To say we are currently in uncharted waters would be a HUGE understatement. While our remote teaching/learning environment is fraught with challenges, there are opportunities that can be realized by “thinking out of the box.” It is truly inspiring to see and hear via social media, the creative ideas teachers employ to keep their students engaged. Administrators are also actively engaged in finding ways to assist those on the front lines of e-Teaching and to keep students excited and motivated to learn.
There are so many remarkable ways for students to interact with apps and software programs, and to make music with found sounds, there is something uniquely inspiring about the experience of playing a new musical instrument.
I recently had the pleasure of working with Fine Arts Director Alan Lambert from Austin ISD in Austin, TX. We discussed the challenge of getting small wind instruments in the hands of students who are now learning from home. These students are completing their lessons online and/or receiving printed materials provided by Austin ISD’s Packet Pick-Up program. Many are participating in the “grab and go” meals program being made available at multiple campuses. In our efforts to think outside the box, I suggested we might instead think inside the bag. I proposed the idea of adding a recorder, harmonica, or kazoo to the grab and go meals. Within days, Mr. Lambert’s order of over 4000 West Music kazoos were quickly on their way to a district office, and added to the meals. I also collaborated with our dear friend and master music educator, Chris Judah Lauder, to provide an instructional flyer to be included with each kazoo. When I last spoke with Mr. Lambert, he reported the program to be a great success and will be looking into expanding on the idea going forward.
While we don’t really know what the “new normal” will look like, West Music is staying tuned to your needs and we want to help you create these same opportunities for your students. Our 25-, 50-, and 100-piece classroom sets of Harmony recorders, Just Play it! Harmonica method packs, and West Music Kazoos all have free standard shipping, as well as quantity discounts for the 50- and 100-piece sets. As we wait for campuses to reopen and for our students to return to the music classrooms they know and love, the music-making doesn’t have to wait; it just takes a little creativity to make it happen. Of course, an effort like this isn’t limited to wind instruments. Have a look at westmusic.com or contact me to share any ideas you have. We can work together to create custom packages and materials that will best meet your students’ needs. I look forward to working with you as together we navigate this challenging OPPORTUNITY!
Randy Hargis is our Education Consultant for General Music and Mariachi. He has worked in the music industry since 1977 when he began his gigging career at the young age of 15. Before coming to West Music in 2011 Randy worked as a music education consultant as well a sales manager and marketing manager for an electronic musical instrument company.
Randy is passionate about his role in helping music teachers find the right instruments and learning materials for the classroom.
Nice job Randy! The harmonica stuff is awesome and will work nicely with online learning where the teacher can demo stuff ands then assign a lesson or part of a lesson for later in the week.
Thank you Paul!!
Great idea! I would love to see the flyer that Chris made.
Tonya, you should have the flyer in your inbox!