Oxford Middle School music instructor Jan Flynn was honored on May 4 with the Michigan Association of School Board’s (MASB) Educational Excellence Award for Fine Arts for her work with the World Music Drumming program.
‘It was a real pleasant surprise,? said Flynn. ‘I didn’t know I had even been nominated until the fax came inviting me to the luncheon.?
Flynn, who is in her second year of teaching exploratory music and choir at OMS, began the World Drumming Program last year. She found that the middle school exploratory curriculum was lacking in structure and instrumentation, and decided to ‘level the playing field? among her students with lessons the are easy to adapt for sixth through eighth graders.
World Music Drumming, a program designed by Remo Drums, uses easy-to-play hand percussion instruments and is geared so that students can participate in a ‘hands-on? cross-cultural learning experience. Since the program is through the exploratory music class, a 10-week course required for all sixth and seventh graders, every student will have an opportunity to use the equipment and sample the program. Those who wish to progress further with the program can meet after school to rehearse.
‘I remember last year I had trouble getting two or three students to come after school,:? said Flynn. ‘Now I have 30 to 40 and my new challenge is how do I keep this many kids active and moving.?
Some of the changes that have taken place in the program include an expansion of musical selection, increased singing and the addition of instruments, such as xylophones. Flynn said her future goals include incorporating even more instruments, ‘giving music students an opportunity to explore music in a friendly environment,? and providing the basis for more complex music exploration.
Flynn added that she has even taken on the role of grant writer recently in order to raise some money for more music and instruments. ‘I would also love to at some point involve World Music Cultures such as dance and puppetry,? she stated.
Flynn was honored for her work by the MASB on May 4 at a luncheon in Lansing along with around 30 other educators. In addition to receiving her award, the Oxford teacher was also the primary entertainment for event. Flynn and three of her seventh grade leaders – Andrea Woody, Brendan Morris and Connor McGee – performed five different pieces for the assembly.
‘We combined all of our expertise into one performance, using every instrument we have,? described Flynn. ‘It was fun. It was just really fun to do. This is why I do this kind of work. The students said they weren’t nervous at all because they were that sure of their skills. ‘The day was wonderful. We got to sit in on a legislative session, and I had never been to the capitol before.?
Flynn plans on expanded her own skills in World Drumming this summer when she attends her third workshop on the topic in Lake Geneva, Wisc. Her personal goal is to move into more complex music.
‘As a teacher I’m thoroughly enjoying my work with the students,? said Flynn. ‘It’s nice to know that the program is well received.?