Yes, Friday was our last day; yay! The last week was a busy one for me. I not only teach elementary music; I also teach jr. high and high school band, so we did graduation, and turned in music, did grades and got the room all organized and clean for the summer break.
It worked out so I was at the elementary on the last day. My principal, a former saxophonist, asked if we could use the marimbas for a singalong. It turned out really great! We did “I Shall Sing”, by Van Morrison. I had one of my high school saxophonists come over and he and the principal played the duet part on the song. The kids loved it. Then we did “Take Time in Life” that a colleague of mine, Shirley Van Papaghem, hooked me up with. It’s easy to learn for the singers as well as the marimba group. Then we ended with “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”. I wrote up a sax part for my sax players and it was also a hit.
The more I use these marimbas, the more I think they should be in every music classroom. I know, I know, you probably think I’m just saying that to sell more marimbas, and yes I would love to sell more. But, honestly, since I have started using them, it has put new life into my elementary music program. I have taught over 30 years, and to be honest, sometimes my energy level just isn’t what it was 30 years ago! However, when my students get excited about playing or singing, it gives me a boost and inspires me to want to keep teaching. It helps me dig deeper inside myself and find that energy needed for quality teaching.
I love teaching with marimbas. That is all.