Canadian Embassy today!!
This one is for the parents!
This one is for the parents!
The afternoon was spent watching two MASTER teachers work with young people involved in an El Sistema project. Everyone was moved by the musicality of both conductors (and thus, the students). We have been thinking about what it means to challenge "normalcy" as well as how things are "always done" - their thinking and willingness to questions these concepts is profound.
(This organization affected the students profoundly upon return they set up a Go Fund Me Project - click to donate.)
Student Response:
At such a young age, Rosa held the engagement of her students with such ease without being overbearing. The students clearly felt her passion for the music and responded to her with smiles and their own efforts. I was reminded that I do not always have to bark measure numbers and dynamics at my students. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in making sure the students know exactly what I feel they should be playing like that I forget to give them space for their own creativity. This experience truly was a great reminder to take a step back and trust I my students.
Spending time with Rossana at the El Sistema facility was definitely a pivotal moment for me concerning curriculum and pedagogy. It was inspiring to see how Rossana and David collaborated so beautiful with each other, but also with the students. When I spoke with them afterwards, they mentioned that the students are their priority and that this program is about them and their musical development. They both have set up such a beautiful atmosphere for the students to make music together, collaborate with one another and learn the importance of ensembleship without needing to rely solely on a conductor. There was such a pedagogy of empowerment present during our time there, and that is what I admire most about their approach to teaching. It is definitely something I want to integrate into my music classrooms as well.
Hearing about the student that was killed two weeks ago just outside the school made the phrase "La musica es de angeles" appropriate in the worst way. This is a reminder to me that music can let people transcend their experience, and that music education is about people more than it is notes on a page. Even though life is hard- or even cut short- for people in that community, I hope that they love when they play music. Even if it's just for a little while.
(This organization affected the students profoundly upon return they set up a Go Fund Me Project - click to donate.)
Student Response:
At such a young age, Rosa held the engagement of her students with such ease without being overbearing. The students clearly felt her passion for the music and responded to her with smiles and their own efforts. I was reminded that I do not always have to bark measure numbers and dynamics at my students. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in making sure the students know exactly what I feel they should be playing like that I forget to give them space for their own creativity. This experience truly was a great reminder to take a step back and trust I my students.
Spending time with Rossana at the El Sistema facility was definitely a pivotal moment for me concerning curriculum and pedagogy. It was inspiring to see how Rossana and David collaborated so beautiful with each other, but also with the students. When I spoke with them afterwards, they mentioned that the students are their priority and that this program is about them and their musical development. They both have set up such a beautiful atmosphere for the students to make music together, collaborate with one another and learn the importance of ensembleship without needing to rely solely on a conductor. There was such a pedagogy of empowerment present during our time there, and that is what I admire most about their approach to teaching. It is definitely something I want to integrate into my music classrooms as well.
Hearing about the student that was killed two weeks ago just outside the school made the phrase "La musica es de angeles" appropriate in the worst way. This is a reminder to me that music can let people transcend their experience, and that music education is about people more than it is notes on a page. Even though life is hard- or even cut short- for people in that community, I hope that they love when they play music. Even if it's just for a little while.
We had a wonderful dinner together at a place we are hoping to return to! Lots of laughter and stories. Great fun!