HARMONIOUS HAPPENINGS

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1 HARMONIOUS HAPPENINGS August/September 2017 Mary von Liski Music Educator Lee School q=music +quotes&hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa= X&ei=w2pHUPGtNITHrQHI5oHYCQ&ved=0CEUQsAQ&biw=1024&bih=609 The above link is where you will find music quotes and images! THE BENEFITS OF MUSIC EDUCATION "Every student in the nation should have an education in the arts." This is the opening statement of The Value and Quality of Arts Education: A Statement of Principles, a document from the nation's ten most important educational organizations, including the American Association of School Administrators, the National Education Association, the National Parent Teacher Association, and the National School Boards Association. The basic statement is unlikely to be challenged by anyone involved in education. In the sometimes harsh reality of limited time and funding for instruction, however, the inclusion of the arts in every student's education can sometimes be relegated to a distant wish rather than an exciting reality. It doesn't have to be that way! All that's needed is a clear message sent to all those who must make the hard choices involved in running a school or school system. The basic message is that music programs in the schools help our kids and communities in real and substantial ways. You can use the following facts about the benefits of music education, based on a growing body of convincing research, to move decision-makers to make the right choices. The benefits conveyed by music education can be grouped in four categories: * Success in society * Success in school 1

2 * Success in developing intelligence * Success in life The Sounds of Music at Lee School General thoughts about music for the school year: It s time for music; it s music day! The sounds of music are everywhere at LEE SCHOOL!! During music classes we: make musical discoveries move to the music/dance to the music play rhythm instruments and use the ipad s listen and move/dance/sing/interact to different styles of music enjoy puppets keep a song in our heart and encourage each other with respect and kindness try our best smile Music is a time for discovery and sharing! As your student s music teacher this year, I ll positively encourage everyone to try his/ her best and to enjoy music!! I appreciate all you do every day and your kind helpfulness and positive energy regarding music education. Making Musical Discoveries Your child(ren) share the sounds of music two times a week at school during music class. We explore a variety of genres of music throughout school year. Music can be relaxing and energizing; music can make you feel reflective, as well as feel upbeat. Following is an excerpt from an essortment.com article about music, mood, and ways to make musical discoveries at home. Putting more music in your life is a powerfully enriching tool. But other than turning on the car radio in our busy lives, what other ways can we do this? One way to do this is to take advantage of your public library's collection of music. It's fine to have a personal favorite type of music such as rock, or jazz, but discover other music genres, too. 2

3 Try country music. And if you decide you don't like that, try opera or alternative music. You won't believe how many types of music you're going to find once you start looking. Every style of music won't necessarily be your favorite. However, give all genres a chance. How does the music make you feel? When listening to music, listen to the words and rhythms as well as the melody. You may find something to like about a type of music that previously you didn't like at all. Has the music changed your mood? Learn about music. Find out who wrote the pieces you like to listen to and when. What was going on in the rest of the world at the time the melody was written? What musical instruments are played? What do you know about those instruments? Free musical events are listed in the local newspaper. Some may turn up with names such as 'brown bag' concerts or recitals. 'Brown bag' refers to the fact they will be held during the noon hour and usually in a public place such as a park where you can bring your lunch. Recitals are usually given by music teachers to showcase their student's budding talents. Colleges sponsor several free musical events every semester and they are worth looking into. Making Music with Your Child Following is an excerpt of an article, "Making Music with Your Child," by Kia Portafekas encouraging families to make music together. Did you ever dream your child would be able to express himself through music? Or that you could help encourage him? Even if you have no musical training at all, you can bring the joy of making music into your child's life. No one knows the song that plays inside you better than you do. Right now, you can find your own creative voice and guide your child to find his. Express your love for music by having a "songversation." Sing everything you want to say! You can try this with words, first, and then have a 3

4 "songversation" using no words, only sounds. Talk with your child about the music he loves. Ask him to play his favorite song even if it sounds like noise to you. Listen to what your child tells you about the images and feelings the song evoked. Many parents encourage their children's musical creativity by enrolling them in music lessons. For some children, this strategy works. The music lessons introduce the child to the world of music and empower them to play or sing the music they like. Often children enjoy music as an integral part of their lives. They feel comfortable expressing themselves by singing or playing. They feel confident of their abilities to learn a piece of sheet music or pick out a melody they have heard on the radio. These children grow up with fond memories of music and the rewarding roles it has played in their lives. As a parent, you can encourage your child to enjoy music freely. You can present it as an empowering means of self-expression. Making music with your child gives parents, families, and children the opportunity to express themselves in ways that words cannot. It is as natural as breathing. We are all unique, individual, creative compositions of life. Music is the key that unlocks creativity and opens the door to self-expression. This is the beginning of manifesting your creative curriculum of life. Imagine a blank canvas no resistance, no limitations, only the willingness to be open. Listen to the sounds within you and around you. Practice using different senses. For example: Stop to smell a flower and imagine what sounds you hear. Share this "song of the flower" with your child in song, colors, and movement. Listen to a recording of a favorite song and paint your own image of a flower, without drawing the actual flower. Feel the rhythms of the colors move through you and let your imagination soar! By sharing music with your child, you will be expressing your feelings, and as you do your child will learn that all feelings even negative ones are things they can easily handle and direct into positive and creative outlets. You will also be encouraging your child to collaborate, to create, to use their senses and imagination in new and exciting ways. You will be helping them 4

5 awaken and express their own inner voice. As Pablo Picasso stated, "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up." Educational Resources Information Center Excerpt "All children can be helped to learn to enjoy and to become involved in music to some extent. Music can be of inestimable value for children who have difficulties in hearing, seeing, moving, thinking or responding. A single instrument can possess qualities of sound and tone irresistible enough to reach a child in a direct, uncomplicated manner. Children who experience severe obstacles in forming relationships with other children, adults and their environment can achieve security and joy in making music. By means of music, we can assist these children to come to maturity in many ways. "Music confers non-musical benefits that have particular consequences for pupils with special needs. It contributes to: - reasoning ability - reading skills - feelings and response - personal fulfillment - language development - the promotion of communication - motor control and physical well-being - positive attitudes to school - socializing and pleasurable experiences in a group" Where in the World? Where in the World Will You Find... - Students singing? - Students using sign language? - Students playing rhythm instruments? - Students dancing/moving? - Students being actively involved in mini-dramas and mini-musicals? - Students sharing? - Students performing? 5

6 - Students smiling and laughing? - Students learning Life Skills songs? - Students interacting with puppets? - Students feeling positive about themselves? - Students being respectful, responsible, kind, and focused? - Students trying their best? The answer is a five-letter word = MUSIC! 6