Next week I have a chance to accompany a school choir for a Christmas/Winter Concert in two years. I'm nervous and excited at the same time. During the Fall concert the teacher and students could only make a video to share with parents, guardians and the school. Yet next week will be a "live concert" and I couldn't be more thankful, filled with joy and delight. My hope is that all who attend will anticipate amazing works from the students. This will spark a desire for more sc

As we prepare for Thanksgiving, let's make time to "break bread" with family and friends. This old African American Spiritual, possibly created in the late 1800's, express slaves desire to be closer to God. They sang on their knees, praise God for all He did through the life of Jesus' death, burial and resurrection. Today the song is about communion, taking the elements that representing his body and blood, the ultimate sacrifice of love for all people. This brings joy in my

One of the games I use during Thanksgiving is called Swat Those Turkeys created Jaylene Scott through teacherspayteachers. Here is the link: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Swat-Those-Turkeys-A-game-for-practicing-ta-ti-ti-1541227 This is a great group game and here the instructions: Print out the cards on cardstock and laminate for durability. Spread the cards out on the floor and divide the class into 2 or more teams. Give each team a fly swatter and clap and/or

Today is a special day, celebrating those who have served our country in the past. As we reflect upon all their sacrifices to make our lives safer, wanted to share a video of a famous song from the middle 1950's called Let There Be Peace on Earth. The song shares a message of living in peace amidst all of our differences, where it comes back full circle that it begins in me. This song was created by a song writing couple Sy Miller and Jill Jackson, as they had a gathering in

In the next few weeks we prepare for Thanksgiving, which is a great time to reflect on on the good we're blessed with. In the past I've always skipped over music during Thanksgiving, while focusing on the Christmas event. I have students play some fun Thanksgiving games to reinforce notes on the staff, rhythms or music terms. Over the years I've collected some piano music, yet rarely do I take the time to. teach it. I want to try for the next couple weeks, adding easier pedag

A few weeks ago a parent shared that she wanted her son to learn Mary Did You Know by Buddy Greene and Mark Lowery. This is one of my favorites growing up in church. The story line is beauty, as the singer asks Mary if she had an idea of all that her son Jesus would do for the world. So I looked through the music I have to find something at or a bit above the students level. I could not find anything, either too easy or more than we have talked about. So I quickly put an arra