Welcome to
Concert Choir! |
- Welcome to High School Concert Choir! My name is Hannah Orr and I am so excited to share my love of music with you this coming year! I obtained my degree in Music Education from Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University and have always wanted to teach bright young students such as yourselves! I cannot wait to meet all of you and incorporate everyone's cultures and favorite artists in order to make this the best year of music-making we can!
If you or your parents have any questions, feel free to contact me preferably using my e-mail at [email protected]. The best times to reach me are during the school day or after school between 3 and 6pm! If you would like to call, the school the number is provided under the "school address page"
Sincerely,
Hannah Orr
My Philosophy of Learning
The kind of teacher that I intend to be is someone who incorporates an equal amount of student and teacher input into the lessons. I believe in a democratic classroom that is contingent on a positive classroom environment first. If we can all establish a mutual respect and work well together, then we can share ideas on what kind of music we would like to learn together! The sort of decisions I make as a teacher are influenced by student engagement, the following of classroom procedures, and how advanced the students are. In other words, if we work hard we can do more and more activities! I also firmly believe in a holistic approach to music education. I would like to work closely with the History teachers, English teachers, etc. in order to give the students a more well-rounded education on the topics they are currently learning. This will also help them understand the music they are learning on a deeper level.
In a research paper written by Ruth Wright, she runs an experiment in order to identify the difference between a traditional approach and a holistic approach and has the following conclusion, "It is concluded that the holistic approach offers an interesting and in many ways educationally beneficial alternative to the more traditional separatist approach to the curriculum and extended curriculum" (Wright 1998). By teaching students using this approach, their understanding of the material across multiple classes is increased. A holistic approach teaches students for life and not just for a brief moment until they move on and forget about it all-together.
My music classroom is a safe space where everyone, regardless of race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or religion should feel absolutely welcomed. Our choir is an inclusive place for all levels of learning and opportunity. Please feel welcomed to make recommendations on certain types of music to me that move you, I am always interested to learn more about my students.
By the time you leave my classroom, my only wish is that you feel that you have had a positive music education experience. Whether you decide to pursue a higher education of music or just sing for fun, it does not matter as long as you enjoyed your time making music with your peers throughout your schooling experience. I hope to see you this year in class!
Works Cited:
Wright, R. (1996). A holistic approach to music education. British Journal of Music Education, 15(1), 71-81.
Student Objectives
The student will…
1)Develop a degree of musical independence, which will enable him/her to read and perform music. This skill is referred to as music literacy.
2)Study representative examples of music from the various stylistic periods and genres.
3)Develop and understand a standard vocal technique.
4)Participate in musical activities, which are designed to stimulate aesthetic responses.
1)Develop a degree of musical independence, which will enable him/her to read and perform music. This skill is referred to as music literacy.
2)Study representative examples of music from the various stylistic periods and genres.
3)Develop and understand a standard vocal technique.
4)Participate in musical activities, which are designed to stimulate aesthetic responses.
- Learn and display appropriate concert etiquette.
- Develop performance skills that foster self-confidence.