The Beth and Kelly Show: Music Teaching (and Life)

We debrief about our all day zoom camp that focused on decolonization and making the Ballard H.S. music department more culturally responsive with guest Courtney Rowley (Choir Director at Ballard High School) . During camp there were lots of learning moments; and we had tough conversations. Camp was like a turbulent flight that landed safely and we're ready to do it again with your students!

"Make it Work", "Go with the Flow", and other words of wisdom from Walter White, the best music sub around. This week we focus on what we can do to help our music subs, how we can prepare our students to have a sub, and other strategies for welcoming new friends into our music classrooms.

We're joined by Appalachian specialists Sophia Enriquez and Travis Stimeling who help us unpack jamming in the Bluegrass/Oldtime circles. We discuss making our music scenes and classrooms welcoming and more inclusive, drawing upon Appalachian traditions as inspiration.

We discuss fancy tech devices....like why?....AND arranging on the fly (no Finale allowed). Super funny music teaching stories too!

It's the first day of school in Seattle and we're talking with two thought leaders in our District, Pam Ivezic and Jessica Staire. We talk candidly, as always, about the tremendous and necessary work that it will take to truly understand and then dismantle the detrimental systems and structures within music education.

We talk through some methods that give students space and agency to explore their musical goals. Using a "show and tell" type format to uplift student voices, encourage intersectionality, and create online community. Ashley proposes the idea of using accountability partners to give ourselves strength when engaging in "call in" culture. Yeah, she's a genius.

We lean into Ben & Joe’s Rhapsody Project, specifically their current work with student Heritage, to inspire curiosity in our students. Music is not only an academic pursuit, but one of history, emotion, and connection that is enhanced by our unique voices and stories.

"YOU are where IT'S at" and other thoughts on courageous collaboration, throwing out the script, the myth of meritocracy, martyrdom, and augmentation not substitution. Celebrate our first day of teacher clock hours with the most Savage of string specialists, Annie!

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and decolonization: Chris Mena helps us understand the meaning of these words and how they relate to our music classrooms. Also, clock hours and a free Miep-made "and off" button coming to you next week!

Beth and Kelly connect with their former student teacher turned General Music superstar Daniel Hershman-Rossi. As a rule, we question everything about our practice. It's exhausting, but the heavy lift is on us! Come and get it folks.