Hayes Middle School Observation - Grand Ledge

I really enjoyed observing Hayes MS this week. And getting all that information was so great! I'm looking forward to being able to thumb through it over break.

I loved watching how engaged Mr. Armstead was with his students. It was so clear that he had a completely safe space for them so that they didn't feel restricted or isolated - especially when he asked them to move. I also loved that he had movement incorporated in everything from warm ups to sight singing to repertoire. He didn't just ask them to move in one setting, but in all of them, which I'm sure makes it more natural to move during pieces since this becomes an integral part of choir as a whole.

I also really liked how there was almost no down time. Having the students repeat what he tells them worked really well to keep the class flowing and keep the class engaged at the same time. He can make sure that they are taking in the information he is giving them and it almost eliminates talking from the students because they are focused on what he is saying. Also, when he gave directions, I noticed that they were very short - usually one or two words - that he could say while the choir sang and get immediate responses with. This allowed him to have significantly more singing than talking in the rehearsal, which is a little different from my Haslett observation.

I found it interesting to watch his personality and what that elicited from the students. Samara in Haslett is always telling the girls in the choir to show the music on their faces more and to move, but her personality is a little more reserved. Mr. Armstead is always in motion it seems and his face is very active - although not mouthing words, which I like. Because of this, his choir moved to the music much easier than in Haslett and their facial expressions were much more engaged than at the High School, which I found very interesting.

In addition to the music stuff, which I loved, I also really liked how music was not the entire focus of the class. It was very clear from the posters around the room to the reading of the day (what a cool way to integrate the English requirement!) that Armstead is focused on developing good citizens, not just good musicians. His room was not just a safe space, but a respectful one where everyone could be vulnerable and grow strong together through shared experiences. To me, this is the real power of music and I loved seeing such a great atmosphere in his classroom. I am more than a music teacher to my students, at least I hope I am, and I want my class room or studio to reflect that just like his did.