Hello, All! I hope you enjoyed the first week of class---it has been a pleasure to read your blogs, assignments, and lesson plans thus far this week. I wanted to send you a couple of reminders for next week of class:
1. For your first journal article, please choose a peer-reviewed journal (digital OR hard copy)--it should be from Teaching Music or the Journal of Music Education. If you find another interesting journal article and are unsure about its validity, just shoot me an email.
2. Remember to bring your recorder next Tuesday---we will be beginning learning the recorder. Please review musictheory.net to ensure that you know the names of the lines and spaces on the treble clef staff. We will be moving sequentially, but quickly, so come prepared.
3. Please keep in mind that every assignment is important and has a purpose....if you are continuing to read the lecture notes, the hand-outs in class, and assigned reading from your texts, you will find that there is a culminating theme---much of this course is "active learning"---my role as a facilitator, and your role as a life-long learner. Think of college as your chance to "train" for teaching rather than just another place to finish assignments, get "through" a class, and get your degree.
An interesting article to read about discovering your own learning style (as well as shedding some light on the learning styles of your future students) discusses the Myers-Briggs model for student learning:
http://www2.gsu.edu/~dschjb/wwwmbti.html
(Hint: this would be an excellent article to print off for your portfolio):-)
Have a wonderful weekend, and I am looking forward to seeing you Tuesday!
Dr. H.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Friday, May 13, 2011
Introduce Yourself!
Hello, All! I am re-posting this blog because the previous blog seems to have disappeared.
Here are a couple of songs/chants for introducing the class:
Jump in, jump out, Introduce Yourself!
My name is: __________
Class: YEAH!
I have _______________(descriptor #1)
Class: YEAH!
And I ___________ (descriptor #2)
Class: YEAH!
All: Alright, Alright, Alright, Alright!
Strawberry Shortcake, Huckleberry Finn
When I say your Birth-month, Jump In!
January, (pause), February (pause), March (pause), etc.
Horses have a muzzle, pigs have a snout,
When I say your Birth-month, Jump Out!
December (pause), November (pause), October, (pause), etc.
Good morning, Friends,
Hello, and how are you?
We're fine, We're fine,
And I hope that you are too!
My name is _________, what's your name?
My name is ___________,
Class: Hello ___________!
His/Her name is ________, what's your name?
(Repeat for entire class)
Here are a couple of songs/chants for introducing the class:
Jump in, jump out, Introduce Yourself!
My name is: __________
Class: YEAH!
I have _______________(descriptor #1)
Class: YEAH!
And I ___________ (descriptor #2)
Class: YEAH!
All: Alright, Alright, Alright, Alright!
Strawberry Shortcake, Huckleberry Finn
When I say your Birth-month, Jump In!
January, (pause), February (pause), March (pause), etc.
Horses have a muzzle, pigs have a snout,
When I say your Birth-month, Jump Out!
December (pause), November (pause), October, (pause), etc.
Good morning, Friends,
Hello, and how are you?
We're fine, We're fine,
And I hope that you are too!
My name is _________, what's your name?
My name is ___________,
Class: Hello ___________!
His/Her name is ________, what's your name?
(Repeat for entire class)
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
MUS 214---Philosophies and Assignments
Hello, All!
I have been thoroughly enjoying your posts and assignments. I hope that the comments made on your blogs give you another perspective. The philosophies look good---think more about stating YOUR beliefs as well as proof of how you will implement your beliefs into your classroom. I saw several "autobiographies" as well as what teachers "should do" rather than a personal belief system. Most schools will ask for a personal statement (autobiography), an application letter (a brief summation of resume as well as philosophy), and a philosophy. Two great music philosophers were David Elliot and Bennett Reimer. They have contrasting/conflicting philosophies about music education, but each list fundamental beliefs as well as examples of how those basic beliefs would be applied in the classroom. If you feel like "Google-ing" these two individuals, you will find many examples of their basic philosophical beliefs.
Take time to truly explore your belief system---if you are not sure exactly what you believe, that is acceptable as well.....this is your opportunity to develop a philosophy that will define your journey as a future educator.
See you tomorrow!
Dr. Hepworth
I have been thoroughly enjoying your posts and assignments. I hope that the comments made on your blogs give you another perspective. The philosophies look good---think more about stating YOUR beliefs as well as proof of how you will implement your beliefs into your classroom. I saw several "autobiographies" as well as what teachers "should do" rather than a personal belief system. Most schools will ask for a personal statement (autobiography), an application letter (a brief summation of resume as well as philosophy), and a philosophy. Two great music philosophers were David Elliot and Bennett Reimer. They have contrasting/conflicting philosophies about music education, but each list fundamental beliefs as well as examples of how those basic beliefs would be applied in the classroom. If you feel like "Google-ing" these two individuals, you will find many examples of their basic philosophical beliefs.
Take time to truly explore your belief system---if you are not sure exactly what you believe, that is acceptable as well.....this is your opportunity to develop a philosophy that will define your journey as a future educator.
See you tomorrow!
Dr. Hepworth
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Welcome MUS 214!
Hello, class!
I am so excited for the next few weeks---I hope your lives are changed and your views on education are challenged throughout our journey together. You have the power to change lives---I hope you leave WSC refreshed and energetic about the number of lives you will reach and change as future educators!
Best of luck for the next few weeks---remember, I am here to serve you!
Dr. Hepworth
I am so excited for the next few weeks---I hope your lives are changed and your views on education are challenged throughout our journey together. You have the power to change lives---I hope you leave WSC refreshed and energetic about the number of lives you will reach and change as future educators!
Best of luck for the next few weeks---remember, I am here to serve you!
Dr. Hepworth
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Back from the Dead
Hello, Troops!
Thank you all for being supportive this week during my illness. It is so imperative that you keep a positive attitude now that finals week is upon us. For those who missed their lesson Thursday, I am open Tuesday morning (would you like to meet Tuesday morning during your normal Thursday time?). If you have ANY questions about juries, please let me know....I am here to make it a positive experience for you.
In regards to your final grade---check the recital attendance board next to the main office. Under the minimum required recitals will drop your final grade by one letter. In regards to the blog---you should have 14 total entries--failure to do so will drop your final grade as well. In regards to your voice notebook--you should have all the requirements outlined in the syllabus (weekly assignments, IPA, translations, character studies, composer and poet/librettist biographies, final reflection). Hopefully you have had that done for quite some time now--your final performance will have so much depth and maturity!
I will have your notebooks graded and in the music office by the end of the week (I will most likely look through it during your juries and hand it back to you to prevent it hovering in the music office for the summer).
Also--please sign up with the registrar for voice lessons ASAP. Failure to do so will most likely mean that you will be unable to study in my studio next semester.
Good luck with your other exams this week! I encourage you to sleep enough and eat well especially during this week of strain and stress. You will be surprised how much a greasy pizza can affect your focus the next day!
Your biggest fan,
Dr. H.
Thank you all for being supportive this week during my illness. It is so imperative that you keep a positive attitude now that finals week is upon us. For those who missed their lesson Thursday, I am open Tuesday morning (would you like to meet Tuesday morning during your normal Thursday time?). If you have ANY questions about juries, please let me know....I am here to make it a positive experience for you.
In regards to your final grade---check the recital attendance board next to the main office. Under the minimum required recitals will drop your final grade by one letter. In regards to the blog---you should have 14 total entries--failure to do so will drop your final grade as well. In regards to your voice notebook--you should have all the requirements outlined in the syllabus (weekly assignments, IPA, translations, character studies, composer and poet/librettist biographies, final reflection). Hopefully you have had that done for quite some time now--your final performance will have so much depth and maturity!
I will have your notebooks graded and in the music office by the end of the week (I will most likely look through it during your juries and hand it back to you to prevent it hovering in the music office for the summer).
Also--please sign up with the registrar for voice lessons ASAP. Failure to do so will most likely mean that you will be unable to study in my studio next semester.
Good luck with your other exams this week! I encourage you to sleep enough and eat well especially during this week of strain and stress. You will be surprised how much a greasy pizza can affect your focus the next day!
Your biggest fan,
Dr. H.
Monday, April 11, 2011
THREE WEEKS AND COUNTING!
I really want to inspire and encourage those of you who are finding it difficult to kick it in gear these last few weeks of the semester. Mediocrity is rampant in our country....we are not forced as a society to be the best because there are many available jobs for those in the middle. I don't want any of you to settle for mediocrity...you ALL deserve the best---so why would you settle for anything less than?
Tips to get you over the Mediocrity Bump
1. Practice---FORCE yourself to do more....
2. Score study---Reading your music and listening to your recordings will give you an extra edge in your performances
3. Motivate---Get together with your friends....get competitive...practice with one another!
4. Blog---Reflection and evaluation makes a HUGE difference when self-assessing.
Keep up the great work, group! I am looking forward to listening to your phenomenal performances on Thursday!
Your biggest fan,
Dr. H.
Tips to get you over the Mediocrity Bump
1. Practice---FORCE yourself to do more....
2. Score study---Reading your music and listening to your recordings will give you an extra edge in your performances
3. Motivate---Get together with your friends....get competitive...practice with one another!
4. Blog---Reflection and evaluation makes a HUGE difference when self-assessing.
Keep up the great work, group! I am looking forward to listening to your phenomenal performances on Thursday!
Your biggest fan,
Dr. H.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Five Weeks and Counting....
WOW! Where has the semester gone? We only have five weeks left to memorize, polish, and perfect. Just a few reminders:
For those who are going for upper levels: please check the G drive for important information.
All juries: your notebook will be due at this time---it should include ALL character studies, song research, translations, and FINAL REFLECTION paper. All elements should be typed for full credit.
Keep up with the blogging.....attendance to studios on Friday is also VERY important.
Next semester our studio meetings will be held on MONDAYS at 1pm.....I know this is also during brass ensemble, but I believe it will affect very few. If you plan on enrolling in brass ensemble, please come speak to me so we may work something out.
I will have the schedule for next semester on my door in the next few weeks. My schedule will be extremely tight, as I am taking on additional responsibilities since Dr. Bohnert will be on sabbatical next fall. Sign up....it goes quickly!
If you are planning on enrolling in voice, please bring a drop/add slip as soon as registration comes around. Because I have so many requests to study in my studio, the last individuals to register are not guaranteed as spot---even if you have been in my studio for several years. Overflow will be required to study with Dr. Lofgren.
I believe that is all for now.....keep up the great work!!!
For those who are going for upper levels: please check the G drive for important information.
All juries: your notebook will be due at this time---it should include ALL character studies, song research, translations, and FINAL REFLECTION paper. All elements should be typed for full credit.
Keep up with the blogging.....attendance to studios on Friday is also VERY important.
Next semester our studio meetings will be held on MONDAYS at 1pm.....I know this is also during brass ensemble, but I believe it will affect very few. If you plan on enrolling in brass ensemble, please come speak to me so we may work something out.
I will have the schedule for next semester on my door in the next few weeks. My schedule will be extremely tight, as I am taking on additional responsibilities since Dr. Bohnert will be on sabbatical next fall. Sign up....it goes quickly!
If you are planning on enrolling in voice, please bring a drop/add slip as soon as registration comes around. Because I have so many requests to study in my studio, the last individuals to register are not guaranteed as spot---even if you have been in my studio for several years. Overflow will be required to study with Dr. Lofgren.
I believe that is all for now.....keep up the great work!!!
Friday, March 18, 2011
PLEASE send me your blogging link
For those who have yet to do so, PLEASE send me your blogging link so I can check on your entries. Failure to do so will lower your FINAL grade one letter! If I have not commented on your blogs, it is because I do not have the link to read them!
Please also stop by my office to reschedule this week's lesson if you have yet to do so. There are time slots left for next Saturday, March 26. After that, make-ups for the month of March will not be made.
Keep practicing!
Please also stop by my office to reschedule this week's lesson if you have yet to do so. There are time slots left for next Saturday, March 26. After that, make-ups for the month of March will not be made.
Keep practicing!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
WHEW!!! Mid-Terms! Now it is all downhill from here!
Hello, All!
Thanks to those who are continuing to keep up with your blogs. I find it so incredibly informative to read what you are thinking at the moment. I feel that it has helped me better serve your needs immediately rather than reading all of your comments at the end of the semester!
Keep up with the practice---you should now increase your practice time from a minimum of 30 minutes a day to a minimum of 45 minutes to one hour a day. Believe it or not, I can tell! It was so refreshing to have those of you who spent time over break practicing come to lessons fully prepared. Thank you!
A couple of reminders:
Please check your WSC accounts. That is where I send all emails in regards to make-up lessons, cancellations, and changes in schedules. I am making up several lessons this Saturday and next, so if you want to get on board for a make-up lesson, come by my office to sign up! Also, our STUDIO RECITAL has been rescheduled to April 14th. Mr. Phil will be traveling to Michigan the following week, so we will move our concert to accommodate his needs. Reminder---thank Phil for his dedication and work this week if you have not already. He is a treasure.
Also--we will not be having studio this Friday due to the fact that Mr. Phil and I will be driving back from Kearney early that morning. I am giving a recital at UNK Thursday evening. Wish me luck!
Have a great tour Wed. and Thursday---again, check your WSC accounts for information about rescheduling lessons, or just stop by my office.
Take care, keep practicing, and stay healthy!
Your biggest fan,
Dr. H.
Thanks to those who are continuing to keep up with your blogs. I find it so incredibly informative to read what you are thinking at the moment. I feel that it has helped me better serve your needs immediately rather than reading all of your comments at the end of the semester!
Keep up with the practice---you should now increase your practice time from a minimum of 30 minutes a day to a minimum of 45 minutes to one hour a day. Believe it or not, I can tell! It was so refreshing to have those of you who spent time over break practicing come to lessons fully prepared. Thank you!
A couple of reminders:
Please check your WSC accounts. That is where I send all emails in regards to make-up lessons, cancellations, and changes in schedules. I am making up several lessons this Saturday and next, so if you want to get on board for a make-up lesson, come by my office to sign up! Also, our STUDIO RECITAL has been rescheduled to April 14th. Mr. Phil will be traveling to Michigan the following week, so we will move our concert to accommodate his needs. Reminder---thank Phil for his dedication and work this week if you have not already. He is a treasure.
Also--we will not be having studio this Friday due to the fact that Mr. Phil and I will be driving back from Kearney early that morning. I am giving a recital at UNK Thursday evening. Wish me luck!
Have a great tour Wed. and Thursday---again, check your WSC accounts for information about rescheduling lessons, or just stop by my office.
Take care, keep practicing, and stay healthy!
Your biggest fan,
Dr. H.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
No Studio This Friday
Hello all!
Due to a majority of you who are unable to attend studio this week, I have decided to cancel our meeting on Friday. Please use that hour to practice!
Also---there are SEVERAL of you who continue to forget to blog. Your grade has been lowered at LEAST 5% now for not blogging the first 8 weeks of school. By the end of March your grade will be lowered at LEAST another 5% if this continues to happen. Keep practicing, keep reflecting (blog), and keep up the good work!
One more item--for those of you who will be missing lessons due to Tour, please stop by my office to sign up for a make-up time. I will come in on two separate Saturdays to make up lessons, for this is the only time I have in my schedule to do so.
Your options are:
Saturday March 19 (9am-noon)
Saturday March 26 (10am-noon)
My Monday folks might be affected as well---I am on the committee to hire a permanent person for the woodwind position. Those who are finalists are visiting March 14, March 21, and March 28.
Have a great spring break!
Dr. H.
Due to a majority of you who are unable to attend studio this week, I have decided to cancel our meeting on Friday. Please use that hour to practice!
Also---there are SEVERAL of you who continue to forget to blog. Your grade has been lowered at LEAST 5% now for not blogging the first 8 weeks of school. By the end of March your grade will be lowered at LEAST another 5% if this continues to happen. Keep practicing, keep reflecting (blog), and keep up the good work!
One more item--for those of you who will be missing lessons due to Tour, please stop by my office to sign up for a make-up time. I will come in on two separate Saturdays to make up lessons, for this is the only time I have in my schedule to do so.
Your options are:
Saturday March 19 (9am-noon)
Saturday March 26 (10am-noon)
My Monday folks might be affected as well---I am on the committee to hire a permanent person for the woodwind position. Those who are finalists are visiting March 14, March 21, and March 28.
Have a great spring break!
Dr. H.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Getting into the "swing of things"...
Hello, All!
It seems that most of you have become accustomed to blogging---once you receive notification from my blog, take a couple of minutes to respond to mine and then write on yours. I would love for everyone to post their blog link on my wall and check it every couple of days so that you will be able to eventually "follow" one another. I was so excited to see that a few of you have begun to post comments in response to others reflections. You will be surprised to read what kind of struggles we share as a community of singers. We are a family of sorts----often times we will find growth in helping one another. This will also give you a chance to exercise your "teacher" mind---take a critical look and offer constructive advice on how to strategically approach a vocal fault. You will be spending the rest of your lives doing this in some fashion---why not start now?
Have a great week, and best of luck to Katie and Austin for their recital jury this afternoon!
Your biggest fan,
Dr. H.
It seems that most of you have become accustomed to blogging---once you receive notification from my blog, take a couple of minutes to respond to mine and then write on yours. I would love for everyone to post their blog link on my wall and check it every couple of days so that you will be able to eventually "follow" one another. I was so excited to see that a few of you have begun to post comments in response to others reflections. You will be surprised to read what kind of struggles we share as a community of singers. We are a family of sorts----often times we will find growth in helping one another. This will also give you a chance to exercise your "teacher" mind---take a critical look and offer constructive advice on how to strategically approach a vocal fault. You will be spending the rest of your lives doing this in some fashion---why not start now?
Have a great week, and best of luck to Katie and Austin for their recital jury this afternoon!
Your biggest fan,
Dr. H.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Only 10 weeks left in the semester!
As I post this, I can hear all of you groan at the heading for my blog! Ten weeks left! That means you have two and one half months to perfect your repertoire, work on your translations/IPA, complete your character studies, and research your composer and poet information. We are not quite in the "mid-term" slump, but try to motivate yourselves toward greatness. Listening to those performing on studio today made me "see" even further into the future---I can hear the potential and growth for further success in each voice, and I am sure you can, too!
Get motivated---listen to some successful classical musicians. Find the passion in your work. Remember why you decided to major in music. Rediscover the joy of expressing yourself through song.
Listen to the following link. I want to remind all of you that Renee Fleming was a middle school music teacher before she was discovered as a great talent. This could be you!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7w3ADto7kDM
Have a lovely weekend, and keep making music!
Your biggest fan,
Dr. H.
Get motivated---listen to some successful classical musicians. Find the passion in your work. Remember why you decided to major in music. Rediscover the joy of expressing yourself through song.
Listen to the following link. I want to remind all of you that Renee Fleming was a middle school music teacher before she was discovered as a great talent. This could be you!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7w3ADto7kDM
Have a lovely weekend, and keep making music!
Your biggest fan,
Dr. H.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
This week has flown by!
What a great week of singing! It is exciting to see the progress that everyone is making, whether big or small. I encourage you to stay positive, even when your voice doesn't seem to be working like you wish. I have had weeks when I felt like I took a step back rather than forward in terms of literature and technique. Singing really puts your whole being on display. We open ourselves up to others' criticisms, and in turn, easily feel discouraged or hurt when our voice does not cooperate.
Keep your chins up! Amazing things are happening....
Your biggest fan,
Dr. H.
Keep your chins up! Amazing things are happening....
Your biggest fan,
Dr. H.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Good Monday morning!
This weekend was fun and music-filled! The WSC Honor Choir was a huge success (literally!--almost 200 high school participants!), and the Stanton Junior High Honor Choir I conducted was an absolute blast. The students were so enthusiastic, and I had plenty of chances to use all of the skills I teach every day in my 7-12 methods course! Junior high is so much fun. Exhausting, but fun!
Reminder to the studio---we are having the collaborative concert tomorrow evening, February 8 @ 7:30pm. Call time will be around 7:15. See you there!
Reminder to the studio---we are having the collaborative concert tomorrow evening, February 8 @ 7:30pm. Call time will be around 7:15. See you there!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Studio this Friday
Hello to those following my blog already! It has been an interesting week so far. I will try my best to make up the lessons we missed Tuesday because of weather---but it will most likely not be until later in the semester. In addition to this info, we will NOT be meeting Friday morning because of the WSC Honor Choir. We will, however, meet NEXT Friday, February 11th. At this time we will be taking a studio photo, courtesy of Ms. Amanda Gray. If you do not normally attend studio meetings because you are taking lessons as enrichment, you are welcome to come Friday the 11th. We will take the photo straight away before we begin singing.
Whew!
One last piece of additional information.....the Collaborative Concert originally scheduled for January 22 (postponed due to weather) has been RESCHEDULED! It is now NEXT Tuesday (February 8th) at 7:30pm. The Hepworth Studio WILL be singing the finale from the Mikado. Put it on your calendars!
Have a great week!
Your biggest fan,
Dr. H.
Whew!
One last piece of additional information.....the Collaborative Concert originally scheduled for January 22 (postponed due to weather) has been RESCHEDULED! It is now NEXT Tuesday (February 8th) at 7:30pm. The Hepworth Studio WILL be singing the finale from the Mikado. Put it on your calendars!
Have a great week!
Your biggest fan,
Dr. H.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Welcome, All!
What a wonderful way to communicate with one another! Please share your thoughts, feelings, concerns, frustrations with the rest of the studio. Please keep suggestions to peers positive and encouraging. I am looking forward to reading your blogs!
Your biggest fan,
Dr. H.
Your biggest fan,
Dr. H.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)