Presenting Programs

The subject of today's podcast is programs. In today's show, I share one of the ways I present a program to parents. I believe in using the music I already am teaching, and do not use commercial kids musicals. The type of program discussed here is a demonstration program. "One, Two Three" is a poem I found in Jim Solomon's book. The "Snowflake Song" is from one of Jeff Kriske and Randy DeLelles's Game Plan books. I also use traditional concerts and programs that use stories and drama. Actual audio from the program is shared in today's show. My fellow music teacher is Claudia Graf. I failed to mention her name in the podcast. I conclude today's show with a soundbite from Dr. Jill Trinka, well known teacher and performer of folk-songs suitable for children. She is a faculty member of the University of St. Thomas. You can read about her on the university's website: http://tinyurl.com/y8zfqkh You can hear a sample of her authentic singing and see one of her books here: http://tinyurl.com/yafa98k Here is my "translation" of Dr. Trinka's response concerning the use of folk music in class. “I think the most important thing for the teacher to remember is that you want the music to speak, and so it has to be honest. It has to come from your heart, more than from your brain and more than from the eye, it's all about the ear; and so listen to yourself singing. If you love the song you know you'll be successful with it (unintelligible)..your children will be successful with it when they understand your passion for it....Real music, it's got to feel good and its got to be noble in spirit and character.”