Music and Multimedia Summer Institute officially begins...Institute Day 1

Today has been the first day (of four) of the Institute where I officially began working on my independent study project. I was rested and ready to plunge right into my project. Ready, set, here I GO!!

I initially came to the Institute with a goal to learn the basics of Finale software (I am a Sibelius user) which would help me create vocal and choral files that would work in the SmartMusic program that was recently purchased for my music classroom. As I began my work this morning, I realized that my overall goal would remain the same but I would begin with a project of inputting the upcoming All-State vocal audition piece into Finale. My original thoughts were to create melodic sightreading examples for my elementary students but after thinking this over I felt that I would get more of the basics down by copying something that was a little more complicated. This proved to be a good decision.

I had always heard from colleagues that Finale was not as user friendly as Sibelius software and I tried to keep a cautiously optimistic attitude while working throughout the day. I began with skimming the "Quick Reference Guide" and then continued with some tutorials. As I was reading and watching, I began to see that there were quite a few similarities between the two software programs.....and by the end of the day I was beginning to understand how some of the basic tools work in Finale. At this point in time, I still prefer the Sibelius software but, at the same time, I'm beginning to feel more comfortable with Finale. As a learner, I like to learn new things and I always benefit from getting out of a rut and looking at things from a different perspective. Success for day two!

Just one more thing....I can't say enough positive things about all of the networking that happened today in our classroom, at lunch, and at our large group meeting. These discussions with my colleagues "fill my bucket" in a very satisfying way. Someone in my class mentioned that this Institute was their therapy for the summer and I couldn't agree more. In my school, I often feel isolated because I don't have another music teacher to collaborate with. This week gives me the opportunity to hear about other teachers projects and music programs which in turn rejuvenates me.

Music and Multimedia Summer Institute.....Pre-Institute Session, Monday

Today is Day One of an exciting, fun-filled week of learning how to  integrate technology into the music classroom. I am enrolled in the Music and Multimedia Summer Institute at Champlain College in Burlington, VT and I've opted to do an independent study using Finale and SmartMusic tools that will begin tomorrow but..........for today I'm learning some of the basics of blogging and SmartMusic in two pre-institute sessions. Our instructor for the blogging session has given us some great tips on how to get started so I'm putting all of this info to good use and implementing my first ever blog.

I can see this blog spot as a great communication tool for students, parents and even my colleagues. I constantly struggle with lack of time to connect with my colleagues at the two elementary schools where I teach and now I will have a way of knowing what is going on in their classroom and they can see what is going on in the music room.

Pictures are a great way to share what's happening in the classroom and sometimes all it takes is a quick photo to let the world know what is happening in your "music world". Since it's summertime and I'm not at school I thought I'd share the beautiful view from my classroom window today.

Wouldn't you know....we've had a very rainy start of summer in Vermont but today is absolutely spectacular!!! A beautiful view of Lake Champlain in the distance....hazy, hot and humid....summer at it's finest.

Here's a photo of the Samuel de Champlain statue who is on the lookout in front of our "home" for the week, Joyce Learning Center...