OkCDA Convention Reflections

Earlier this week, I was given the opportunity to present a session on how to create programs from children's literature.  This was the first time our Oklahoma Choral Directors Association has set a day in their annual convention, specifically for elementary music educators!!  (Way to go, Beth Berkenbile!!)  I really thought we had a pretty great turnout.  I think next year, it will just get better and better, continuing to grow each year!

Our day began with Oklahoma's own fabulous composer and teacher, Cristi Cary Miller!  She presented us with many new Hal Leonard products, as well as published programs in her two morning sessions.  She is really a force to be reckoned with - this woman is on FIRE for music education.  She is truly amazing.  (Being that I spent seven weeks in her classroom while student teaching, I may be a little biased, too.)  She brought an assortment of interactive board materials to show in her first session, and we were able to hear a few new programs that were published this year, AS WELL AS hearing some favorites from years past!  What a great way to start the day!!

Once everyone returned from lunch, I was up.  I based my session on how to create your own program - from books, songs,  poems, curriculum units...  (I plan to do a full post on this later this week, so come on back!!).  Overall, I was so excited of how it turned out.  I always get nervous presenting in front of peers and colleagues, but I wanted a certain amount of feedback and sharing to happen in the session - and it absolutely happened!!!  I think many of us that are interested in creating our own programs took at least ONE thing from my session - either from me or each other.  We have such a supportive group of elementary music teachers in our great state.  I love that.

Before the day ended, my good friend Katie Robertson took a HUGE crowd through a whirlwind of technology ideas that could be used in ANY music classroom!  She offered all of her created materials to the teachers that were there for FREE!!!  Now, don't get too sad if you weren't able to be there, she and I have just stared creating a joint Teachers Pay Teachers account that all products will be available!!  (Be looking for Cowgirl Compositions soon!!)  For me, I love being able to bounce ideas off of another set of eyes, and by doing it together, we can keep each other motivated!  We've each added a little man to our families within the past year, so another reason for joining forces will be to lighten the load and keep our family time.  :)

And finally, we were able to sing through this year's Circle the State with Song music.  What a JOY we are bringing to our students and the state this year with these pieces!!!  I love each one and keep thinking "Oh, THIS one is my favorite," but as soon as we sng through the next, I think the same thing!!  I am so blessed to have been a state co-chair for this in the past couple of years, and given the opportunity to collaborate with other past chairs to read through and choose the eight pieces that will be performed in nineteen areas throughout the state of Oklahoma!!  What a great experience!!

And as I hold up my half-full glass of red wine, I say, "May the music made together one day heal mankind!"  (Thank you, Harmonia Mundi lyrics.)  :)