Share your love of music with the community

January 28, 2011 | 1 comment

What a pleasure to have the opportunity to hang with some enthusiastic music teachers after a day of work, in January.  We are pretty good about showing our passion for what we do every day with the kids and with each other.  And we are also good at showing what we do in our performance programs.  Tom Grant’s recommendation is for us to get out and share the love with the community, especially the people who make the decisions about the future of our programs.  The school board trustees only know what we do if their son or daughter goes to one of our schools.  We need to be excellent at what we do, and we need to know how we offer added value to our schools and communities, then communicate that with the trustees. Definitely something to talk about next time we get together. 

Talking about getting together, Malcolm Grier and I are hosting a guitar jam at the Waters Edge Music Festival at Evergreen Cultural Centre, February 25-27.  We have picked 24 Canadian songs that are very playable by many levels of guitar players and all singers.  Imagine playing guitar next to some of your favourite students from your guitar class or other music class.  That shows a huge connection with your school and community in a public setting!!  All the songs, with lyrics and chords, are attached to a link at the festival website:  www.watersedgemusic.ca.  Malcolm and I will introduce easy ways of overcoming challenging parts of each song and then lead you through.  There are opportunities for leading the singing and ripping up a solo for those who are so inclined.  Come strum along with us!

Do you have songwriters in your schools???  There are a couple of open mike sessions at the Waters Edge Festival where you and your students can play and sing their own songs, and check out the incredible talent in our district.  These singer – songwriter sessions are hosted by SONG – Songwriters of a New Generation (formerly known as SASS).  SONG is a school program that has been running in my school (Maillard) for the last several years and has created an opportunity for those kids who are so musical but don’t necessarily fit into the band or choir setting.  Come check out the talent!

Tags: All-Canadian Guitar Jam  |  Guitar Jam  |  Music Teachers  |  SONG Cafe

One Response to “Share your love of music with the community”

1. Ryan says:

   February 8, 2011 at 5:21 pm

   Just downloaded the Guitar Jam playlist and music package. This playlist looks amazing, I think I need it on my iPOD! I look forward to using the chord booklet throughout the summer around the campfire.