I believe, as a teacher in a Catholic school, that it is my job to nurture, in my students, a desire for life-long learning in a Christ-centered environment. My goal is to foster an attitude of service and a sense of belonging to a larger community that can be enriched by their efforts.
Being a music teacher allows me to introduce Christ's lessons in the form of songs and actions. I teach a different Cat Chat or Christian song every month and try to have it follow any celebrations that are happening that month (Advent, Communion, Lent). For example, we learned Shout it Out in Grades 3-6 as it has to do with proclaiming our faith even if the rest of the world is turning away from God. We did Simplify in Grades K-3 and it has to do with letting go of what doesn't matter and concentrating on what does (Jesus) in preparation for Lent. When we learn a new song, everyone is expected to learn the words and movements and to dance and sing along. I discuss the meaning of the song with the students after they have heard it once, and again after they have sung it a few times. I also help teachers prepare their students for celebrations and perform with them when invited.
I have joined the GPRC Concert Choir. I am really learning a lot about my voice and what I can accomplish, and am hoping to learn some strategies for starting my own choir at school. Our repertoire is very vigorous and includes German, French, Latin, Italian and spiritual songs. Belonging to the choir gave me the confidence to sing with the choir at the last District Faith Day and I really enjoyed it, I know I will volunteer to do this at all our faith days from now on.
This past summer I attended the U of A and completed my Orff Level 1 Course and am very excited to be implementing what I learned in all my classes.
This year I have started our very first Band Program for Junior High. It is a year-long option and we have an excellent start with 10 students enrolled. My long-term goal is to expand the Band program to include Gr. 5 and 6 as well as High School and to start a Choir program as an option for Jr/Sr High School.