ELEMENTARY MUSIC SESSIONS

However Small Your Voice
Zoltan Kodály’s philosophy for music education is based on a belief that the singing voice is the foundation of musical culture and the primary instrument for music education. In a time when singing is often described as a spectator sport, an activity no longer commonly practiced in the home, or a pursuit only for a minority of gifted, privileged, and talented individuals, the thought of singing as the principal activity in the classroom seems next to impossible. Through vocal exploration and age-appropriate vocal exercises for children, in addition to practical strategies that address singing challenges in the classroom—from pitch-matching to part-singing, from folk song to Lady Gaga—this session will address our responsibility as music educators to promote singing in the school, in the home, and beyond.

Listen Up! Engaged Listening in the Music Classroom | Lori-Anne Dolloff
This workshop will explore strategies for the use of engaged listening in the choral classroom. These will include movement, singing, music reading/writing, composition and guided listening maps. Maps continue to offer opportunities for engaged listening, particularly given the promise of new technology. Focused listening as a vehicle for assessment will also be discussed.

Moved to Sing: Singing with the whole body | Lori-Anne Dolloff
This workshop explores the use of movement with beginning singers to help the development of the voice. As teacher conductors we often focus on our gesture as a means of communicating musical ideas. Through the use of gesture students engage with their own music making in a deeper, multi-modal way. Strategies are applicable to classroom or rehearsal settings. Repertoire will include unison and two part choral arrangements.

Music – A Window to the Soul; Experiencing Classical Music Through Informed Listening | Lorraine Kneier
The session is designed for teachers looking for a resource for music listening or for anyone who wants an introduction into the world of classical music. The presentation will include information about the lives of the composers, discussion of the melodic, rhythmic, and formal elements of each piece in terms of the musical style of the period, and musical encounters with the chosen works, using listening guides that are supported by the musical score.

Rhythms and Rounds | Brian Tate
Songs, grooves, and movements that are fun for little folk and big folk alike. Easy to teach and easy to learn. Builds oral learning, cooperation, memory, integrating movement, and a joy for singing at an early age.

Sing it again! Creative use of Ostinato for Developing Part Singing | Lori-Anne Dolloff
Music Educators from Kodaly and Orff to Bobby McFerrin make creative use of ostinato as a way of engaging singers of all abilities in part singing. This workshop will explore repertoire from multicultural contexts and newly composed works that begin with ostinato and move into choral improvising and arranging.

Strategies for the Beginning Singer | Lori-Anne Dolloff
Singing in the music classroom should be a joyful event. This workshop will engage participants in activities, songs and games for helping beginning singers to feel confident singing with others. In particular we will look at the uncertain singer and strategies for developing the child voice.

Treble Voices Choral Reading Session | Kimberley Denis