NAME:
Joan Marshall
SCHOOL:
Laurel Mountain Elementary
CLASS:
Music Class
SCHOOL PHONE:
464-4389
I am an instrument-based National Board Certified music specialist with a
love of childrens' music. I think that children need to sing more songs that
are age appropriate and not try to model the adult singers that they hear on
the radio and TV.
We learn singing hand signs, read music to play recorder in 2nd thru 5th
grade and incorporate movement and children’s singing games as often as I am
able. I expect students to copy my movements: "Do what I do." Music is a
participatory class and active student participation is expected to learn
and progress. If your student does not "Do what I do" and just watches me,
they will not make satisfactory progress. Active movement activates the
kinesthetic part of your child's brain and they are better able to retain
and use information that has been coupled with movement.
In Kindergarten thru 2nd grade, receiving a "2" (making progress) is a
perfectly acceptable grade throughout the year. We study and add different
concepts each quarter as your students make learning progress until the end
of the year. Please understand that I must grade your student on what is
taught in music class, not what is learned at private music lessons.
I love computers and I think that the computer is a stimulating, user-
friendly environment for creating music at any age. I believe that every
child is capable of being musical and I try to help them progress to the
best of their abilities.
My class mission for every grade is to teach students to learn to sing in
tune, create music to the best of their ability, and to be literate
musicians.