K-6 Elementary General Music and Instrumental Teacher
April 04, 2006
Hi! My name is Elizabeth Bushard. I teach K-6 General Music and 5-6 Band at the Elementary in Brewster. I have been teaching music at RLB since the fall of 1993. I also had taught in the Sioux Valley district in 1984-86, prior to Brewster joining the system. Previous to teaching at RLB, I taught music in both Minnesota and Iowa schools. Originally from Iowa, I graduated from Morningside College, in Sioux City, Iowa with a B.M.E. degree (Bachelor of Music Education). As a music major, my emphasis was in Voice,Piano and Oboe. Since graduating from college,I have taught music on all levels, both vocal and instrumental. I have continued to take graduate level courses for credit nearly every summer.
At school, over the years, besides teaching the many basics of music including learning to read music, we also perform two concerts a year, Christmas and Spring. Over the years I have chosen a different theme for the programs each year. The students are proud of their performances and enjoy finding out the new theme for each approaching concert. Last spring we used an "animal" theme, with the title of, "Animals on Parade!" All of our programs are held at the Elementary building in Brewster. The 5-6 Band performs in both the winter and the spring concerts. The 4th grade recorders usually perform at the spring concert. Each class usually performs a section of the program on stage as well as my favorite part, the many "all-school" songs. We look forward to your coming to enjoy the evenings with us! The concert dates this year are Dec.4th and May 10th.
Last year the students helped me make a list of the many places we hear music and we came up with a long, long list. The list is end-less. Give it a try. Make a list! It is everywhere! Music integrates into all subject areas. A student once responded to one of the things I was teaching..."Hey, this is like English class!" Music definitely relates to math, social studies, reading, science, physical education and more. It teaches team work, responsibility, self-discipline, discovery, confidence, communication, and creativity. I love teaching music. It is my passion and I hope to spread my love of music on to the students I teach!
"Since music has so much to do with the molding of character, it is necessary that we teach it to our children" Aristotle
