Engagement Project

This is an interview I conducted with a fellow JMU student. She participated in music in elementary in middle school but chose to focus on sports in high school. This is her story of her experience with music education. 

---

---

In this interview, Meghan gave a brief overview of her high school experience. She discussed how she interacted with music with her friends and family and shared some experiences that had special meaning to her. Meghan's sister was in choir throughout grade school and college. She related how her sister's concerts impacted her and how she liked the programmed music. Meghan had very different experiences with different ensembles in elementary and middle school. Her orchestra teacher had a more structured, strict class environment and her band and choir teachers were more laid back. 

I got the background music from a free download link on Soundcloud by audiojungle. I also added a audio clip I got from youtube of Bach violin solos performed by Bella Hristova and clarinet solos performed by Martin Fröst since Meghan played both of those instruments in middle and elementary school. 

---

Reflection 

Meghan had many interesting things to say about how she reacted to different teaching styles. She felt that she was more engaged with a laid back style, but sometimes it was easier to get distracted and not stay on task. With her orchestra teacher she was able to learn the instrument, but wasn't able to approach her teacher as easily because of the more strict classroom environment. I think that I as a teacher need to be able to find a balance between having structure in the classroom, but also be able to let my students know they can approach me with any questions or concerns. Meghan also made comments about integrating popular music with classical music. She mentioned that her sister's choir concerts had a lot of variety in their programs. I think it is important to be able to incorporate many genres of music so students have a more well-rounded music education. She also mentioned she never had the opportunity to be musically creative on her own in school ensembles. I think it would help students be engaged in music if they could exercise their own creativity and help students to continue in music throughout high school and for the rest of their lives.