Fall Is In The Air!
September FEMEA Newsletter
Message from FEMEA President, Joani Slawson!
As you know, elementary music teachers have a unique position at their school. Most of the time you are the only person teaching music at your school and you get to share music with your students their entire elementary experience. Building relationships year after year is one of my favorite parts of teaching music. I am filled with pride and joy as I watch these tiny human beings grow into thoughtful young people. I believe that music teachers are an essential part of this growth.
Music is a beautiful way to build relationships. Throughout the world music is used as an integral part of culture and hopefully it is part of your school culture. The songs and activities we do year after year become ways to connect with our students. Each year students ask when we are going to sing Ode to Joy or Happy or dance to some of our favorite folk songs. I see the smile on their face and I know that it is music that brings us together. My heart is full of joy when I see students sharing music they learned on the playground at recess or when a student who struggles in other classes finds success in my room. These moments remind me that what I do is such an important part of children’s lives.
I am also amazed when I see students passing down songs and games to each other. I know a lesson has been a success when younger students come in and want to learn a song their older brother or sister has learned. Sometimes it is the younger ones teaching the older students and that is great as well. Using music in your classroom that represents the culture of your school is an essential part of building relationships. Students often have a rich background of music in their home life and allowing them to share this in music class can enhance the lives of everyone at the school.
This year, as we face many challenges, I hope that you use music as a way to build relationships with your students and school community. As one of my favorite fictional characters said: “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light." – Albus Dumbledore. ― J.K.Rowling, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Let music be a light for us all!
Final All-State Reminders
Important Dates
9/1/21 Audition Portal Open (login to fmea.org)
9/24/21 Postmark deadline for mailed paperwork
9/24/21 Upload deadline for audition recording
10/5/21 Results posted (login to fmea.org)
Hispanic Heritage Month Resources
Ideas for Hispanic Heritage Month
Ideas for Hispanic Heritage Month - Becca's Music Room
Hispanic Heritage Month Books for the Music Room
Hispanic Heritage Month Books for the Music Room - Make Moments Matter
Bomba & Plena With Juan and Julia
Webinar: Grant Writing for Music Teachers!
Need Some Help Accessing Audition Paperwork?
Electronic All-State Paperwork Submission Option
choruspaperwork@femea.flmusiced.org
Fun Up and Down Instrument Exploration for Kindergarten!
NAfME Webinar:Movement for Teachers Who Hate Dancing with Franklin Willis and Tyler Swick
Have you visited our member's web page yet?
Click the link below!
Did You Miss August's Webinar?
No problem, you can watch the recording below!
Florida Elementary Music Educators Association
Email: jennifer@femea.flmusiced.org
Website: femeamember.org
Phone: (321) 624-5433
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/femeaorg
Twitter: @FEMEANews