Portland Forecaster
Instructors: Music programs hardest hit academic discipliner due to COVID
Read the entire article at THIS LINK.
Archive for December, 2020
Windham Chamber Singers
December 22, 2020A Maine Family Holiday
The annual holiday celebration starring The Windham Chamber Singers from Windham High School and surprise special guests. This year the performance has a Maine theme to celebrate the bicentennial. Thanks to music educator Rick Nickerson for helping to create this opportunity for the participants and those who are viewing this video. Enjoy!
Bob Hope
December 21, 2020The Bob Hope Christmas show for the troops all over the world gave hope to many for years. The singing, dancing and performances included many heartfelt moments.
Holiday Feast for Dogs
December 19, 2020Toooooo funny
This needs no explanation however below it is a video that shows how they made it. 13 dogs and 1 cat and lots of humans. Can you imagine being on the set for this one?
Wintergatan
December 18, 2020Marble machine
This is instrument is creatively made, looks interesting to play, and incredibly fun to listen and watch. Enjoy this machine with 2000 marbles. I found this memorizing (deep breathing) and a wonderful little break from the challenges of the day. I hope you will as well!
O Tannebaum
December 17, 2020A Charlie Brown Christmas
My former student Aaron Robinson on the piano and the Friday Night Jazz Trio (“Music at Immanuel” Portland).
‘Must See’ of the Season
December 16, 2020The Best
This reminds me of clarifying goals, the importance of working hard and doing so for love. (Suggestion: tissue needed)!
Music for All
December 15, 2020Steve Muise
Many of you know Steve Muise, music teacher at Mt. Blue High School in Farmington and the leader of the Franklin County Fiddlers, now it its 22nd year.
Steve made this video to share with his own community and beyond. His own thoughts went to the many people in residential care homes who are unable to have musical programs from outside the facility as often happens during the holiday season. Not to mention how many students are missing the opportunity to offer their love of music to the residents. I’m thinking of all of you music teachers who include this tradition in your December.
This is quite the medley of songs and Steve makes it clear that he does not have the rights to any of the songs and that he is not selling anything. Steve has included traditional holiday tunes; Christmas music, secular winter tunes, a Hanukkah medley, and a medley of tunes from Provence, France. It’s all about sharing – a GREAT BIG THANK YOU to Steve!
Maine Youth Action Network
December 14, 2020Statewide connections
The Maine Youth Action Network is an organization which has been focusing on the development and support of Maine youth for over 10 years. Each year MYAN has a 2-day conference which is being planned this year for March 18 and 19 at UMaine. Over 300 student leaders, adult allies, educators, and community members came together at last years conference. Learn more about the conference at THIS LINK. Throughout the school year MYAN is offering virtual workshops on several topics. You can learn more and register at THIS LINK. Programming is planned and many of the courses are facilitated by Maine youth. More information about MYAN is below or go to THIS LINK to learn more.
VISION
Is for communities throughout Maine to foster the healthy development of youth and create a thriving network of engaged leaders.
MISSION
The Maine Youth Action Network strategically collaborates, convenes, and partners to build young people’s leadership on issues of social justice, restorative practices, and public health; and the capacity of adults, organizations, and systems to use positive youth development and social-emotional learning principles in their work with youth.
WHAT
MYAN takes a collaborative approach to youth engagement.
Our work is rooted in positive youth development and a strengths-based approach to youth engagement and primary prevention. By expanding both adults’ capacity and young people’s access to growth opportunities and resources, we create avenues for youth and adults to work together on what matters.
PARTNERSHIPS
Great partnerships start with strong relationships, and MYAN is committed to developing relationships with caring adults throughout Maine. We bring together educators, librarians, afterschool program coordinators, prevention specialists, School Resource Officers and community members—any adult seeking to collaborate with young people—to practice new skills, make lasting connections, and share their expertise with one another through workshops and trainings. We engage in ongoing collaborations with partner organizations and adult allies to pilot new programs and bring innovative youth engagement programs to Maine’s communities.
Connection across the network is our priority. Each year, we bring the network together for our largest event – a two-day Youth Leadership Conference. The Conference, designed and led by a team of young people for over 300 middle and high school youth, is an opportunity for young people to present projects, share expertise, and connect in celebration of youth voices.
LEARN MORE AT THE MYAN WEBSITE!
Music Education News
December 13, 2020NAFME Eastern Division
2020 Virtual Conference April 22-24
We All Belong!
CALL FOR SESSION PROPOSALS – DEADLINE: JANUARY 15
LINK TO APPLY: https://bit.ly/ED21SessionProposals
This conference will focus on proven practices during the current climate to be shared by educators with educators.
We are encouraging 30 min. sessions and collaborative “team-presenting” with your colleagues. Sessions will be delivered via the Zoom platform. Sessions will be considered through the lens of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in music education for all students.
Culturally responsive teaching, social and emotional awareness, creative and innovative teaching concepts and engaging delivery of instruction are among the themes we would like to see infused across all conference strands.
Conference Strands: Band elementary & secondary, Modern Band, Choral elementary & secondary, Research Higher Ed, Orchestra elementary & secondary, Urban Music, Classroom elementary, Collegiate pre-service, Classroom secondary, Music Admin
Conference Co-Chairs: Michael Brownell (NY),Tina Bennett (PA) Keith Hodgson, President (NJ/PA) Marc Greene, Past President (NY) Sue Barre, President-Elect (ME)
MJA Extravaganza Information
The Massachusetts Judges Association is putting on the MJA Extravaganza during the month of January!
This is basically a chance for students of ALL AGES – and even adults- to submit any performance video for high quality feedback from professional judges. They can go for a rating only, or they can go in the competitive lane and be eligible for State Champion awards in all of the categories! They have so much – it is a great option for solo students – small ensembles-large ensembles…..anything really!
Register in January, submit in early February.
LINK TO REGISTER: https://www.massjudge.org/extravaganza-2021/
If you have questions please contact Kyle Smith, director of bands, Westbrook High School at smithk@westbrookschools.org.
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