We recently met with two
participants in our Carnegie Hall Choral Institute (CHCI) program:
Lisa Gwasda of Celia Cruz High School of Music and Melissa Williams of Banana
Kelly High School in New York City. CHCI fellows participate in a
yearlong series of workshops and musical activities aimed at
giving music educators at all levels an opportunity to
renew their artistry and incorporate best pedagogical practices in
their classrooms. Here's what Lisa and Melissa had to say.
What is your background as
an educator? Why did you apply to CHCI?
Melissa: I am
primarily an instrumental music teacher and have experience
teaching band in suburban Texas. Now, as the only music teacher in
my Bronx high school, I felt it was important to have a choir in
addition to instrumental and general music. I am excited to develop
my understanding of vocal pedagogy so that I can teach kids how to
sing with solid fundamentals. With this foundation, I can transfer
many of the skills I've developed as an instrumental educator to a
choral setting, giving my students a more rigorous and
hopefully rewarding choral experience.
Lisa: I had the
honor of being hired upon the opening of Celia Cruz Bronx High School of
Music 10 years ago. Coming from a family of music educators,
I knew that this is what I wanted to do with my life from an early
age. I am constantly seeking learning opportunities, as we
never stop learning as musicians and teachers. I was
especially excited about being a part of CHCI because studying with
staff associated with Carnegie Hall was sure to prove an
outstanding learning experience all around.
What are you most looking forward to this year in the
Carnegie Hall Choral Institute?
Lisa: As a teacher,
we know that there is no one answer to music or
teaching. While something I use in my rehearsal might be
effective, I know that there are many other ways to get there! I am
excited to work with others in my field and learn new approaches
to teaching, rehearsing, and all around musicianship. It has
been said that teachers "borrow" from one another, and I am looking
forward to borrowing (as well as sharing) with all of my peers and
facilitators in CHCI!
“[Carnegie Hall Choral Institute] promotes the exchange of ideas but also sustains teacher motivation and encourages introspection on best practices.”
—Melissa Williams
Melissa: I'm very
much looking forward to learning from the wealth of experience and
knowledge of all the other educators in the program. Developing a
strong network of colleagues is so important in music education
because we are often somewhat isolated from other arts teachers in
a school-based setting. Through this program, I hope to learn more
about other educators' challenges and successes in the classroom
and develop ideas to address my own challenges.
What was the most helpful thing you learned or experienced
in the CHCI opening weekend?
Melissa: Besides
the wealth of specific and structured information related to the
voice, I really gained a sense of confidence. Despite the fact that
I don't personally have much experience in choral settings, the
clear and concise presentation of topics such as vocal anatomy,
range, warm-up techniques, and solfege really left me feeling like
I have a clear place to start with my kids.
Lisa: Opening
weekend of CHCI has been a tremendous experience. Sometimes
it's especially important to know that there are many other people
in the same position as you! It's nice to have a community of
people who have the same passion, excitement, fears, concerns, and
proud moments that you do. Jumping right into Cross-Choral
TrainingTM workshops with Dianne Berkun and the
Brooklyn Youth Chorus was a great way to encourage everyone and
learn about new approaches!
Why do you think it's
important for Carnegie Hall to be offering this sort of
program?
Lisa: We, as
fellows, all come from different musical backgrounds, as well as
different jobs. The common thread we have is that we are all
passionate musicians, with the desire to teach, and learn. Having
support from an institute as renowned as Carnegie Hall gives us the
level of professionalism, confidence, and education that we, as
artists and teachers, need.
Melissa: Carnegie Hall has historically been
dedicated to providing musical opportunities through education in a
variety of forms. A program like this is making an investment
in New York City's arts education community. This program isn't
like typical professional development scenarios where an expert is
imparting knowledge to be passed on. Rather, Carnegie Hall has
provided the right conditions for talented and dedicated music
educators to come together and learn from some of the best choral
pedagogues in the city while simultaneously strengthening a network
of teachers. This not only promotes the exchange of ideas but
also sustains teacher motivation and encourages introspection on
best practices. I am enthusiastic to see the many ways this program
impacts our students in meaningful ways throughout the year and
into the future.