School Choir and Band Competition

612 ABC Brisbane is running a School Choir and Band competition. The competition is open to primary and secondary schools in the greater Brisbane area, the winning school's end of year concert will be broadcast live on 612 Digital radio. More information at http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2010/03/31/2861601.htm?site=brisbane&section=competitions

Great Quotes

When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure.
-Peter Marshall

If you are looking for some great quotes, maybe something to get you through a tough day or give you a laugh, head over to the crescendo website and check out our great quote pages.

They can be downloaded here.

Insanity is hereditary—you get it from your children.
-Sam Levenson

Advocacy

Music education is very important. This is a belief I hold very dear.
Constantly on the lookout for supporting articles, information and data, I will share them with you through this blog. ISME provides us with this page full of useful bits and pieces.

More on Happiness

Keeping Positive! I seem to be always banging on about this. But you just have to! Teaching is a really difficult job and to do the job properly you need to remain 'happy' and 'content'. Music teachers are often quite isolated in their profession, usually the only one of their 'kind' in a school. I came across this article and thought they might interest some of you. Something to read through and maybe support you through those more 'negative' times that we all have.

Get Happy

Have a look through these free articles - it might help with the refresh on the Easter break.
Click on Get Happy above and you will go to the relevant page on happyschool.com

Inspiration

I have so much to say. I am not sure how to say it - or even where to say it. So I am choosing the Blog!
I had a great day today working with teachers in Toowoomba. Some came from Gundie and Kingaroy too! Is it selfish to want to lead PD sessions? I confess that I get so much out of these sessions for my own personal and professional development. So that means I have very selfish motives. But I can temper these thoughts with the fact that I genuinely care for what happens in schools. I truly believe that music matters. I honestly think that children have the right to a music education. In all faith, I know that music lessons and/or choir can provide incredibly positive and sometimes life-changing experiences in an impressionable child's life.
I am so lucky to be a music teacher.
Debbie

Tips and Ideas from the 'Back to School' Workshop

Just uploaded onto the Crescendo website is all the tips and ideas collected from the 'Back to School' workshop held last month. Check out Tips for Music Teachers, Ideas for Engaging Boys and Ideas for Advocacy. Get some great new ideas for the year ahead.