At school concerts I don’t mind bowing beside my students (though I’ve learned that bowing is against some of my students’ beliefs so we’ve taken to waving) but I feel a little awkward bowing to the audience alone when I’m thanked.
This all to say that during these past few month of creating and rehearsing original concert composition with Gr. 2&3 students-giving voice and trying their many, many musical suggestions while they all have instruments of choice (some very loud!) in hand and then making democratic and mostly feasible decisions together…after some of these dizzying lessons…?!, I’d take a bow.

I can’t even with these kids-they are so fun to teach! We almost have a class set of Strings instruments (thank goodness for donations!) and my 7/8s are playing! In years past I’ve done short Strings units but this year they’re hanging on. It’s not easy to get around to all 30 of them but they help each other and they help me.

is my least favourite part of the day.” “I want to live here!” “Ah, the Music room, my favourite!”
My students warm my heart and I am so proud of their learning! Lots of treble clef note practising this month-flash cards quizzes, note reading on instruments, and twister-style carpet staff games.

Towers School Band entered the CBC Music Class competition. Love them-https://youtu.be/MLrp4cZVgpw?feature=shared

We did it again. In two short months (15 classes) my students and I chose a concert theme, songs, instruments, and created arrangements and a concert plan. From “Fireworks” to “In the End” the audience sang along and we jammed. First time in my career I’ve led from my spot in the class bands, facing out towards our supportive audience. Added bonus-and reason for fall concert date-was our use of Dholaks (Indian drums) on loan from the TDSB Music Department.

Our Music room window is a popular place for kids to wave hello and communicate with one another. I love being a part of this student music community.

We set up for parent/teacher interview evening and met our goal of making enough to pay for our concert lights rental. “Thank you for supporting our Music program!”

When students need a challenge in ensembles I get out our ubass and the tattered cheat sheet I made when the school opened. I teach them what I know and tell them that I’ll plug them in when they feel ready. It never takes long.

Every year I dream up different ways for my students to share their favourite songs with me and others. This year a bulletin poster paper is filled…with Kpop Demon Hunters. Secretly my 45 (!) piece Towers School Band learned “Golden” for our first all school assembly and the  kids (and some teachers) screamed with glee (and high As)!

The TDSB’s Community Music Program circulates Instrument Kits to multiple schools each year-and they include some time with an Instructor/Specialist. We have the Indian Percussion Kit for this fall and Dhaivat Jani taught my seven Gr. 5-8 classes, and me, all about the Dholaks. Now these classes and I are using these drums in our concert preparation while my younger students are using them to compose. “Ta” “Ge” and “Dha” are used to communicate rhyth