What Does Our Musical Community Say About Developing Musical Creativity?!

by Dr. Lisa A. Crawford

Creating and Composition Representative

Here in California, as Young Composers Symposium grows annually through our California All-State Music Education Conference (CASMEC), the number of participants from the community of students, family, and teachers is growing! This may mean that the message about how critical creativity is to education is not only being heard but also, the idea that all young people can create new music is becoming respected and treasured. In this space, I will highlight five music educators sharing three ideas they use in their classrooms supporting creative experience of K-12 students. These ideas reflect one similar position: all young people can create new music. There can never be too many ideas because, in the midst of them, are those that may work for you! Thank you, Music Educators, for sharing!

Kim Bishop – K-4 Elementary:

1. With my 1st, 2nd, & 3rd graders, we play hand-held rhythm instruments. Sitting on their carpets, I play different songs and just let them do their own thing. Following this, I give very specific instructions. I ask them to listen very closely to the rhythm and tempo of each individual song and make sure they are keeping the beat of that specific song.

2. They may choose to play the basic beat, or they may play the rhythm of the lyrics. I always play through about half of each song then stop the music.

3. They pass their instrument to the person on their left and I play the rest of the song. They get to play several instruments during our short 25-minute class time. They love this creative activity! I learned (and continue to learn) through TONS of listening and copying models. I know there is a place for creativity, and I know that I’ve been creative along the way… it’s a tricky balance.

Valerie Vinnard – Elementary:

1. Using Song Brush (similar to Chrome Music Lab), students can use their ChromeBook and create their own song by drawing on the measure/staff with repeat. Students may choose instruments such as acoustic guitar, saxophone, glockenspiel, keyboard, piano, electric guitar, trumpet. They can also try their composition in different tempos such as larghetto, andante, moderato, and allegro. Students can play for the class or can just use their headphones to listen to composition based on their drawing. They can choose to repeat the composition or play as a two-bar phrase.

2. During our drum circle time, a student or students play a rhythm pattern on their drum and remaining students echo back on their own drum. Students can also walk a pattern of rhythms and the children follow playing drums as they are walking. They can play slow or fast tempo. Especially during the walking beat time, we add movements such as jumps, dance, hop, skip, or run and we all find this to be a lot of fun!

3. Students draw themselves playing the drum as well as create quarter, eighth, and half note rhythm patterns in their picture. The teacher walks by and students play the patterns created on their drum. Students can trade papers and play each other’s compositions. Students really love this artistic activity as it involves art and music!

Richard Perez – Middle School:

1. I invite students to examine the historical and cultural context of the pieces they play. From an informed position, I ask them what they believe the composer’s emotional intention was. I invite students to relate their life experience to their perceived emotional intention of the composer.

2. Students are invited to emote, with inflection, because the inflection changes the meaning (just like in speech). This is done within the appropriate style of whatever genre we are playing, otherwise it comes across as ill-informed.

3. During my work with the mariachi program, I very much prioritize learning and teaching this music in a way that is authentic in style, and a way that honors and respects the Mexican tradition. We copy the masters and learn from the best. Some of our ideas for creativity within ensembles: band name, programming sets, logo design, booking gigs, designing t-shirts, jackets, stickers, promotion, incentives and rewards for students. These are non-musical, but very much a part of the groups’ success.

Megan Foley – Middle School and High School

(links to complete lesson plans!):

1. Create Your Own Notation - This was very popular with my students in 6th grade band; a great way for them to think about how symbols can convey musical ideas. Their creations were wide and varied and a lot of fun for them to do.

2. Compose the Prompt - A great way to get students composing without notation and thinking about how music can evoke a mood or idea. Originally developed for my 6th grade beginning band but can easily be used with any grade level or ensemble. A nice change of pace and a lot of fun.

3. Beginning Blues Activity - Another way to get students composing. Developed with 6th grade beginning jazz students and may be adapted for any level or type of ensemble.

Danielle Collins – High School:

1. Make a Holiday album and distribute it on digital platforms like Spotify!

2. Rights are cheap and can be done through easy song licensing.

3. Host a battle-of-the-bands show at the end of the year and open up the room during lunch for outside on-campus musicians to rehearse for it. Many of those musicians will join next year if they have a space to perform their music.

2024 All-State Honor Choirs at CASMEC

February 1-3, 2024

Sacramento, CA

Conductors:

Ms. Mary Biddlecombe, Junior High SATB

Dr. Elise Dekaney, High School SSAA

Dr. Troy Robertson, High School TTBB

Dr. Brandon Williams, Junior High SSAA

Dr. Julie Yu, High School SATB

The California Choral Directors Association (CCDA)

For more information about all our activities check us out at: https://www.calcda.org

CCDA Summer ECCO Conference (Oakhurst, CA)

July 23–26, 2023

Headliner:

Dr. Felicia Barber, Associate Professor, Yale School of Music Conductor, Yale Camerata Institute of Sacred Music

Connect with colleagues from around California in a fun, casual and educational environment.

2024 ACDA Western Region Conference in Pasadena, CA

March 6–9, 2024

Conductors:

Dr. Judy Bowers – Children’s Honor Choir (grades 4-6)

Ms. Emily Ellsworth – Youth SATB Honor Choir (grades 7-9)

Dr. Julie Yu – High School SSAA Honor Choir (grades (9-12)

Dr. Rollo Dilworth – Gospel Honor Choir (High School, College/ University, ACDA members)

Audition information/materials available: August 1, 2023

Audition applications available via Submittable: August 7, 2023 –

September 29, 2023 https://acdawestern.org/2024-wacda-pasadena/