Thank you for visiting my home page.  A big welcome to all returning and new OLL families!  I am the school music teacher for all grades from the early childhood education program through 8th grade.

My goal for each student is to create and sustain an interest in some aspect of music so they become lifelong learners and/or lifelong participants whether that be in a music performance area; the technical areas of sound recording and editing; composing music.  I encourage you to support the arts locally and attend concerts and live performances with your children as they will become the future audience and supporters of the arts.  Also, I hope they continue to demonstrate their love for God musically through full and active participation at School Mass Sunday Eucharist as choir and school musicians.  Our school choir includes students from 2nd grade through 8th grade.  Middle school students also manage the sound system and powerpoint slides for our weekly school liturgy. 

The prekindergarten program introduces a repertoire of songs as each letter of the alphabet is introduced in their classroom.  I emphasize auditory skills through echo songs and repeating clapping patterns.  Percussion instruments are gradually introduced throughout the year with emphasis on respecting and care of instruments; identifying parts of the instrument and the science of how sound works.  The children learn basic music symbols such as treble clef; bass clef; barlines; repeat signs and recognize different types of notes (quarter; eighth; half; whole)  Movement and dance steps such as waltzing in 3 time or marching in 4 time reinforces the relationship between time signatures and music. 

In addition, the kindergarten and 1st grade music program includes vocabulary words such as "good standing/seated posture for singing"; the concept of a musical introduction; finale or ending of a song; musical terms such as forte.  Instrument playing begins to involve reading and playing music notes written on staff boards to introduce and reinforce sound-symbol relationships. 

By 2nd grade, the children write their own songs and their music compositions include the treble clef; a time signature; different types of notes.  I also teach them the specific location of notes on the piano.  Their songs are recorded on the computer and they are thrilled to hear their compositions!  By 2nd grade, interested students are invited to join the school choir.  The 3rd grade program reinforces the concept of notes on a musical staff; relevance and relationship to sing; reading and playing music.  A repertoire of choral literature is included sacred and secular music.  This grade has traditionally presented an end of the year school musical providing them an opportunity to learn and memorize songs with choreography; stage presence; voice projection and basic public speaking skills with microphones. 

By the 4th and 5th grade, the students are introduced to the instrument called tonechimes to introduce and reinforce music reading skills in the treble and bass clef.  Reading music integrates notes and note reading; time signatures; recognition of note names and note values and the joy of ensemble playing.  The students are taught the basic elements of music composition by the end of 5th grade including chord structure and harmonic progressions. 

The 6th grade music curriculum is unique to our school.  Their program of instruction includes 2 classes weekly.  One class emphasizes music theory while the 2nd class is a hands-on handbell class.  Handbells are more challenging to play accurately than tonechimes.  This year I am partnering with Mease Manor and the City of Dunedin to provide an opportunity for seniors to participate in this handbell class.  It has been a rewarding and positive experience for everyone!

In addition to handbell playing of more challenging music, the  7th and 8th grades also focus on the application and integration of computer technology into the music curriculum.  While both the Apple laptops and computers in the school lab are incorporated into every grade level to explore programs such as "Garage Band" and "Music Write", there is an emphasis on writing music with form and structure using music notational software and then recording their own compositions. 

As always, thank you for your continued support of the school music program!