“Music is not only deeply rooted in human biology but also is critical
in the cognitive development of the child.”

“The appreciation of music is a universal feature of humankind;
music-making is found in all societies and it is normal for everyone to participate
in music-making in some manner.”

The Origins of Music, Language, Mind, and Body – Steven Mithen,
Professor of Human and Environmental Sciences at the University of Reading,
England, 2006

These are two pivotal ideas that summarize why I have become a Music Educator.

My childhood was blessed with music teachers that exposed me to the many wonders that music contains. I was given the opportunity to play, and create different types of music, which in turn offered me a great form of diverse expression.

My experience as a musician and a song-writer has brought me to a place of understanding the true importance and value of creative expression, and I am excited to have an opportunity to share and pass on the support and encouragement I have received thus far on my own musical journey. At Kenter this year, I will be exposing the children to many different genres of music, and we will be learning to sing and play a broad spectrum of songs. I am going to teach rhythm and melody through active participation and the practical application of verbal lessons surrounding music theory and history.

I greatly appreciate the opportunity to be a part of Kenter this year, and am thoroughly inspired by Kenter’s commitment to music education. I am looking forward to creating an eclectic repertoire for the
Holiday Show with the students and classroom teachers.

Ms. Jackie, Vocal Teacher

About the K-2 Vocal Music Teacher

Jackie Remillard Gorski brings to her work as a music educator a rich background in music, education, and performance. She holds a clear California teaching credential in music education, Level 4 certification in Kodaly music education, and a master’s degree in music education from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey. Jackie received a Bachelors degree in vocal pedagogy and performance from Northeastern Illinois University, where she attended on a full music scholarship. Jackie has worked as a public school music teacher, Montessori preschool teacher, licensed and certified Kindermusik teacher, private voice instructor, church musician, choral conductor, and professional singer. She is a member of several professional organizations, including OAKE (Organization of American Kodaly Educators) and MENC (Music Educators National Conference).

About Your K-2 Child’s Vocal Music Class
Your music class is a comprehensive, balanced, sequential, in-school program of instruction in vocal and general music, taught by a credentialed teacher. The classes are designed to provide children with skills and knowledge in music in accordance with high national, state, and local standards.
Music classes meet weekly for 30 minutes. Children enjoy singing, moving, listening, interacting socially, and playing instruments. Exploration time in the lesson encourages a child's discovery of textures, sounds, movements, and musical instruments. Language skills are fostered with singing, sound imitation, and vocal play. Music and movement stories encourage emergent literacy skills, and creative dancing affirms a child's urge to move.

Benefits for Our Students
The arts have a unique ability to communicate the ideas and emotions of the human spirit. Connecting us to our history, our traditions, and our heritage, the arts have a beauty and power unique in our culture. At the same time, a growing body of research indicates that education in the arts provides significant cognitive benefits and bolsters academic achievement, beginning at an early age and continuing through school.

Weekly Bulletin for October 5 -9, 2009.

Please notice:
1.) Paraeducators Meeting at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning in staff lounge.
2.) Envision Math "Drop-by" Support Sessions on Friday.
3.) No Monday morning assembly.
4.) TAI Meeting on Wednesday.  The main purpose of this meeting is to discuss placement of MacKarts, implementation of MacKart usage, and continued fundraising efforts to pay for teachers' MacBooks.  If you have a parent in your class that would serve as a excellent TAI resource, please invite them to this meeting.

Click Here for the California Standards for Music Curriculum>