I am fascinated by the power of music. Let me share some examples with you.
For a few years now I have had the privilege to teach music classes to students in our Developmental Education program. Each student has unique challenges and each one has found a special place in my heart. I unabashedly tell people it is my favourite part of my day. I am fascinated that students who are non verbal can sing back a response to me in one of our call and response songs. I am fascinated by the student who is often in their own world, and yet can copy any rhythm I tap out or follow any dance move I demonstrate. I love to hear the stories of how another student sings snippets of songs from music class on the bus later at the top of their lungs. There is a smile on every face as we sneeze loudly at the end of a rousing rendition of "On Top of Spaghetti".
It's not just the students that music connects with. I work with several outstanding, compassionate and patient EA's. Their job is incredibly difficult. I breeze in for one class, and they are there all day long. The power of music is evident when we play a favourite song together and they join in or when we get up and dance with our students and they get carried away by the beat. I wish I had their moves! Instantly the room is brighter, and you can see spirits lift. For a brief moment, we are carefree.
It's like a little bit of therapy in my day. Therapy for me. It impossible to feel stressed when I'm singing along to "Best Day of My Life" or hopping to Erick Traplin's "Hop Right to It" or dancing to "Can't Stop the Feeling." Even though my dancing is really lame. Even though I might be the only one in the room who is singing. Even when I have a thousand things to do that day.
In those moments, there is no stopping the power of music.
For a few years now I have had the privilege to teach music classes to students in our Developmental Education program. Each student has unique challenges and each one has found a special place in my heart. I unabashedly tell people it is my favourite part of my day. I am fascinated that students who are non verbal can sing back a response to me in one of our call and response songs. I am fascinated by the student who is often in their own world, and yet can copy any rhythm I tap out or follow any dance move I demonstrate. I love to hear the stories of how another student sings snippets of songs from music class on the bus later at the top of their lungs. There is a smile on every face as we sneeze loudly at the end of a rousing rendition of "On Top of Spaghetti".
It's not just the students that music connects with. I work with several outstanding, compassionate and patient EA's. Their job is incredibly difficult. I breeze in for one class, and they are there all day long. The power of music is evident when we play a favourite song together and they join in or when we get up and dance with our students and they get carried away by the beat. I wish I had their moves! Instantly the room is brighter, and you can see spirits lift. For a brief moment, we are carefree.
It's like a little bit of therapy in my day. Therapy for me. It impossible to feel stressed when I'm singing along to "Best Day of My Life" or hopping to Erick Traplin's "Hop Right to It" or dancing to "Can't Stop the Feeling." Even though my dancing is really lame. Even though I might be the only one in the room who is singing. Even when I have a thousand things to do that day.
In those moments, there is no stopping the power of music.