All of my students would love an unique opportunity to learn to play the steel pans at least once in their lives. As the music teacher of 570 students, I teach 23 heterogenous and differentiated classrooms and serve every student including special needs, ELL, and diverse academic abilities. Music builds community and during these unusual times of Covid 19, our students need music more than ever not only academically, but socially and emotionally too.
Why the steel pans? These steel drums will play many roles in our music program virtually and when we return to school.
The pans will be first used at home with a small ensemble of steel pan players. They can practice daily and receive on-going instruction from the music teacher multiple times per week. The pans are small, light, safe, and very portable for students. This class will re-connect students to their “musical ensemble family” established last year and can continue even at home and on zoom. Students will create and perform virtual performances for our school family and community and will re-connect us through musical performances. Students may also have “parking lot performances” or park rehearsals or performances. When we return to school, the pans can be easily cleaned for use of students on the hybrid schedule. The teacher can clean and disinfect the instruments safely and students will have to use their own mallets. The instruments may be needed to rotate per class with cleaning and safety restrictions. As you can see, these instruments will have a purpose for all my students in the classroom and for performances. Once back in the classroom, all of my students will get a chance to create and perform on these incredible instruments and will hopefully, remember this opportunity forever.
About my class
All of my students would love an unique opportunity to learn to play the steel pans at least once in their lives. As the music teacher of 570 students, I teach 23 heterogenous and differentiated classrooms and serve every student including special needs, ELL, and diverse academic abilities. Music builds community and during these unusual times of Covid 19, our students need music more than ever not only academically, but socially and emotionally too.
Why the steel pans? These steel drums will play many roles in our music program virtually and when we return to school.
The pans will be first used at home with a small ensemble of steel pan players. They can practice daily and receive on-going instruction from the music teacher multiple times per week. The pans are small, light, safe, and very portable for students. This class will re-connect students to their “musical ensemble family” established last year and can continue even at home and on zoom. Students will create and perform virtual performances for our school family and community and will re-connect us through musical performances. Students may also have “parking lot performances” or park rehearsals or performances. When we return to school, the pans can be easily cleaned for use of students on the hybrid schedule. The teacher can clean and disinfect the instruments safely and students will have to use their own mallets. The instruments may be needed to rotate per class with cleaning and safety restrictions. As you can see, these instruments will have a purpose for all my students in the classroom and for performances. Once back in the classroom, all of my students will get a chance to create and perform on these incredible instruments and will hopefully, remember this opportunity forever.