Module 10 Blog 2

In the choir classroom I have to be sensitive to students of non-Western cultures. I could try some different styles of music so as not to just have the typical choir repertoire represented. Last year I was in the International Vocal Ensemble, which did just that. We sang music from Oceania and Africa, and attempted to learn it aurally, as the native cultures would. This was truly an eye-opening experience, and I hope to provide the same experience for my future students.

In addition, some students will not think of choir as an academic subject, even though it takes up a class period, as much as chemistry or algebra takes. By presenting my subject as an academic subject, I think the students may take music more seriously. Most of them will probably not be used to music as anything but a hobby or an extra-curricular, and may just be taking choir to fill their schedules. But by presenting it in a more formal manner and showing them what can be accomplished by a group of more determined individuals, I think I could change their opinions of it. Also, some students may not think of fluency in music as intelligence. But by approaching it in a more academic manner, they may understand their peers better, particularly if they are stronger in music than in some of the other more academic subjects.

The most important aspect of my classroom culture will be acceptance. In the choir classroom, I am going to have varied students who will all have different strengths and weaknesses. Some will have never sung a note, others may have been singing for years, but I will have to emphasize the importance and acceptance of effort. This will be especially important for the shy students, the self-conscious students, and the male students who see singing as an activity more oriented towards females. There will be times when the males will have to sing alone, when they will be embarrassed, and it will be of the utmost importance for me to make sure the class listens respectfully and does not make others feel bad for their talents. One way I can do this is emphasize everyone’s strengths. For example, I could compliment a student for keeping time really well and always being prepared, even if they may not always sing in tune.