the curriculum might seem daunting especially for smaller districts with not a lot of extra funds to adopt such a big program. Take it from me, it is truly worth the price for what you receive, the company hopes with payment plans and the numerous resources included in it that it would be easier for music educators to convince administration to purchase it.
Convinced yet? As excited as I am? My head is spinning with ideas on how to use this program in unique ways, and even if I after I stand up as ask my school board and cannot get it this year for some reason ( I’m in a very small district with only 5 schools total, even our district doesn’t get a lot of money) I will still trying to post ideas about different ways of using it so stay tuned! Keep watch on www.quavermusicblog.com for official announcements about the curriculum, QTourials, and more,
Thank you to the Quaver Team for a wonderful few days in Nashville, I know it is a busy time but being there with you guys was amazing and I’m excited to have another Quavertastic year sharing about Quaver and creating even more creative ideas and activities that teachers can use the program for!
Q Books: A Lapbook Resource
I have throughly enjoyed taking a two week break from blogging, I have found myself itching to restart though and glad to be back on a regular schedule! In the two weeks I’ve been offline I have been going low tech in hopes to create a plan B resource for when technology fails, because we all know you will have those times when your WiFi is the only WiFi that goes down in the building in the middle of a lesson on computers!
While on Pinterest one day I came across a few pins on the subject of Lapbooks. A lapbook as defined by Wikipedia as: a type of single-subject book created by a student, generally as a supplement to a curriculum. Lapbooks are normally found in a homeschool environment but are becoming more widely used in public schools. I took this idea and running with the goal of creating a go to low tech resource for my students I created a Q Book. My version of a lapbook that uses mostly resources from www.Quavermusic.com and supplementing some resources from http://www.123homeschool4me.com and my own creations. Why did I call these Q Books? I’m a Quaver Teacher, its how I roll ;-).
I have a full class set of 25 of these folders fully created, each with the same resources so every student gets their own. Each folder itself is constructed of heavy card stock and in order to decorate each cover somewhat the same I turned to paint pens and a Quaver Q stamp I made myself out of wood and sticky back foam sheets. Inside each folder is currently 10 different objects the students can use for a variety of activities ranging from flash cards to laminated keyboard practice sheets. 6 of the resources are from the Quaver site, 1 is from 123homeschool4me and 3 I created. The great part about these folders is I can constantly add more to them whenever the need arises!
Here is what I included:
These are the smaller pieces in the folder. I took a ziploc baggie and stapled it to the folder itself to hold these items. Inside the bag are 2 sets of Solfedge flashcards I made for students to practice with independently or with a partner. They could make patterns or just show each other a card and have an Orff instrument in front of them to test the pitch. I also have laminated red and green cards for students to put out to show me if they are good to go and are green or if they need assistance so they put out the red. Last, I have a set of rhythm flashcards found in the Quaver Duration classroom for students to practice composing and reading rhythms.
The next 2 things are two different flashcards that I hole punched together and using a brad, attached to the folder itself. The first set is another set of rhythm cards from the 123homeschool4me site for students to practice saying longer rhythms and maybe to start them into rhythmic notation where I would clap/play a rhythm and they would have to show the correct one on the set to me. (Assessment! Yay!) The second set is from the Quaver Dynamics classroom. I teach dynamic symbols in my upper grades and I thought these would be killer for a listening activity and mapping dynamics on a longer piece.
What CAN’T you use a laminated piece of staff paper for? I’m still looking for the right dry erase markers to include in these folders but every student having this in front of them is going to be so helpful when talking about composition and allowing them to practice the basics themselves while we are talking about it.
This is the Sweet 16th Note worksheet from the Quaver Duration Classroom. I talk about how a note is divided all the time. Every time I have this discussion in my room I can see some lightbulbs appear over some heads. I liked this visual and had to include it.
This is the Make That Rhythm worksheet from the Quaver Rhythm Classroom. This is laminated for lots of practice. When I start talking about making rhythms with my students I use dots instead of notes. I find they grasp the concept better because they only have to worry about the dots and not the note names.
I’m a Keyboard Player worksheet from the Quaver Middle C and GrandStaff Classroom! My students are constantly asking for piano lessons but I only have 1 piano! I felt this could be a great independent filler activity and fantastic practice so they can bring a song right to the piano.
I got very much into using Solfedge signs with all my grades this past year. Including this was a big must. It will be great for practice.
This is the back of the folder! Remember those flash cards? I drew a measure ruler for students to use when composing with those cards! A 4 measure rhythm? Yes please!
So that is my brand new low tech resource I am so proud of. I hope to come up with more things to add to them during the school year as the need arises, right now all that is missing from these are dry erase markers and possibly a magazine rack to store all of them in. I’m sure you’re probably thinking now, so when are those links coming? I want to print these out and try it! Well, 123homeschool4me.com has a GREAT lapbook resource for music so you can grab those duration cards. Have a Quaver music account? Go and grab them! You need to purchase the Quaver Classrooms mentioned in this post in order to use the printables. Email info@quavermusic.com for more info on them!
What would you add to these books? Share your ideas! I’m looking for more to include in these Q Books!
I’m on a Blog-cation!
Posts will resume in August, feel free to read some recent posts while I am away!
CCSU Class: The Tech Geek in the Front of the Class
This past week I have been down at Central Connecticut State University taking my first grad course EVER. It was called Technology in the Elementary Music Class Room with the wonderful Professor Amy Burns :). I’m sure many of you are wondering why me of all people would be taking a technology class, don’t worry I had a good reason for doing so. It has become apparent to me over the past few years that I have been gaining a lot of knowledge about technology and its uses in the classroom I wanted to take this class not only because Amy was teaching it but also because I wanted to focus on the philosophy behind why we integrate and be more prepared to say with confidence why we should integrate if I get thrown into teaching a professional development opportunity in my area (we all know this is probably going to happen soon.)
The most important thing I took from this class was the SAMR model by Dr. Puentedera. Amy added an E to the beginning making the model E-SAMR
Substitution
Augmentation
Modification
Redefinition
*Experimentation
This is a fantastic way to step through the meaningful integration process bringing technology into lessons that not only is beneficial to students but will also make sure they remember it for a long time after.
I learned some great new tricks about Garageband and Audacity on our second day, (I’m still fairly young and can still pick up new things!) One big thing I realized was that Garageband podcasting is such an unused but amazing tool I could be using in my classroom. I can see my 5th graders doing their own in the future. I made a movie using the Garageband Podcast area about my recording studio:
To go along with this video another assignment I created was a wikispace about my recording room in my classroom: ESSPSSRecording a place for my students to post work and get it anywhere, and for there parents and my administrators to see what students are doing in class! I have realized that I am REALLY bad about updating my current wikispaces and hope to use this new space more and display even more student work so they can access their creations and compositions.
Making tech more interactive is the ultimate goal for any teacher. I hate having to have my poor 5th graders sitting down and doing their digital portfolio work. Changing it up is they key, sure it takes time but never get into a comfortable rut when it comes to technology. My main goal this coming year is to change up what I do, sure this past year was very stressful and busy, but now I’ve over come it and it’s time to shake things up and create a little excitement! The Smart Notebook program might be a new tool to use. Even though I do not have a Smartboard I can put it on my iPad and use those tool that way to bring more song and movements into my room
On Thursday I gave a quick presentation on Quaver Music to the class (and the class after). I’ve realized that I cannot just talk about Quaver for just 15 minutes! I gotta work on my speel, but another product of this class was a nice small power point going over Quaver that I can use again if I need to: Quaver Powerpoint. Quaver is an amazing tool and I’m chomping at the bit to try to even get a look at their new curriculum, for now I’m loving the technology integrated into this resource.
We also discussed the 1st Draft of the NCCAS Standards, I have been staying sort of in the shadows with this topic since they came out, but after we talked about them yesterday, I just couldn’t help but post a blog about it yesterday: My Reaction to the New Standards. It was interesting to see everyones reaction in the class, it seems the consensus is that the standards need work.
Our final project was to create a lesson using technology. I decided to try out the Smart Notebook program since I have never used it before and built a lesson for my second graders about Bugs, You can read about it in my lesson plan here: Bugz lesson and if you would like the Smart Notebook file you can grab it here: Bugz notebook file
This class was a great way to experiment with things I have not tried yet, I was able to figure different things to try out for next year and got a lot of work done this week that I probably would not have gotten done at home. Its also always great to talk to Amy too because I learn more and more about branding myself and dealing with the politics of music education, I’m just getting into all of this and can never have enough advice with these sorts of things. I am walking away with a nice page of things I can use for next year and some new ideas to put together this summer for the upcoming year. I also came out with some great ideas on how to organize my conference presentations I’m giving next year as well. NHMEA! I’m coming to impress in October!
A Young Music Teacher’s Reaction to the 1st Draft of the NCCAS Music Standards
First, I just want to say I am not posting this to get anyone angry. I do not want to be pulled into war going on over the first draft of these standards that you can read here: http://nccas.wikispaces.com/Music+Standards. I am just a teacher who just finished her third year of teaching K-5 general music who has been trying to sit quietly in the background and get all the information I can about this topic before I make an informed opinion, and you know what? After reading everything that has been going on with these standards the past two weeks my thought is this..my opinion on these standards is incomplete. Why should I have a fully formed opinion on whether or not these standards are going to work if they are not finished yet? give me draft 2 or 3 and then I will make the choice of saying whether or not the next 30 years of my teaching is doomed.
These current standards up for public review are very vague, I will be interested to see where each important music skill is put into these standards and will be very interested if a standard class time for each grade level is put in here too so I would finally have an argument that my K classes are TOO LONG. I love how creating has become an important skill in these standards, it is important for children to create music. I’m wondering if composing will be added as well because they are two very important but different skills for students to learn. I also wonder if the word guided will be put into higher levels as well, I know I find myself guiding my students through assessments even up to grade 5. Not every student cannot do it by themselves, they need a teacher guiding them along the way to success even past the Kindergarten level. How is responding going to work in class to? I know for a fact not even my 3rd graders can choose their own music to sing yet. Are there going to be people coming from the committee to state conference to present suggestions on how that should happen?
I know when I took a look at these standards for the first time I was scared out of my wits. How are we going to be able to make the change from the 9 national standards we were so use to and taught in college (I have ten in my state, the 9 plus one more) Those were easy to understand, they were simple, and they were direct. Are these standards going to be the same way in the final product? Are they going to be new teacher friendly and very accessible to even non music educators? I hope to see a very similar format to the old standards or I fear a lot of new music teachers coming up are going to be throwing them to the wayside because of their complexities and vagueness.
Being one with only 3 full years experience under my belt I don’t expect my voice to be heard very loudly. I have been keeping off social media until now about this because I was sure my opinions and reactions would be thrown out by teachers who don’t know me. I figure a lot of young teachers like myself have not spoken up for the same reasons. From what I read so far from Draft 1, I am scared about the future of music education. I hope my fears are going to be calmed by Draft 2 but only time will tell. I know there are experienced music educators on this writing committee who are trying their best to please everyone but I am sure there are no young educators in that group so not many of their opinions about OUR future have come up. Give me a completed draft and I’ll be a voice, I’ll be in this game for much longer than most who are currently involved. Give myself and all the young educators out there confidence to say we are ready for the future with these new standards and give us a forum to discuss this and I’m sure you’d be surprised on what you hear.
Taking School iPad PD to New Heights
Before the end of school one of my principals who has been following all of the technology related things I do inside of school and out approached me about coming up with new professional development opportunities for the iPads. He is interested in getting more iPads for the school for next year and wanted to bring more unique opportunities for teachers to learn how to integrate them into their classrooms. I was very thrilled to have this project put on my shoulders, it’s exciting to finally use what I’ve learned and what I’ve been doing on a national level in my school district. I really want to do a good job with this to impress him, so I decided to put my current ideas out there and get some feedback!
When planning PD opportunities (I run Music Ed Motivation Day too) I think about how I want the attendee to walk away. Are they going to have their minds completely blown, are they going to walk away confident, are they going to have good resources to use? Starting from the result to the beginning helps me form how I want get across the end result. It was a cool challenge to work on this from a different aspect other than a music technology standpoint. I broke it up into 4 different categories:
- Basics of iOS Computing
- Hardware
- Apps For All
- Activities to Integrate/ Creating School Wide Rules and Procedures
What I was thinking was to take these 4 categories and use them as topics for 2 or 4 different meetings. Each meeting optional and you can pick and choose based on your needs, there are many techie people in this school and I don’t want to waste their time with basics if they already know it.
The first two categories would be for beginners to attend mainly just going over basic iPad operation such as turning it on, going between apps, the different settings, and what kinds of different hardware can come with them and different ways to project the iPad for a whole classroom. These would be really basic for those who have not had much practice on the iPads, going over accessories, and basic operation with plenty of practice and possibly a little project would be the main points for this section.
The second two would be more for the advanced who just want to gain more information, share what they know, and create new resources to use around the school. These last two would be more focused on creating a sharing environment for technology so teachers would get use to sharing what they know with others in the school they might not see everyday. We would create a sharable document of apps divided up by subject and grade level, plan lessons to do in class that would involve integrating iPads in a meaningful way, and create a set of common rules and procedures for using the iPads in class so students have the consistency when using technology anywhere in the school.
With these meetings I thought about the one thing I hear a lot of teachers say after a PD experience, “How am I going to continue getting this help?” so I thought about extra support too in-between everything. Other than the obvious inperson assistance and by email. I also considered two other options, one being a pinterest board I have started with lots of pins about iPads in education. Pinterest has been rumbling between the teachers in school this year and I thought it would be cool to use it to my advantage. The link to the board is here: http://pinterest.com/musiccargirl14/ipad-pd/ if you would like to be a pinner on this board please leave a comment and I would love to add you so you can help contribute to make this a top notch resource.
The other PD option I was thinking about was integrating the iPad club that had started in my room prior to the end of school. What I was thinking was continuing that tradition but having it open for teachers to come in and join the students as they explore the apps so they become more comfortable using it with students in a small setting and they can use it in a larger setting without hesitation.
Those are my beginning ideas, I still have a lot to think about and mull over but what do you think? If you had the opportunity to create a unique PD experience with iPads what would you do?
Music Ed Motivation Day Archives: June 29th 2013
Thank you to all who participated in our event today! We have some fantastic chats about different topics in the music education world and a couple of fun hangouts! If you participated or even just watched today, there is a fun UNOFFICIAL attendance certificate on our home page www.musedmot.webs.com to download and show off to your friends! Here are the archives from today. Thank you to Stephanie Sanders and Agnes from Musical Ear for moderating chats today and for Quaver Music for giving me permission to do a product walkthrough on a Google On Air Hangout!
Video Hangout Archives
Introduction to Google Plus Video Hangouts
All About Quaver’s Marvelous World of Music From a Quaver Teacher
Twitter Archives (Be prepared for a LONG list!!):
@Stephdon @Musedmot Enjoy the rest of your day. Thanks Stephanie! #musedmot
@Musedmot Thank you for this fabulous and FUN day of PD! You are amazing! #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@Stephdon @Mwren13 Thank you for joining in! The attendance will go live on musedmot.webs.com shortly! #musedmot
@Mwren13 @Musedmot And you all! #musedmot
@Musedmot @Mwren13 And on that note I’m going to call it a day! This has been wonderful. #musedmot
@Musedmot @Stephdon Right back at ya 😉 #musedmot
@Mwren13 @Musedmot AMEN! although I have to say my school has wonderful PD… #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@Stephdon @Mwren13 It’s cause you guys are awesome 😀 #musedmot
@Stephdon @Musedmot If all PD was like this, I would never complain about meetings 😉 #musedmot
@Mwren13 @Musedmot Agree! Here it is Sat., summer, we’re working long-distance and it hardly seems like work but a lot like play! #musedmot
@Musedmot Sorry never used one, so I can’t help ;( #musedmot
Henry Waterfall @HenryWaterfall_
It’s sort of amazing ear training effects Ss differently. After 6 months of it, I had an autistic student singing perfect solfedge #musedmot
@Stephdon These are the best types of conversations 😉 #musedmot
@Musedmot sorry can’t help you with that one! 🙂 #musedmot
@Mwren13 @Musedmot I think we can work around it OK. #musedmot
@Musedmot @Stephdon IDK what jazz related thing to have my kids perform. Will have to think on that 😉 #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
My archiver isn’t working for tweets! Best tweet archiver? #musedmot
@Stephdon Central. One hour behind you. That could bean issue ;( #musedmot
@Musedmot @Mwren13 Yes! #musedmot
@Mwren13 what time zone are you in? #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@Mwren13 @Stephdon in my calendar! I’ll start pulling stuff together and seeing which school I’m at to get them prepared 🙂 #musedmot
@Mwren13 @Musedmot WooHoo! #musedmot
@Musedmot @Stephdon Marked on my calendar. 😉 I will start writing the permissions slip now. #musedmot
@Musedmot @Mwren13 In writing so we have to do it, correct? #musedmot
@Stephdon Gotcha. Makes sense. #musedmot
@Mwren13 copyright just so we’re doing it right. #musedmot
@Stephdon @Musedmot It is still one of my favs 🙂 #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@Stephdon @Mwren13 April Virtual Performance! Let’s do it! #musedmot
@Stephdon Permission? #musedmot
@Mwren13 @Musedmot April would be much less crazy for me. #musedmot
@Musedmot @Stephdon It would fit in well with out Jazz Unit. March seems to always be crazy 😉 #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@Stephdon @Mwren13 THe beginning of MIOSM works for me or April too! Seeing Jazz instruments would make my kids flip out 🙂 #musedmot
We’re somewhat off topic…but this is why I love connecting this way! #musedmot
@Mwren13 @Musedmot or MIOS? Although we go on vacation for 14 days in the middle of March. #musedmot
@Musedmot @Mwren13 or perm. to write a band arrangement for kids to play for yours for this? #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@Stephdon yes! and I’ll keep thinking of more, I save a lot of choral/ instrumental pieces from conferences @Mwren13 #musedmot
@Stephdon @Musedmot During April Jazz month? I showed my Ss some of the International Jazz Concert. #musedmot
@Musedmot @Mwren13 could see if I could get perm. to arrange something light for instrumental? #musedmot
@Stephdon @Musedmot If you have any other suggestions, please let me know 😉 #musedmot
@Musedmot @Mwren13 maybe my MS jazz ensemble could accompany??? #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@Stephdon I’m wondering if there is an instrumental part for it too @Mwren13 #musedmot
@Stephdon @Musedmot It would be another way to include the standard on evaluating performances. #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@Stephdon @Mwren13 us too, had Tech person in there and made sure we were good before going live #musedmot
@Stephdon @Musedmot I know we have something for pics. I checked on that for class website. I will double check. #musedmot
@Musedmot @Mwren13 That is a fabulous piece. Even though I don’t T chorus, I do still keep up on vocal music! 🙂 #musedmot
@Mwren13 @Musedmot we have a blanket policy Ps sign only if they don’t want to have Ss images appear online in PR. I asked too. #musedmot
@Musedmot @Stephdon LOVE IT! We did it for our conference concert and our 7/8 spring concert. #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@Mwren13 @Stephdon I’m like jumping in my seat right now #musedmot
@Stephdon @Musedmot I would have to talk to my P. I think it could work. #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@Mwren13 @Stephdon I know one song that I did with a multi level chorus that was GORGEOUS Called “Can you Hear” by Jim Papoulis #musedmot
@Mwren13 @Musedmot No, but we R 1:1 and the tech trusts me. Need to check w/tech. Also promote to Admin. Great PR for school/mus #musedmot
@Musedmot @Stephdon Did you need permission slips and stuff? Our tech Guidelines are a work in progress I think. #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@Mwren13 @Stephdon I used a webcam from school and downloaded Skype,we tested the connection day before, that was it! #musedmot
@Stephdon @Musedmot Very cool! #musedmot
@Mwren13 @Musedmot YES! #musedmot
@Musedmot @Stephdon Did you have any issues with your school? Tech seems to be new at our sch. Sounds like a great opportunity. #musedmot
@Mwren13 @Musedmot virtual compsr in residence for 5 mos. w/7-8 band & composer Skyped in to Concert talk w/aud. and other school #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@Mwren13 @Stephdon Yes, we each sang a song for each other and then a “review” of it for each other. My whole school wanted in 🙂 #musedmot
@Musedmot @Stephdon I might be in on this 😉 #musedmot
@Stephdon @Musedmot Have you guys tried using Skype in class before? #musedmot
@Musedmot @Mwren13 our own little #musedmot “virtual choir!”
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@Stephdon @Mwren13 #musedmot performance! Let’s do this! lol!
@Musedmot @Mwren13 Skype in class is really cool and opens a lot of opportunities! #musedmot
@Musedmot @Mwren13 I you want to perform togthr need to pick a call/response because of delay. But sing for each other is great! #musedmot
@Musedmot @MusicalEarSwe Ended 5/6 with Home by Phillips, Somebody I used to know and spiritual-Shut De Do. #musedmot
@Musedmot OK you have a deal..All over this! Let’s pick a piece! #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@Mwren13 @Stephdon I’m wondering if having in class Skype performances with other schools would promote more focus on the music #Musedmot
@Musedmot @MusicalEarSwe 5/6 started with Good Night and Que Llueva. 7/8 was more picky on music. #musedmot
@Musedmot @Mwren13 @MusicalEarSwe for our school doing “serious” music tends to be more of school “culture” battle than anything. #musedmot
@Stephdon @Musedmot I am trying to add more at the Elem, even just in class ones. We just have a Christmas Program. #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@Stephdon Skype Performance with my kids 😉 I can see my Kindergartners faces right now lol #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@Mwren13 I tried “Just One Small Voice” this year and got lots of lip from students about it #musedmot @MusicalEarSwe
@Musedmot That was more of a struggle with7/8, but most of the Ss didn’t want to be there. It was a learning process for me 😉 #musedmot
@Musedmot @MusicalEarSwe It would depend on your definition of serious. 5/6 loves spirituals so we did 1 in spring. More next yr. #musedmot
@Mwren13 @Musedmot I wish we could have more performances. #musedmot
@Mwren13 @Musedmot I feel very fortunate, especially w/some schedules I have had. Drwbck for MS is M/F are 2 days and miss a lot. #musedmot
@Stephdon @MusicalEarSwe It was terrifying for me at first, but it’s fun directing when a choir sounds good and is working hard. #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@Mwren13 That’s smart! Keep them too occupied to come up with an argument #musedmot
@Musedmot We have a concert at the MS and HS every quarter, so we have lots of work to do, which helps keep things focused. #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@Mwren13 I do a lot of that too, have you tried a serious piece? any pushback from kids? @MusicalEarSwe #musedmot
@Mwren13 @MusicalEarSwe That has always been a scary thing for me. Glad it worked for you! #musedmot
@MusicalEarSwe Usually pop 😉 Or I pick a few pieces and they get to select from those. They worked hard and sounded great. #musedmot
Conversation
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
Love the schedules! I only have mine for 25 min a week 1 time after school #musedmot
@Musedmot PK-PG we have 19 ensembles. Pretty amazing for our size, but I sometimes wonder if less would be best for enrollment. #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@Mwren13 Did you find it tough to have the 5/6 for that long of time? #musedmot
@Musedmot @Stephdon I agree! great to see schools putting focus on the arts. #musedmot
@Musedmot @Stephdon That schedule sounds awesome! #musedmot
@Mwren13 Sounds great! So what kind of music did they pick? Only pop style, or “serious” pieces too? #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@Stephdon very true! Still amazing how many ensembles you guys have over there! #musedmot
@Musedmot 3/4 was one day during recess, 5/6 is 30 min 2x a week, and 7/8 is on A days for 40 min (AB schedule). #musedmot
@Musedmot written right in the mission statement. Which for a coll. prep is a great thing! #musedmot
@MusicalEarSwe This yr I had great success when I had my Ss pick most of the music. It was a challenge for me, but good results #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@Stephdon Wow! you weren’t kidding when you said your school was performance based! #musedmot
@Musedmot You are funny! #musedmot
gr. 2-4 = 1 day, 5/6 & 7/8=3 days w/1 as sectional. US = 4 days w/1 double block. 2-8 = 40 min. and US = 45/80 min. #musedmot
@Musedmot Elem school did not have a choir and for a few yrs they did not have music. Still working on building the elem program. #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@Stephdon I can send my little guys to you and you can take mine if you want 😉 hehehe #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
What does your schedule typically look like for a rehearsal? #musedmot
@Musedmot Very true. I hope to build this yr my 3/4 chorus to help with 5/6 when they get to MS. #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@Mwren13 agreed! did they have a chorus before you came? I know it wasn’t the case for me #musedmot
@Musedmot This past yr was th first yr teaching chorus in this toe of setting. It was a learning experience for sure! #musedmot
I don’t have chorus at the moment, but we have around 12 in 5/6, 18 in 7/8 and 16 in US. #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@Mwren13 that always seems to be the case doesn’t it? I’ve had a chorus during recess in recent years and numbers drop due to that #musedmot
How do you select the pieces to sing for your choirs? #musedmot
@Musedmot @Mwren13: @Musedmot In MS 7/8 joins to get out of other classes. I could get more 5/6 but its during study hall. #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@MusicalEarSwe @Mwren13 I used Tweetchat that did the same sort of thing, that site is down right now for repair for a few months #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@Mwren13 wow! those are some great numbers! I have 25 in one of my sections and 45 in another #musedmot
@Mwren13 @Musedmot The normal Twitter page seemed slow, Twubs was faster and the #musedmot hashtag was automatically pasted into tweets
@Musedmot 3/4 was around 20 kids depending on the weather. 7/8-45 and 5/6-20is. Scheduling impacts MS a lot. #musedmot
Myself I don’t work with choirs, but choir singing is great to raise harmonic awareness, so MusicalEar also has choir exercises #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@Mwren13 what kinds of numbers do you have in your ensembles? #Musedmot
@Musedmot @MusicalEarSwe I have never heard of it either. I stick to the normal Twitter app. #musedmot
@Musedmot This yr I have 5/6 chorus. Also started a 3/4 choir that meets during recess. Last yr I taught 7/8 also. #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@Mwren13 no worries! this is a come and go as you please sort of thing 🙂 #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
So what kind of (If you do) vocal ensembles do you have? #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@MusicalEarSwe I’ve never heard of Twubs, I’ll have to try that one out 🙂 #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
I teach two different choir sections after school open to 3rd-5th graders, not a ton of actual learning just for fun stuff #musedmot
@Musedmot Here 😉 Marisa from IL #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
by the way, for those of you who have stuck around, there will be a for fun attendance certificate showing up on the #musedmot homepage soon
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
Welcome to our last #musedmot chat of the day! All about Vocal ensembles! Who is around?
Lots to follow today! #musedmot #musicedhack and it is time to review the new arts standards! fb.me/Gr6qiEk8 #musedchat #mused
RT @MusicalSojourn If students are to do ear training at home it’s advisable to give guidelines,so it’s productive & fun/enjoyable #musedmot
RT @Musedmot We’ll be heading over to Google plus one more time for a hangout about @QuaverMusic in about 10 minutes! #musedmot #musedchat
Thanks to all for joining this great twitter chat about ear training! Thumbs up to @Musedmot @musiccargirl14 for organizing! #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
Feel free to continue chatting all about Ear Training! Thank you @MusicalEarSwe! 🙂#musedmot
@Musedmot it is a challenge if you are not comfortable w/it or do not have the equip for all Ss. #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
We’ll be heading over to Google plus one more time for a hangout all about @QuaverMusic in about 10 minutes! #musedmot #musedchat
@MusicalSojourn Yes, very true! However, music notation programs play increasing role in musicians’ life so it’s very useful. #musedmot
@MusicalEarSwe Free is one of my fav words. I installed @Finale_Music notepad on all computers in our lab. Ss loved it. #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
A BIG Thank you to @MusicalEarSwe for moderating our chat on Ear Training! Check out their website musicalear.com/en.aspx ! #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
I’m a techy and build it in especially as a full class but it is hard to do so unless you’re well practiced in doing so #musedmot
@MusicalEarSwe that works if Ss know how to use it or have access to it. Often class time doesnt allow for much tech instruction #musedmot
Students also enjoy working on dictations on a computer. There are many notation programs available for free e.g. Finale NotePad #musedmot
To create dictations, it’s gr8 to have the full score in a notation program, you just delete a few notes & the exercise is ready! #musedmot
@MusicalSojourn Agree, the level of difficulty of the dictation shd match the skill level of Ss so it’s challenging but possible #musedmot
@Musedmot church hymns & folk songs to classical themes & pop music #musedmot
Ear training can really boost the musical confidence of students #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
What kinds of songs have people used for their exercises? #musedmot
@MusicalEarSwe I choose the music & create files cuz I must it tailor to the progress of the class & the ability of individual Ss #musedmot
Students will enjoy ear training exercises in different genres, not only classical, but pop/rock, latin, folk etc. as well #musedmot
@MusicalEarSwe I like this idea. 🙂 My Ss will “get” to do this this fall. #musedmot
@MusicalSojourn Exactly! Where do you find the exercises for these dictations? Do you create your own music files & worksheets? #musedmot
I normally tell them the key and starting note. Sometimes the meter if the sample is too short to determine. #musedmot
@JamesPJensen @MusicalEarSwe I’ll work on that they are pulled out of symph. band 2 days per week, so I could sneak over there. #musedmot
@Stephdon But notating great jazz solos is also a very useful ear training exercise! #musedmot
Conversation
Samantha Prindiville @musicandalatte
#tmlt #musedmot @Musedmot If they get it right, they get to put a bead on their pipe cleaner; if wrong, I do another melody
@Stephdon With jazz students, ear training can be less notation dependent as well, more emphasis on chords/improvisation #musedmot
James Patrick Jensen @JamesPJensen
@Stephdon @MusicalEarSwe Would love to see that rehearsal! Any chance a video could make its way on the web? #musedmot
@MusicalSojourn Love this idea! #musedmot
Samantha Prindiville @musicandalatte
@Musedmot #musedmot #tmlt I ask one kid if the melody is the same or different.
W/my college Ss I have emailed them a music file that they notate for the next class or exam. simplified would work w/younger Ss #musedmot
Samantha Prindiville @musicandalatte
@Musedmot #musedmot I give kids pipe cleaners and beads. I sing two melodies on solfege.
@MusicalEarSwe Our HS jazz band teacher teaches only “head music” no printed music ever except what kids write down. #musedmot
@MusicalSojourn And singing exercises can be gr8 for self-study too, but best is, if there is an accompaniment they can listen to #musedmot
@MusicalSojourn Dictations are gr8 ET homework. Ss receive music + score w missing notes, they can listen as many times as needed #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@JamesPJensen hhmm, I hope that is in the works, would make a lot of people happy! 🙂 @SmartMusic #musedmot
James Patrick Jensen @JamesPJensen
@Musedmot Lots of sight reading, as far as I’m aware, but no dictation or interval work in @SmartMusic #musedmot
Ear training also needs to be connected to real music, so it’s never something “dry” but always put into a context #musedmot
@MusicalEarSwe what type of ET homework do you give? #musedmot
James Patrick Jensen @JamesPJensen
@MusicalSojourn @MusicalEarSwe Esp. if students already subscribe for sight reading and literature assessment! #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@MusicalSojourn @JamesPJensen @MusicalEarSwe I’m wondering if the choral version has something..#musedmot
@JamesPJensen @MusicalEarSwe I would love to see this. I have band Ss who use this software and like it. great suggestion! #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@MusicalEarSwe there are many that connect to music on such a different level, I also have 2 that are amazing drummers #musedmot
Ear training homework is very useful, especially something with an end product e.g. dictation exercise, to be checked in lesson #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@MusicalSojourn another reason to add to the “Why music is important” list #musedmot
James Patrick Jensen @JamesPJensen
@MusicalSojourn @MusicalEarSwe Is there potential for the SmartMusic software to incorporate ET? Is that even a possibility #musedmot
@Musedmot, I have seen many non-verbal Ss w/special needs connect in music by vocalizing – much to the surprise of their other Ts #musedmot
@MusicalSojourn Interesting to hear this about autistic students. Having a good pitch must give them so much pleasure in music #musedmot
If Ss are to do ET @home it is advisable to give guidelines, again so they know what to do so it is productive & fun/enjoyable #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@MusicalSojourn very much so! He actually was non verbal until he started singing perfect solfedge. #musedmot
@MusicalSojourn Agree! To develop inner hearing, it’s necessary to “feel” the harmonic environment. So playing chords will help #musedmot
Conversation
@Musedmot, I have found autistic Ss to be very good pitch wise. Their hearing is so sensitive. #musedmot
@MusicalEarSwe This is so very important! But they must be guided in this otherwise they don’t know what they should be doing. #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
It’s sort of amazing ear training effects Ss differently. After 6 months of it, I had an autistic student singing perfect solfedge #musedmot
Do you ask your students to do ear training at home? If yes, what kind of exercises? #musedmot
@MusicalSojourn Inner hearing is very important! Students should try to imagine notes in their head before singing/playing #musedmot
@Musedmot, I either use solfa syllables or a neutral syllable such as “loo” this is determined by level of Ss &/or the activity #musedmot
@JamesPJensen Absolutely! All ear training with band and theory challenges me! Part of the fun is kids=correct me=not so much! #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@Stephdon @JamesPJensen I’m going to have to tell @pisanojm about this 🙂 #musedmot
How about achieving results with ear training? Any inspiring success stories to share? #musedmot
@MusicalEarSwe during practice I don’t keep track of the points – they do because they want to. Very lucky with the kids I have. #musedmot
Sing a song on solfa. Then Have Ss sing some phrases & “think” (inner hearing) certain phrases. #musedmot
James Patrick Jensen @JamesPJensen
@Stephdon Makes for an easy, quick, but super fun game! (Also challenges the director sometimes!) #musedmot
@MusicalEarSwe @MusicalSojourn Amen! #musedmot
@JamesPJensen It’s great when ear training exercises have so sticky tunes, that the students memorize them when working on them #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@MusicalSojourn do you use the actual solfedge words or change them up but keep pitches? #musedmot
@JamesPJensen Love APS Tuning Trainer for my band kids..even the very young ones! #musedmot
T establishes tonality for students. Then T shows Ss a melodic line using hand signs. Ss sing back on solfa. #musedmot
James Patrick Jensen @JamesPJensen
iPad apps for ET – APS Tuning Trainer, Pitch Primer (this one is super cool!), and the interval training apps. Any favorites? #musedmot
RT @MusicalSojourn Teachers must be consistent in ear training. Only doing it every so often doesn’t work. Make it fun #musedmot
@MusicalEarSwe In daily practice I give one example at a time, everyone says their answer and then I ask THEM who is correct. #musedmot
@Stephdon Agree, dictations are amazingly useful, and there are so many activities to do when ready with it e.g. singing, clapping #musedmot
James Patrick Jensen @JamesPJensen
@Musedmot Learned it in solfege with hand signs and then played it on instruments! They played it for fun for weeks after I left! #musedmot
There are melodic & rhythm bingo games you can buy or create. Websites for interval training #musedmot
@Stephdon Very interesting! How do you make ear training into a game? You count the points for correct answers? #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@Stephdon Competition is awesome 😉 #musedmot
The purpose of this session is not to advertise MusicalEar, but all looking for a new resource are invited to try & share opinion! #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@JamesPJensen That is awesome! I knew it was pretty simple, but didn’t know it was that easy! #musedmot
@MusicalEarSwe for my adv. theory kids, they make it a game. Very competitive and love to beat each other. They even keep track! #musedmot
James Patrick Jensen @JamesPJensen
@MusicalEarSwe I introduced solf and dictation to band Ss using 1D’s That’s What Makes You Beautiful the chorus is only m-r-d! #musedmot
Ts must be consistent in ET. Only doing it every so often doesn’t work. Make it fun – use games that Ss don’t realize is “work” #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
I know games are a big thing for me to make it fun,I am also a Responsive classroom teacher and built it into morning meeting time #musedmot
@MusicalEarSwe exactly! #musedmot
@MusicalEarSwe Dictation is a favorite and equally a love/hate relationship w/my theory kids! 🙂 #musedmot
For sightsinging there are a lot of resources. For ear training there are fewer. I believe T know their students & create for them #musedmot
Another big topic within ear training: How to make it fun & enjoyable for the students? Any tips/ideas to share? #musedmot
@MusicalSojourn Yes, it is definitely a very beneficial approach! #musedmot
With students growing ear training needs to gradually connect with notation. Dictation exercises, sight-singing, choir singing etc #musedmot
@MusicalEarSwe, this takes more work on the part of the T, but it is worth it in the long run #musedmot
Ear training activites for smaller kids: singing easy tunes, canons, telling if 2 short music segments were same or different #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@MusicalSojourn Any recommended resources? #musedmot
Go from simple to complex. Even w/olderSs. Build them up developmentally. #musedmot
RT @MusicalSojourn Ear training is incorporated into daily warm ups, I.e. intervals they will meet in the music during rehearsals #musedmot
@Musedmot, echo singing, singing games where children sing alone, aurally distinguishing melodies & rhythms #musedmot
@JamesPJensen Agree, singing is important for instrumental students too. No need for a nice voice just sing in tune w musicality #musedmot
Then they see in “in context” w/I the repertoire #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
What kinds of activities would be recommended for k-5 students? #musedmot
Ear training is incorporated into daily warm ups, I.e. intervals they will encounter in the music during rehearsals. #musedmot
@JamesPJensen That’s great for band…forgot to mention that I try to have the kids sing parts – 5/6 is more willing than olders. #musedmot
RT @Stephdon Bands = tuning and listening for balance and blend across the ensemble and some playing by ear #musedmot
James Patrick Jensen @JamesPJensen
@MusicalEarSwe Thanks! I’m excited to participate! #musedmot
James Patrick Jensen @JamesPJensen
I’m a huge fan of using solfege in both band and choir to teach students to audiate the notes on the page. #musedmot
@JamesPJensen Good luck for the transition! #musedmot is a great event to help you make new contacts
Bands = tuning and listening for balance and blend across the ensemble and some playing by ear. #musedmot
@MusicalSojourn Do u have a specific part of the class dedicated to ear training or it’s sort of present during the whole lesson? #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
I try doing the basics with my young students, listening, solfedge singing, etc. #musedmot
James Patrick Jensen @JamesPJensen
@MusicalEarSwe I’m currently looking for a position in the Denver area! I’d love to teach MS or HS choir or band! #musedmot
.@MusicalSojourn Wow, we have a real expert on ear training here! 🙂 Looking forward to hearing your thoughts #musedmot
ET is part of daily routine in choral groups. #musedmot
@JamesPJensen Hi James, welcome to #musedmot! What do you teach?
Hi all! Here from TN. Kodaly certified. Teach ear training at university #musedmot
Let’s start the chat with the 1st Q: Do you/how do you include ear training in your classes? #musedmot
James Patrick Jensen @JamesPJensen
I’m here! #musedmot
Moderating the chat this is Agnes behind MusicalEar, I’m a musician and music teacher myself besides working with customer support #musedmot
I’m ready! #musedmot
Hi everybody, nice to have u all hear at Mus Ed Mot Day! Can we start the session with a quick round of intros to see who’s here? #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
A big thank you to @MusicalEarSwe for moderating our next chat All About Ear Training! #musedmot #musedchat
Twitter chat about ear training at Music Ed Motivation Day starting NOW! Join with #musedmot hashtag @Musedmot #musedchat #mused
Jenny Nguyen @PectichLonedity
4 minutes to our Twitter chat on All about Ear Training with #MusicalEarSwe! Come join the #musedmot chats #musedchat
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
4 minutes to our Twitter chat on All about Ear Training with @MusicalEarSwe! Come join the #musedmot chats #musedchat
Michael Kurpjuweit @mikekurps
I love teaching band, but Sask curric has no ensemble skill outcomes. Sometimes it feels like square peg round hole. #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
I’m wearing a pirate hat playing in the the G+ hangout, come say hi! Page is Catie Dwinal #musedmot
Michael Kurpjuweit @mikekurps
@shaugland not being allowed to grade concerts is like saying the final product doesn’t matter. What’s the main objection? #musedmot
Is thankful my husband was willing to go shopping alone so I could stay and participate in the Twitter Chat 😉 #musedmot
What a nice teacher! 🙂 RT @shaugland Sometimes participation is the kid’s best skill and he/she should be rewarded for it! #musedmot
@shaugland I agree! Thank you for the great ideas Susan. Have a great weekend. #musedmot
#musedmot – ciao, everyone! Great chat! Good way to wake up on a cloudy Saturday morning. 🙂
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
If not! We will see you at 12pm est on twitter for an amazing chat on Ear Train with @MusicalEarSwe !! #musedmot
@Stephdon @Musedmot Thank you for moderating/organizing!!! Another great music chat. #musedmot
#musedmot must be cool. I just got two spam tweets.
@MusicalSojourn @shaugland Very true! I never thought of it that way, but that is right on. #musedmot
Thanks all for the interesting thoughts, see you back here on twitter in 1 hour, bring all your thoughts/ideas/Qs on ear training! #musedmot
@Musedmot Thank you everyone. I love these chances to get together and talk w/other music folks! Thanks for the great discussion! #musedmot
@Musedmot I wish it was on mine. I included it in my grade, but I know it’s controversial among some. #musedmot
@Mwren13 @MusicalSojourn @shaugland Yes have done that w/2 diff. band kids. They loved it! #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
Thank you to @Stephdon for this great topic and chat!If you’d like to play around with Google plus video hangouts Seeyou at 11:15! #musedmot
@shaugland @Mwren13 Right! #musedmot
@Stephdon @MusicalSojourn @shaugland Glad to know I am not alone in this belief. #musedmot
@shaugland @MusicalSojourn How about motivating composer type Ss to practice performing by having them perform their own pieces? #musedmot
James Patrick Jensen @JamesPJensen
Question here! How are you expected to assess students progress towards standards by admin and how do you accomplish that? #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
Wow! That hour went by fast! Feel free to keep on chatting about this great subject! I’m going over to G+ to set up a hangout #musedmot
@shaugland @Stephdon This makes me feel slightly better 😉 Finished yr 4 and always question process. Glad to know I’m not alone. #musedmot
@Mwren13 I have participation on there because sometimes that’s the kid’s best skill and he/she should be rewarded for it! #musedmot
@Mwren13 @MusicalSojourn @shaugland Oh how I wish everyone would understand this! 🙂 #musedmot
Elyse Evans Kircher @MusicaliseMD
@Mwren13 I tell my kids I’m teaching them to be musicians. Participation, perf. part of that experience, expectation. #musedmot
@MusicalSojourn @shaugland That is exactly why I try to incorporate differ activities. Music is not just singing, playing.. #musedmot
It is imp for Ts to find what works for them to get the job of assessment done. Being organized helps to streamline the process. #musedmot
I struggle with grading participation, but I also believe you have to participate in music in order to learn it. #musedmot
@shaugland oh I agree. Just need to have variety so all are able to find success. #musedmot
Just fin. yr. 35 still trying to figure out the whole assessment/grading thing for our music kids. Love this discussion #musedmot
RT @shaugland Different types of musical intelligences composer/performer/analyst – grade for the type of musician each student is #musedmot
@MusicalSojourn Very true! It is always a great reminder that we don’t all learn the same. #musedmot
It is important to assess for different things because there are different types of learners (yes, I know we all know this) #musedmot
@MusicalSojourn I agree. Sometimes the grading helps motivate Ps to get their child to the concert. #musedmot
@Mwren13 Working with choir students will be a great topic to discuss at the next (12 pm est) twitter chat about ear training! #musedmot
@shaugland Agree! This is a debated quest. in many groups and I’m just curious to how others feel. #musedmot
@shaugland I see both sides. The concert is the reward. Work so hard, we want to show our families what we can do. #musedmot
Conversation
@Stephdon Different types of musical intelligences: composer/performer/analyst – grade for the type of musician each student is. #musedmot
I hesitate to grade on evening concerts w/elem Ss since their attendance is often dependent on unwilling/uncooperative adults #musedmot
@Musedmot I count the concert as a single assess. If a student has excused abs. then there is an assign. based on conc. mat. #musedmot
@Musedmot Attendance. Prep counts towards other assessments. #musedmot
@Stephdon I teach MS chorus. Some Ss have a hard time matching pitch. I don’t count that against them if they are giving effort. #musedmot
Grading for concerts, etc. is frowned on here. Better to have rewards for those who attend/extra assignment for those who don’t. #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
For those who count concerts as assessments, do you just do it based on attendance or something else? #musedmot
How do you feel about this? Do you feel all students who put in the effort MS-HS should receive an A regardless of skill? #musedmot
@SammiRaRa Good night! Thx for the ideas! I am in Europe, here it’s afternoon, perfect time for some tweet chat on music ed #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@Stephdon I count preparation for grade level shows but some kids cannot get to the concert due to problems at home. #musedmot
@Stephdon I use concert activities to see if they are progressing or mastering certain concepts. This yr I graded for attendance. #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@SammiRaRa Thank you for joining in! Have a wonderful evening! #Musedmot
@SammiRaRa Thanks for joining us! 🙂 #musedmot
@Stephdon I did a lot more recording with 2nd grade. It was motivation for Ss to work hard. #musedmot
Would love to stay and chat but its past midnight here, time for sleep, will read through the tweets tomorrow. Have fun! #musedmot
Backtracking to specific assess/grades. Do you count concerts as an assess? If so what percent? #musedmot
#musedmot is today! Music educators please follow @musiccargirl14 today and get a great start to the summer (or a mid-summer break for some)
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
qrstuff.com is a great code generator, I use it for boards and programs. I love @SammiRaRa ‘s idea! #musedmot
“@musiccargirl14: Welcome to #musedmot!! We will be here from now until our last chat on twitter at 3pm est.” have a great day!
If you share Digi.ports w/Ps do they ever get to anxious about how their kids are progressing or not? #musedmot
@Mwren13 Also,
Identifies form.
Composes melody within given parameters.
And the ever-present, participates in class
@shaugland Awesome! Thank you for the ideas. #musedmot
@MusicalSojourn You can create QR codes for any URL on internet. There are QR code generator websites which do it for you #musedmot
@Stephdon I think so. It’s still new, so I need to push it more. Counter on main of, so I know people to there. #musedmot
@MusicalSojourn @SammiRaRa I would be interested in this. Have only used QR codes for our online programs this year. #musedmot
@Stephdon I love Evernote for having my Ss record Recorder Assessments into. #musedmot
@Mwren13 that’s great! I need to work more w/GS…just haven’t taken time. Do your Ps check in on the sites? #musedmot
Am trying to replace written narratives w/digi.ports next year for all Ss. Biggest challenge for me is staying ahead of it all. #musedmot
@Stephdon The real reason I picked sites was because I keep them updated so parents can see progress in class. #musedmot
@SammiRaRa does the QR code (these are new for me) lead to the videos? #musedmot
@Musedmot I hand them my iPad and they go in pairs to practice room. I like it bc can annotate on it for post. etc. #musedmot
@shaugland Gotcha! If you don’t mind. I’m trying to get ideas on how others use SBG in music. Thanks Susan! #musedmot
@Mwren13 beat me to the question! 🙂 I have experimented w/GS and Weebly, but settled on Evernote at least for now. #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@Stephdon I remember you talking about that when I visited, do the kids get more out of you using Coaches Eye? #musedmot
Just beginning to use video and dig records in classes. Record Assmnt perf, post priv YouTube, create QR codes 4 families 2 share #musedmot
If you use dig. ports., what do you to organize share? #musedmot
@Stephdon I just started using google sites. Each grade has a portfolio (site) w/ video, projects, pics and audio. Add to each yr.#musedmot
@Mwren13 Exactly. Students have to know what you’re looking for. (to a certain extent) #musedmot
Yes with all the tech. it is much easier to do video. I use Coach’s Eye app and have a Flip and H2N camera I give to the kids. #musedmot
@Mwren13 No, no, no…. I only have 5 spaces on our computer-generated report card. I can list what I have on there if you want. #musedmot
@shaugland I might put primary friendly words next to it. Sows progress thru mastery and Ss can assess themselves w/ same words. #musedmot
@Mwren13 I agree, I love the ease of the iPad #musedmot
I use video to assess MYSELF! #musedmot
@Mwren13 @shaugland That is great! I’m borrowing it! #musedmot
@shaugland Do you assess every standard? How often do you assess? Thank you for the ideas! #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@MusicalEarSwe @Stephdon I’ve heard about that one before, I’ll have to try it out #musedmot
@Mwren13 LOVE that!! My k-2 kids would have a tough time reading it, but I love it! 🙂 #musedmot
@MusicalEarSwe @Musedmot Yes I’ve heard about Vocaroo but never have tried it. #musedmot
I made mainly audio files & gave students a disc at the end of the year. (They provided the disc if they wanted one.) #musedmot
@MusicalSojourn I am thankful for my district issued iPad. Creating video and audio are very simple. #musedmot
I have been using Dig.Ports loosely for several years, but only formally this year. Everyone really likes them! #musedmot
@Musedmot @Stephdon vocaroo.com is easy to use tool to record & email files. We’ll use it during our next online course #musedmot
@shaugland Thats a great goal! I found a self assessment chart that is similar to what you said. #musedmot pic.twitter.com/3kMzwJlpxz
That was going to be my next Q. If you use dig. portfolios, how do you use them? Just for Ts, share w/Ss, Ps? #musedmot
Video has gotten easier with tech. iPad, phone, computer is such a plus. The majority of my teaching was pre this tech 😦 #musedmot
I use videos and audio clips for grade level portfolios. Show growth and progress. #musedmot
@Mwren13 @shaugland We have a few pub. schools here in ME that do similar grading up through HS. It is controv. but I like it! #musedmot
@shaugland I really like this idea. I am transitioning to SBB this next yr. thanks for the idea. #musedmot
For T eval TN Ts must develop a portfolio that demonstrates student progress. This is done thru assessment #musedmot
@Stephdon How we assess is a big part of our evaluation process and will be even more closely scrutinized as CC takes effect #musedmot
For singing/instrumental assessment, video or sound recordings are great, not so much for the teacher, but for the kids to listen #musedmot
@Stephdon Mostly observation. Some theory sheets for older Ss. Still include participation. Going to separate the grades next yr. #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@Stephdon mostly observation, with my schedule it’s tough to set up a video before a class. I do use Soundcloud to record singing #musedmot
Here in TN it is very much on their minds. #musedmot
K receives no grades for fine arts here. Grades 1 & 2 get B (beginning) D (developing) or S (secure) for each standard. #musedmot
Wondering if any of your admins. check out what you are doing for assessment? #musedmot
@Musedmot Do you do any video or is it all observation? #musedmot
@MusicalSojourn Same here. My elem Ss get S and ES. #musedmot
What is included in your assessments? #musedmot
@Stephdon I should say this is for all band kids. #musedmot
A2: 5-6 mostly observation w/3 formal per Tri. 7-12, 1 per week video assess on assigned material. #musedmot
By the end of he quarter each S had 8-9 grades. #musedmot
Once a week. #musedmot
@MusicalEarSwe @MusicalSojourn this is very important for our Ss but also the parents and admin. #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@Stephdon 4 times a quarter and assessment is based on subject that quarter.Mostly observational or aural because I have k-5 #musedmot
@MusicalSojourn how often to you do these assessments? #musedmot
@MusicalSojourn Great to have rules of evaluation so well structured and organized & also to be announced to students in advance #musedmot
Q2: recorded performance, written, & embedded assessments #musedmot
@MusicalEarSwe Agree! #musedmot
Because I had more individual grades for each student to validate their grades. #musedmot
Question 2: How often do you do formal assessments? #musedmot
@Stephdon Kids also need to learn that the achievement is what is judged (in life too) so they need to put in the effort needed #musedmot
As I became more structured/organized w/my grading the less I accounted for effort. #musedmot
@MusicalSojourn To me that seems about the norm for what I do. #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
I hate when people include effort in on grade,everyone tries their best, it just seems sometake less effort to succeed then others #musedmot
What was an A was my highest grade (S+\E) What was a B, C, D was my next grade (S/M/D) F became my lowest (U/N) #musedmot
@MusicalEarSwe Yes! Our 5-8 students have a separate effort grade on RC so I get conflicted including effort in the grade. #musedmot
I took the 5pt district grading scale & made it music’s 3pt scale. #musedmot
It’s very important to take the effort into consideration, but we need to try to stay objective as well and grade the achievement #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@Stephdon We move to letters in 6-12, they like to soften the letter grade blow in elem #musedmot
The school district has a grading scale. I modified music grades to go along with that scale #musedmot
@MusicalSojourn could you describe the breakdown of your elem. grades and the grade they receive? #musedmot
Do your Ss receive an effort grade in addition to letter/number or is that included in your grading scale? #musedmot
@Musedmot in my school MS 5/6 Ss = letter 7-12 Ss receive percent. #musedmot
My elem Ss received letter grades, but what type varies by grade. MS/HS get letter grades #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
I teach elementary general, we have a 1,2,3,4 number based system. 1 being worst, 4 being best #musedmot
Starting with first question: Do your Ss receive letter, number or P/F grades on report cards? #musedmot
@Stephdon Grading and Assessment in the Music Classroom is a very interesting topic! Looking forward to all the thoughts coming up #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@MusicalSojourn Thank you for joining in! 🙂 #musedmot
Hi Sarah Welcome! #musedmot
Mused Motivation Day @Musedmot
@MusicalEarSwe thank you for joining in today! #musedmot
Good morning! I am looking forward to the discussion. #musedmot
I’m Stephanie and I teach in a small Indep. day school in So. Maine. 5-12 bands and several singletons in HS. #musedmot
Hi @musiccargirl14 and @Stephdon! Nice to be here at the Music Ed Motivation Day tweet chat sessions with you #musedmot
Hi Everyone! We’ll start of the day with a discussion about grading/assess. in music/perf. classes. #musedmot
The Celtic Novelist 