"In the swift whirl of time music is a constant, reminding us of what we were and of that toward which we aspire. Art thou troubled? Music will not only calm, it will ennoble thee."
Education and Experience:
Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Hope College, Holland, Michigan, 2007
First Steps in Music Certification from Silver Lake College, 2014
Conversational Solfège Certification from Silver Lake College, 2014
This is my fifth year with Helena Public Schools.
My Philosophy of Education:
I love teaching music because it gives every student the opportunity for success. Math may stump you, science may confuse you... but you can sit down at a piano and successfully play a note, even improvise your own song! It's my hope that every student will gain an appreciation for music and an understanding of its basics, but most of all, I want every student to have a moment in music class that allows them to say, "I did it!"
My Goals for This School Year:
In music class, all students will learn to sing on pitch, read basic music notation, and perform on rhythm instruments at a skill level that is appropriate for their grade. Students will also have at least one performance opportunity as a part of a school program. I also hope that students will learn a little bit more about the history of music and build an appreciation for more types of music than just what they listen to on a daily basis.
Our 30-Year Plan:
In thirty years, my students will be adults who are able to...
...sing "Happy Birthday" to their friends and sing lullabies to their children.
...clap along with the beat at a sporting event or concert.
...feel moved by the emotion in a piece of music.
