Philosophy of Music Education and Choir at EMS
At Erie Middle School, our classroom is home, our members are family, and our choir community is an army for good. We believe that every child deserves the space to be their authentic self, and that together we can use music to make a positive change in our small town and larger world.
Friedrich Nietzshe once stated "Out of chaos comes order." Stephen Sondheim, the brilliant composer and lyricist of several Broadway shows, including Sweeney Todd and West Side Story, played on this quote: "Art is, in itself, an attempt to bring order out of chaos." The EMS choral classroom will be just that - one of structured chaos, resulting in not only successful, but flourishing art. The framework of a prosperous choir develops from a sense of community that can only be achieved through high standards, opportunity, and mutual respect among students and among singers and director. The voice is a vulnerable instrument, and singers cannot reach their highest potential unless they are in a safe environment that allows and encourages them to take risks that, at times, may generate mistakes.
Music is fundamental to lifestyles in almost every society. It has been used in rituals and traditions, ceremonies, worship services, celebrations, and political appointments. Music is everywhere and in every media: we hear it on the radio, television, a passing car, or a humming passerby. It encourages intellectual, creative, emotional, behavioral, personal, and social development. If for no other reason, one should never underestimate music’s splendor and the innate human need to cultivate and experience beauty through music. As a music educator, it is my responsibility to provide students with diverse and quality experiences through opportunity for performance, academic study, exploration, and self-expression. It is unlikely that most students will become professional musicians, but every single one is and will continue to be a consumer of music. I hope that this program will not only produce talented, intelligent musicians, but also more critical and appreciative music listeners.
Friedrich Nietzshe once stated "Out of chaos comes order." Stephen Sondheim, the brilliant composer and lyricist of several Broadway shows, including Sweeney Todd and West Side Story, played on this quote: "Art is, in itself, an attempt to bring order out of chaos." The EMS choral classroom will be just that - one of structured chaos, resulting in not only successful, but flourishing art. The framework of a prosperous choir develops from a sense of community that can only be achieved through high standards, opportunity, and mutual respect among students and among singers and director. The voice is a vulnerable instrument, and singers cannot reach their highest potential unless they are in a safe environment that allows and encourages them to take risks that, at times, may generate mistakes.
Music is fundamental to lifestyles in almost every society. It has been used in rituals and traditions, ceremonies, worship services, celebrations, and political appointments. Music is everywhere and in every media: we hear it on the radio, television, a passing car, or a humming passerby. It encourages intellectual, creative, emotional, behavioral, personal, and social development. If for no other reason, one should never underestimate music’s splendor and the innate human need to cultivate and experience beauty through music. As a music educator, it is my responsibility to provide students with diverse and quality experiences through opportunity for performance, academic study, exploration, and self-expression. It is unlikely that most students will become professional musicians, but every single one is and will continue to be a consumer of music. I hope that this program will not only produce talented, intelligent musicians, but also more critical and appreciative music listeners.