Author Archives: mllama4

analytical

Posted on July 24, 2012 by mllama4

R – I was watching the symphonic band rehearsal at MSYM yesterday morning with an instrumental colleague of mine when he leaned over and asked if I teach concepts to my choirs with metaphors or with technical explanations… energy being … Continue reading →

Posted in Music is work, Rehearsal | 6 Comments

moments

Posted on May 26, 2012 by mllama4

R – As the school year winds down, goober music teachers likely will as well for a bit (though I have little doubt Jarika and I will be talking shop and getting each other revved up all Summer long), so … Continue reading →

Posted in Etcetera | 1 Comment

letters to PCC: programming

Posted on May 17, 2012 by mllama4

R – Some of you have asked me from time to time about how I program for our concerts together. Great question! There are several factors I incorporate when selecting the music that ends up in our folders each term: … Continue reading →

Posted in Programming | 2 Comments

letter to the legislature: music for all

Posted on May 12, 2012 by mllama4

R – My statement letter from 6 years ago for a bill that would repeal a provision that allowed a school administrative unit to delay adoption of the system of learning results in the performing arts, enabling only partial adoption of those standards. … Continue reading →

Posted in Etcetera | 1 Comment

letters to PCC: approaching our performance

Posted on May 5, 2012 by mllama4

R – So… how do we approach a “performance”? As we near the end of our rehearsals together, this is worth asking. How DO we approach performance? For me, it comes down to whatever our fundamental goal is, and unfortunately … Continue reading →

Posted in Etcetera | 1 Comment

warmups: ear training

Posted on April 28, 2012 by mllama4

R – One of the underrated opportunities available to us as music teachers is to utilize warmups as much more than “warming up” (choral warmups). One of the biggies for me will always be training the ear. Two ideas… Constantly … Continue reading →

Posted in Music is work, Rehearsal, Warmups | Leave a comment

chopped

Posted on April 11, 2012 by mllama4

R – I have some shows that I have set from time to time to digitally record on my TV (American Pickers anyone? Hello???). I’m home intermittently, so when I do get to be home and watch television, it’s nice to … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Assessment, Etcetera, Programming | Leave a comment

talking shop

Posted on April 7, 2012 by mllama4

R – “Ostriches bury their heads in the sand.” No they don’t. Ostriches don’t bury their heads in the sand at all. I looked it up. When they feel threatened, they actually lay down on the ground and feign being … Continue reading →

Posted in Etcetera, Rehearsal | Leave a comment

melting pot

Posted on March 31, 2012 by mllama4

R – Scenario #1: An auditioned, balanced ensemble of like-minded, like-motivated singers with the same skill set, backgrounds, reference points and reasons for being in the ensemble. They share the same ideals and beliefs and those resonate through every minute … Continue reading →

Posted in Etcetera, Rehearsal | Leave a comment

reading books: philosophical foundation (why)

Posted on March 24, 2012 by mllama4

R – I will always preach to every beginning teacher: know your complete philosophy of why you do what you do, and then let your actions – ALL of them – flow from that philosophy (why vs. what). Music teachers … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Etcetera | Leave a comment