Spring 2004

Our 1st Chapter Scholarship Recipient

Congratulations !

Jocelyn Wilson

 

September 2004

To the Greater Cincinnati AOSA Chapter Scholarship Committee:

I am writing this letter as a follow-up to the $500 scholarship I received from the chapter in the spring of 2004. This summer I attended the University of Cincinnati and was able to apply the scholarship towards the tuition of my first Level I Orff course. The training lasted for two weeks beginning on June 21st and culminating on July 2nd.

During the two week period I gained valuable knowledge about the Orff-Schulwerk method of teaching music. The concept of children learning music through singing, movement and play was not entirely new to me because I had attended several Orff-based workshops over the past couple of years. However, the process of where to begin and end with teaching music to students was made clear and simple through the training I received this summer.

I have always felt somewhat limited and reserved with my approach to teaching vocal/general music because of my background consisting of mainly band/instrumental music instruction. But due to the training this summer, I have gained a new confidence in myself as a professional music specialist. I have become more willing to venture out and try new ideas and lessons with my students. This year improvisation in the general music classroom has become a new phenomenon for both my students and me. However, it is a new concept in which we all enjoy and are very excited about exploring. It is one in which I try to incorporate regularly into my lesson plans.

The Orff level I course has not only challenged me as a teacher and my philosophy of music education, but it has inspired me to become a more accomplished musician and artist. At this point in my life, I cannot imagine teaching music any other way. I have always enjoyed my career as a music educator. But now I absolutely love what I do! The educating of children through music is my passion and what I believe very strongly in and support.

I am very appreciative of the scholarship that I was warded by the Greater Cincinnati AOSA chapter. I cannot begin to express my gratitude over the experience that was provided through the assistance of the chapter scholarship. It is truly a wonderful program and one in which I hope continues for years to come.

Again, thanks for everything!

Sincerely,

Jocelyn C Wilson
Music Educator
Western Row Elementary
Mason City Schools