| I am proud to say that I am beginning my 20th year here at La Center Elementary! I came in 1991, two years before the High School was built, and have seen many changes during that time. It has been my personal mission to build the elementary program up to the standards I’ve seen with my fellow colleagues across the nation. I set about educating myself, gathering materials and instruments, and embracing the “Orff Schulwerk” approach to teaching children. The Orff Schulwerk approach is music and movement centered. Students are encouraged to speak, sing and play; to listen and understand; to move and create as an active and joyful experience. It is also a literature based program where nursery rhymes, poems and stories color or inspire student creations. Students are given opportunities to improvise, create and compose with instruments that are user friendly. It also encompasses understanding of other cultures and can be integrated into any subject. Personal and community growth abound while participating in these activities utilizing the Orff Approach. It has been our districts blessing that we have such great support from parents in our community who believe in music education for their children. The benefits are for a lifetime of understanding and fulfillment. Because of our La Center Music Association, we have been able to boost our elementary program to a much higher level. Whether it’ s been instruments, music books, or costumes for story productions; the music association has come through for us. Without their help we would not have the program we have today. As our community and school district are growing we have had to hire an additional music teacher to accommodate our needs. We continue to work on materials and instruments for that new classroom. As times change, we need new parents and ideas to come forward to work within the music association and continue the legacy of quality music education in La Center begun in the eighties. If you are interested and would like to help there are many different tasks to choose from. Please feel free to contact the board members about any help you may be able to offer. Viva la Musica! Brenda McKay, Elementary Music Specialist |
From the Music Directors
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| Our music directors are; Brenda McKay and Tonya McCord at the elementary school Rhonda Slinkard (choir) at the middle school Perry Calabrese (band) at the middle school Jeremy Dell (band and choir) at the high school |