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Name: Beth Sorrentino
School: The IDEAL School of Manhattan – New York, NY
Grades: Pre-K-5
# Years of teaching: 18
1) How would you describe your music curriculum?
Our school is an independent inclusive school, the only one of its kind in NYC! As an inclusion school, our teachers design and lead their classes with mixed pedagogy and diversified curriculum-the music curriculum follows suit, with a wide range of choices, activities, lessons structured to balance fun, learning, skill-building, and musicianship with a focus on independence, group learning, and creativity.
2) What is your favorite lesson/concept/instrument to teach?
Every lesson and grade is unique-for some classes, it is about singing and performing, while others shine creatively while composing, playing recorders, and drumming. There is much play and creative dramatics involved, as well as original song-writing, musical theatre, and more!
3) Do you like to have a theme(s) throughout the school year?
Our school's themes are often a centerpiece for the music curriculum, as well as the music and arts curriculum giving wing to many assembly performances, school-wide museum shares, and other opportunities for growth-the beginning of the year is about routines, structure, making friends, and discovering the community-as the year progresses, we dive into seasonal themes, civil rights, family, the earth, NYC, and much more!
4) Are there any particular resources (books, CDs, DVDs, software) you like to use throughout the year?
I have so many! Some staples are a Pete Seeger songbook that I have carried with me throughout my years of teaching, the "Free To Be You and Me" book and soundtrack, "Abiyoyo" storysong by Pete Seeger, all Chris Rashcka books, especially "Yo, Yes!" and "Charlie Parker Played Be-Bop", the film "Really Rosie", all Schoolhouse Rock! songs and videos, including Ken Burns "Jazz", as well as the documentary "Rivers and Tides" (great film about the work of Andy Goldsworthy). So many!!
5) Are there any particular instruments you like to use throughout the year?
Piano, drums, djembe
6) Favorite quote or philosophy:
If you hear a voice within you say "you cannot paint," then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced. ~Vincent Van Gogh
7) Do you have a person, educator, composer, performer who has been your inspiration?
Everyone that I have come into contact with throughout my career has an impact in one way or another-it's a path!
8) What is one item on your classroom wish list?
A REAL piano! :)
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