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Documenting the Journey of a Music Educator
Among my goals as an educator is helping those around me feel a sense of safety and belonging. Opportunities to build community happen in various settings, where music education happens. A key opportunity arises during concerts and assemblies. Here, students share their efforts with fellow students, faculty, staff, and parents. Additionally, my work in Equity…
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The Power of Community in Music Education
One of the most powerful aspects of music is its deep connection to community. Performing ensembles have a core sense of service. This allows musicians to engage, uplift, and connect with those around them. Music educators play a unique role as storytellers, historians, and collaborators. They do this through performances that entertain. They offer programs…
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Imposter Syndrome Article
I came across an article that aligns with me and my students. I can’t help but share this one. 15 Ways to Navigate Imposter Syndrome
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Musical Collaboration for Diversity and Inclusion: Professional Growth and Impact
My work with the adult community has seen significant growth and effectiveness through the power of collaboration with colleagues. The development of these working relationships and our joint efforts on projects, such as concerts and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) programming, have not only improved my current work but also enriched my personal and professional…
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Engaging Music Education: Freedom and Creativity in Performance Classes
Project-based performance classes are a fun and dynamic way to get students playing instruments that aren’t usually part of a traditional orchestra, like electric guitars and drum sets. After hearing from students that they wanted more chances to perform and be involved in music, I decided to switch to this format. Our curriculum is designed…
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The Impact of Assessments on Music Education: Balancing Understanding and Grading
As we start to wind down the end of the school year, at my school we started another round of discussions about assessments. The general questions related to the topic is centered between students knowledge and understanding vs. the actual number or letter grade students receive. In general, everywhere in the United States, students are…
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Classical Music in Flim
I recently watched two movies featuring classical music as a backdrop. Like most dramas, the story lies in the characters’ personalities and their environments. Both ‘TÁR’ and ‘Chevalier’ use classical music as a stage to tell the stories of strong personalities operating at the height of their profession. ‘TÁR’ felt more like an episode of…
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Buzzing and Practice
As a trumpet player, I have always sought ways to improve my technique and sound production. Lately, I’ve been working on more buzzing in my practice routines. Since I spend a fair amount of time in the car, I do some of that work while driving. Either free-buzzing (just lips without a mouthpiece) while driving…
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Latest Conversation with Young Brass Players
As a music educator, I always find great joy in engaging with young inquzitive brass players and delving into the intricacies of their craft. In a recent conversations with these developing musicians, we explored several essential aspects of their journey, including breathing techniques, warm-up routines, sight-reading pitfalls, the importance of practicing etudes, and the art…
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Ed Castro's Blog 