Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1407173
Why are you driven to your work? I have sung in a choir, played in a band or orchestra, or been involved in an opera or theater performance every year since I was 8 years old. My life has been changed and shaped by the people I've met and the opportunities I've been given because of music. When I reflect on the ways my music teachers and directors have impacted my life, I am driven as a music educator to do the same for my students. What could people do to make your job easier? When it comes to fine arts education, support is key. I am very fortunate that I have an extremely supportive principal who values my work and the impact that it has on our students. Principal Tanya Allen values music education and is a musician herself, which has a big impact on the way my students view music and their time in my class. I have so many supportive co-workers who are invested in their students' success in music as well. Having a foundation of support and the autonomy to try new things is what allows me to push myself to be the best teacher I can be. What makes you feel appreciated? I feel the most appreciated as an educator when I receive words of affirmation. It means a lot when someone goes out of their way to give me a kind word or a word of encouragement. I especially love when my students tell me they enjoy music or that they love coming to my classroom. That means more to me than they know. What do you want more people to know about your work? I want more people to know that music education is a vital part of a holistic, well-rounded education for children. Music is not an extracurricular activity, but a core subject that has a curriculum and standards of excellence, just like any other subject. What lessons/best practices from teaching through COVID-19 will you take with you into the new school year? This year was especially difficult for music teachers because, due to safety concerns, students were not allowed to sing in class. I had to change practically all of my curriculum for my preschool, kindergarten, first and second grade students, and vastly change my upper grades curriculum to teach the same concepts in a way that did not include singing. It was a huge challenge, but I learned a lot about current music technology that is available online. My students thrived creating music using these programs, and I saw so much student engagement that I will definitely be using these resources for the foreseeable future. When you wake up in the night, what do you think about? As much as I try to "leave work at work," I can't help but reflect on the day's events before bed. So, when I wake up in the night, I'm usually thinking about something I could do differently in my lessons the next day. I've actually dreamt of lesson ideas before, and used them in class! What makes you get out of bed in the morning? A unique aspect of being an elementary music teacher is that I teach a different group of students each day, so that by the end of the week I have taught every student in the school. Each class has a unique set of personalities and learning styles, so I look forward to each day as a fresh start. Also, coffee. If I had more time, I would: Create the cutest "Pinterest perfect" classroom! I love seeing the creative classroom designs other teachers post on Instagram, but there just never seems to be enough time to make that happen! LACEY BARNES Music Teacher and Choral Director, Burdell-Hunt Elementary School we're back and better than ever. 2021-2022 season tIckets avaILabLe now! scene change MaconLIttLetheare.org SUBSCRIBE ONLINE: maconmagazine.com maconmagazine.com 63