FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Xina Yee
Phone: (818) 433-7600
Email: press@etmla.org
Website: www.etmla.org
Los Angeles, CA – In August, our dedicated teachers and local educators came together in person for Education Through Music-LA’s intensive week-long Summer Academy. Participants explored culturally relevant and diverse strategies for teaching music in under-resourced communities, best practices in classroom management and procedures, student engagement, curriculum design, and more. Teachers and staff alike were excited to reunite and dive into preparing for the new school year!
Guest presenters Dr. Ric Alviso (Ethnomusicologist/ Composer; Santa Monica College; CA State University, Northridge) and Keith Terry (Percussionist/ Rhythm Dancer/ Educator; UCLA; Founding Director, Crosspulse) led workshops covering a wide range of topics along with ETM-LA’s Program Department and Faculty.
ETM-LA believes in continually amplifying the voices of our students and communities. Therefore, Cultural Equity and Inclusion (CEI), Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT), and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) remain paramount in our ongoing practices and training. The Academy featured workshops on Multicultural Music Exploration, Using CRT and SEL as Building Blocks to Classroom Success, Getting to Know Your Community, and more topics – offering key tools to help teachers more deeply research, reflect upon, and explore ways to build cultural, authentic connections.
After intimate round-table discussions with local district leaders, school psychologists, and experts in social services, one music teacher shared: “Each table addressed a very intimidating aspect of teaching and I feel much more confident in my ability to navigate those situations. I’m also very grateful to have those connections and support systems in place if I need help.”
Other feedback from participants included: “[It was] very helpful to see the direct relationships between grade level and the objectives and ideal teaching methods for each age group.” And when asked what the most invaluable takeaway was, one member responded, “Everything!”
ETM-LA looks forward to continuing this vital work during the 2022-23 school year!
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Education Through Music-Los Angeles is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to provide and promote music in under-resourced schools as part of the core curriculum for every child in order to enhance students’ academic achievement, creativity, and overall development.
For more information: www.etmla.org