Right now, my school is online-only due to the pandemic. But one thing that helps me keep my sanity is keeping my classroom ready as if we're going back to school as usual. Here are a few photos of my classroom as it is now!

When I became the music teacher at my school, I had a very specific vision for the choir that I inherited. The choir was to be modeled after a youth honor choir, with a rigorous audition and interview process. 4th graders would be trained for the OAKE or OMEA honor choir in 5th grade, and 5th graders would be trained to jump into middle school choir fearlessly. Because of this, I needed worksheets that were essentially middle school level but with the colorful, fun aspects of elementary school. And, thus, my resource, "The Voice: Resources for Elementary Choirs" was born!

How do you get kids to remember the instruments of the orchestra? And when do you begin to introduce them? One of the best ways to get children hooked on orchestral music is to present it with a fun story and beautiful illustrations! Below are my favorite books to read to kids with topics about the orchestra or composers.