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
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