Dear Tri-M Members and Advisors,
So, school is now in session… In this month’s issue of E-News, you’ll find announcements, upcoming service opportunities, and events. This month’s featured article is from our online Future Teachers weekly articles, titled “Traits of a Great Music Educator.” And this year we’ve added two new specialty items – multi-colored Tri-M pens, and music picture frames! See ad below for links to the new items.
As always, if you have comments, questions, or would like to share your chapter’s activities with us for publication in a future issue, e-mail Shauna Leavitt. Please share an update with us on how your chapter is doing!
Sincerely,
Shauna Leavitt, Student Programs Manager
Traits of a Great Music Educator
Would you agree that a teacher’s personality influences the atmosphere of a classroom? Students may respond better to teachers who have characteristics such as compassion, positive attitude, laughter, passion and enthusiasm, professionalism, and being human.
Compassion and Positive Attitude
Tim Lautzenheiser believes that caring is an essential characteristic that make great teachers. He says, “Caring is an attitude. It takes a certain amount of skill to maintain this attitude, but caring is a choice of behavior.” Choose to be caring toward your students. Create an unthreatening, conversational environment in which students can feel comfortable expressing themselves.
Always phrase your feedback in a positive way. For example, “To produce a beautiful tone, it’s necessary to …” versus “The sound you’re producing is not very good.” Look for the good and positive in everything you do.
Laughter
“Humor is the shortest distance between two people. The most effective humor stems from the enjoyment of the day-to-day situations that occur right under our noses … Humor releases tension, anger causes it. Definitely, a sense of humor is an attitude,” says Tim Lautzenheiser.
Use humor and laughter in your teaching to help get your point across. A smile and a good laugh will get you through almost anything!
Passion and Enthusiasm
Without enthusiasm, you can’t get past the fun stuff to get the students to do the hard part—practicing, listening, and caring. Like laughter, enthusiasm is contagious! Teachers should enjoy what they’re doing. Students can sense if you are sincere or not. Your love, passion, and enthusiasm will shine through and students will respond in kind.
Professionalism
Make a commitment to respect students, parents, and administrators. Set an example of professionalism, but know and believe in your principles. Always keep your comments professional—especially with colleagues and supervisors.
Being human
Be real, establish traditions, and have fun. When we establish ourselves as the only authority, we do not validate and encourage questioning, or accept the making of mistakes. Let students see the imperfect side. Share personal stories that relate to what you are teaching. Learn from your students as well as teach them.
References:
This article is adapted from “What Personal Characteristics Do I Need?” in Teacher to Teacher, A Music Educator’s Survival Guide (2001). Reston, VA: MENC.
Lautzenheiser, Tim. 1992. The Art of Successful Teaching: A Blend of Content & Context. Chicago: GIA Publications, Inc.
--Shauna Leavitt, September 17, 2009, © MENC: The National Association for Music Education
Contests, Scholarships, and Student Opportunities
The Green Anthem Lyric Writing Contest
In conjunction with this year’s World’s Largest Concert, participate in the Green Anthem Lyric Writing Contest for grades 7-12. Invite your students to write new lyrics to “The Green Anthem” with their own variations on “The Green Anthem” melody. Select up to three (3) student entries to submit to MENC. Entries will be judged on lyric and melodic variation originality by an MENC member panel. Four (4) winning entries will be posted on the MENC Web site and will be performed at the national Green Anthem Concert in celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day in April 2010. Deadline is February 15, 2010. Visit the MIOSM Contest page for downloadable forms, rules, and eligibility requirements.
Perform at MENC's Music Education Week 2010
Groups can now apply to perform during MENC's Music Education Week in Washington DC, June 24–29, 2010. This event is MENC's annual summer celebration of music education featuring exceptional student performance opportunities, music advocacy on Capitol Hill, professional development, and live professional concerts. All performance groups are encouraged to contact MENC Events (phone 800-479-8247 or email chrism@mencevents.org) to participate during this exciting, educational week.
Nominate Your Top Students as U.S. ARMY ALL-AMERICANS!
Plan now for the 2011 U.S. Army All-American Marching Band! Nominate your students who are JUNIORS in the 2009-2010 school year for participation in their senior year in the 2011 U.S. Army All-American Bowl Week festivities, taking place January 4-9, 2011. In January 2010, nominees will receive audition information, which must be submitted by April 15, 2010. Final selections for the 2011 marching band will be announced by July 1, 2010.
Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Program
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is preparing to launch its annual search for young people who have demonstrated outstanding community service over the past year. Once again, Tri-M is proud to support this unique youth recognition program. Your students can win cash prizes, a trip to Washington DC, and a chance to inspire other young people to volunteer in their communities. Deadline is November 2, 2009. See Student Spotlight in last month's issue of Tri-M E-News hear how one of our very own Tri-M students was a recipient of one of these awards.
SchoolJam USA Competition
SchoolJam USA Competition, sponsored by NAMM with the help of MENC and others, is looking for the best teen bands in the nation. Student bands (musicians ages 13-18) playing any style of music can apply online until October 15. Finalist bands and their school music program will receive funding to help purchase new musical instruments, gear, and other musical equipment. Unlike other music competitions, SchoolJam USA unites schools, teen musicians, and local music retailers in the quest to get young people making music and showing off what they've got while promoting and building community support for local school music education programs.
Take Your Students to Disney!
Walt Disney World has several musical opportunities in spring 2010 for you and your students, which MENC is proud to endorse.
- Disney Jazz Celebration – February 18-20, 2010. A unique event open to instrumental and vocal performers, bringing together jazz educators and students with collegiate adjudicators and jazz celebrities. Students can choose to take part in jam sessions with their peers and jazz professionals.
- The Disney Honors – March 12-15, 2010. The Disney Honors is a non-competitive music festival presenting some of the nation's foremost high school instrumental and choral ensembles.
- Festival Disney – Weekend dates from March to May 2010. Students will demonstrate their performance excellence in the only all-Disney-produced competitive music festival. Festival Disney gives your talented ensemble the chance to compete with other instrumental, choral and auxiliary groups from schools across the country.
2010 Concerto Competition
"The President's Own" United States Marine Band, in conjunction with the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation and MENC, is pleased to announce the 2010 Marine Band Concerto Competition for high school musicians. The winner will appear as a guest soloist with the U.S. Marine Band and receive a cash prize. Open to high school musicians (grades 9–12) enrolled during the 2009–2010 academic year. Performers of woodwind, brass, or percussion instruments may apply. Deadline November 14, 2009.
NACAC College Fairs
This fall, the National Association for College Admission Counseling presents Performing & Visual Arts College Fairs designed for students interested in pursuing undergraduate and graduate study in music, dance, theater, visual arts, graphic design, and other related disciplines. Attendees can learn about educational opportunities, admission and financial aid, portfolio days, audition and entrance requirements, and more. Find more information call 1-800-822-6285.
Chapter of the Year Scrapbook Highlights
Parkview High School, Chapter 5317, Springfield, MO
Advisor: Linda Wegmann
Giving to our troops – This chapter collected a variety of items that they sent to the 101st Airborne Division serving in Afghanistan. On April 6, 2009 a soldier in that division presented a flag that was flown over their camp on Jan 22, 2009 in honor of their chapter and the packages that they sent to the soldiers.
Highlands Ranch High School, Chapter 4754, Highlands Ranch, CO
Advisor: Nancy Allwein
Mariachi Music Madness – This chapter planned a benefit concert on March 6, 2009 for an elementary mariachi group called “El Mariachi Juvenil de Bryant Webster.” They were able to raise $700 to give to this very under-funded group.
West Bridgewater High School, Chapter 5757, West Bridgewater, MA
Advisor: Toni Beaver
Pie Your Teacher! – This chapter held a contest where you could pie your teachers for $1; they raised $201 for their chapter, and had a great time doing it!
Danbury High School, Chapter 4695, Danbury, CT
Advisor: Susan McKenzie
February 27, 2009 – This Tri-M chapter helped organize and co-sponsor a musical night called “Green Rhythms,” which was a collaboration with Tri-M and Green Club. They had a showcase of musical acts, while raising $1000 to help support the 2 clubs, and helping the school to go “green.” In lieu of programs, they announced all the acts and gave the audience “green” tips to help promote recycling and going green.
Syosset High School, Chapter 1982, Syosset, NY
Advisor: Patricia Koppeis
Tri-M Game Day – April 2009, this chapter raised money for Habitat for Humanity by setting up 4 gaming areas in the student lobby where students could pay $3 and play a round of either Wii Music, Rockband, Guitar Hero, or Karaoke.
W. T. Clarke High School, Chapter 1768, Westbury, NY
Advisor: Kevin Scully
This chapter donated $200 to the Ohio School State School for the Blind, which has an all blind marching band that made it to the Tournament of Roses Parade to be held 2010. They collected the money with what they call “musical money,” money collected at the beginning of each Tri-M meeting.
News and Events
New Tri-M items for 2009-2010!
- Tri-M Pens—NEW! Clickable, ballpoint pens with colorful (red, purple, and green) barrels and comfortable gel grip. Package of 3 pens per set, 1 of each color with white logo and black ink. #8052. Active Tri-M chapter $1.50/Others $2.00
- Music Memories and Band Picture Frames—NEW! 4” x 6” wooden frames include glass and easel back with drop leg for tabletop display. #8053. Music Memories Picture Frame. Active Tri-M chapter $12.00/Others $16.00 #8054. Band Picture Frame. Active Tri-M chapter $12.00/Others $16.00
- Clearance Items – Several Tri-M items are now on clearance, including the advisor coin, the Tri-M apple ball, Tri-M key ring, emblem picture, and name tags. See the Tri-M catalog for more details.
To order: Call 1-800-828-0229 or use the order form.
Tri-M Chapter of the Year 09-10
Start thinking now about collecting items for your Chapter of the Year scrapbook! The Chapter of the Year summer music scholarship program offers scholarship money for summer study programs to the top 3 chapters at the national level in each division (senior and junior chapters). Advisors of the winning chapters then award scholarship money to deserving students in their chapters. To get these scholarships, chapters must send in a scrapbook covering their activities for the year, together with the current Chapter of the Year point evaluation form, to the Tri-M national office postmarked no later than April 30, 2010.
New MENC book
Getting Started with Middle School Chorus
By Patrick K. Freer
New to teaching chorus? If so, you may be filled with anticipation and anxiety. Getting Started with Middle School Chorus is here to point you in the right directions. Like other books in the Getting Started series, there's enough specific information here to get you started and on your way!
This second edition of Getting Started with Middle School Chorus gives you new information on working with young adolescent changing voices, designing optimal rehearsals for middle schoolers, managing growing choral programs, and helping youngsters gain musical skills they can carry with them for a lifetime of making music. This practical outline will help build your confidence as you take on the new responsibilities associated with teaching middle school chorus.
To order, go to www.rowmaneducation.com.
September Poll of the Month
Each month, MENC asks its members for their input on current issues and trends in music education. This month’s question is: Did you and your students participate in some way on National Anthem Day, September 14? Share your thoughts today.
September Monthly Special
A Centennial Note
If you’re like many people, you’re always looking for something special to send a note on. The September MENC Member Monthly Special offers the perfect solution – MENC Centennial Note Cards. Each pack of these charming note cards features ten different photos – one from each decade of MENC’s 100 years. Stock up for yourself or buy them now as gifts for the upcoming holiday season. In September only, MENC members can purchase these note cards for half off the member price!
Centennial Note Cards. #5068R. $3.00.
Call 1-800-828-0229 or visit www.menc.org to order.
No additional purchase required. Special not available at state conference resource shops.
- Stay connected with other MENC Tri-M members around the world by joining MENC’s Tri-M group on Facebook. To join, simply visit www.facebook.com and search “MENC Tri-M Headquarters.”
- Want to know what’s happening at MENC Headquarters? Become a fan of MENC on Facebook!
Planning a Tri-M Event?
For those planning regional events for members of Tri-M chapters, please be sure to send a copy of the Tri-M Event Responsibility form to Shauna Leavitt by faxing it to (703) 860-9404 or mailing it to her attention at MENC, 1806 Robert Fulton Drive, Reston, VA 20191. A copy of this form is available on page 57 of the Tri-M Manual (New 2009 issue).
“Ask the Mentors” Forum
Do you have music education questions? MENC’s mentors have the answers! Each month from September to May, the “Ask the Mentors” forum features a different mentor for band, orchestra, chorus, general music, jazz, and guitar. The mentors are veteran teachers who offer advice in response to your teaching questions. Post questions and read responses on the Future Teacher’s Forum. Read about this month’s MENC Mentors.
Band—Amy Richter
General Music—Lisa Lehmberg
Chorus—Kyle Weary
Orchestra—Jim Robinowitz
Jazz—Carol Jacobe
Guitar—Glen McCarthy
Tri-M® Music Honor Society is the international music honor society for middle/junior high and high school students. Tri-M is a program of MENC: The National Association for Music Education, the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of music education. Through its many programs, activities, publications, and conferences, MENC addresses all aspects of music education and works to ensure that every student can be a part of a balanced, comprehensive, and high-quality program of music instruction. For more information about Tri-M Music Honor Society, visit our Website.
--Shauna Leavitt, September 17, 2009 © MENC: The National Association for Music Education.