In addition to the Orff and Kodaly music curriculum I am using to teach the students beginner music theory, the past two months I've been teaching about les instuments à cordes It has been a slow unit (with snow days as major interruptions) but we're wrapping up the unit next week. One incredibly unique opportunity our school has is a beginner strings program! A wonderful instructor named Mariana has started giving lessons this semester and UMSL donated several 1/4 and 1/8 size violins for our students. As of now, there are about 12 students taking private lessons!
It is a goal of mine to enroll more students in string lessons with "Madame Mariana" Many of our students come from non-classical backgrounds and it would be such a wonderful experience for them to begin an instrument at this age.
A high point in my 1st grade classes yesterday was showing youtube videos demonstrating different string instruments. I showed them a couple videos of my brother-in-law Joshua Roman who is a cellist. After his Popper #28 video, the 1st grade students were all smiles and amazement. They even applauded! Inspiring young children to not only enjoy music but want to play musical instruments-this is why I do what I do.
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