Summer Workshops

Teaching Kids to Sing--Dr. Ken Phillips (July 15-17)

Singing is the first of the "National Standards," and this workshop focuses on techniques for teaching all children to sing at both the elementary and secondary levels. Based on the clinician's popular book, Teaching Kids to Sing, participants will learn how to ENERGIZE singing through exercises and vocalises for body, breath, ear, voice, and song. Sequenced singing lessons will be modeled and then applied to quality vocal literature for children and adolescents. Previous experience using Dr. Phillips's techniques is helpful but not required.  

Instrument Care and Repair--John Gill (July 13-15)

This workshop focuses on basic maintenance and repair skills for brass and woodwinds, and is approrpriate for teachers from elementary through high school levels. Instruments are provided for hands-on practice involving changing key pads and corks for woodwinds, as well as preventive maintenance for brass. Participants should bring a clarinet, flute, or sax to work on in class.

Pedagogy from the Podium--Jill Sullivan (July 15-17)

There is little time in the school day for working with students individually, and band directors need to know how to improve individual performance skills during the full rehearsal. This workshop presents techniques for developing skills and assessing student achievement during the ensemble rehearsal at all levels. Participants are encouraged to bring a band instrument to play in class.

Classroom Guitar--David Patterson (July 13-15)

This workshop is for beginning teachers of classroom guitar, and for those who want to improve their skills and knowledge of guitar in the general music curriculum. Topics will include guitar note reading and tablature as well as basic neck theory. Technique for teaching both classical and steel string guitar will be addressed. In addition, guitar teaching methods, books, and supplemental teaching aids will be presented.

Exploring World Music Cultures--Joyce Spande
(July 13-15)

Back by popular demand, Joyce Spande presents another multicultural workshop this time to include the music and cultures of Africa, Japan, and Norway (Scandinavia). Topics include easy hands-on ideas for integrating music, language, literature, drama, social studies, geography, and choreography into the general music classroom. Especially helpful for those teachers who are struggling to incorporate the huge world of multicultural music into limited classroom instructional time.

Come Alive in General Music--Dr. Sandy Doneski (July 15-17)

Master teacher, Sandy Doneski, will inspire and motivate teachers to make the general music classroom come alive for all students. From singing games to expressive movement, participants explore ideas for involving the whole child in general music. Skill development merges with artistry leading to a comprehensive approach reflective of the national standards. Learn to motivate your students with this exciting approach.

The High School Singer: Pedagogy and Repertoire--Tom & Susan Brooks (July 15-17)

Choir directors must also be voice teachers. Learn specific techniques for helping high school vocalists maximize their singing potential. Two master voice teachers from Gordon College will demonstrate exercises and vocalises useful for both ensemble members and soloists. In addition the workshop will include the study of vocal repertoire applicable to the developing high school singer.