MME Spring 2025, Column #2

by Erin Emery-Dumas
General Music Activities Chair

The MMEA Fall Workshop was filled with engaging demonstrations, meaningful connections, and a shared love for music. Dan DeZwaan of Allendale Public Schools shared a brief recap of his experience at the workshop. “The MMEA Fall Workshop started on Friday night [October 18th] with a bucket drumming demonstration by Allendale fourth and fifth graders, led by clinician Kris Olson. She then led teachers through the same things she taught the students. Saturday had Kris leading teachers through some Orff activities, as well as breakout sessions led by presenters from around the state. Overall, the conference was a great success!” 

Attendees enjoyed learning how to teach and perform Border Morris routines and other folk dances. Border Morris is a traditional form of English folk dance characterized by rhythmic stepping and lively, synchronized movements, often performed with dancers in costumes adorned with bells and decorated hats. The dance traditionally features sticks, which dancers tap together in a display of energetic choreography. This style of dance has deep roots in community celebrations and is known for its engaging, social nature. 

Participants also learned how to scaffold bucket drumming and Orff lessons into more manageable activities through short phrases of text, either spoken or set to a melody, and through the connections of movement. Presenters also discussed books to incorporate into lessons for social-emotional learning, and attendees connected with other teachers who value music education just as much as they do. Conferences like the MMEA General Music Fall Workshop provide educators with the tools and techniques needed to incorporate culturally rich and thoroughly engaging activities into their teaching. 

An upcoming event, which is anticipated with excitement, will be presented and hosted by Mark Hageman of Haverhill Elementary School (Portage Public Schools). Mark is planning a professional development session to teach several folk dance routines to teachers from across the state. This will be followed by an additional event at Western Michigan University, where teachers can invite students with their families to attend and perform the new routines. Originally scheduled for January 11th, this event was postponed due to weather. More information regarding this event (including a reschedule date for the first session) will be shared soon. Those with ideas for future workshops, or interest in presenting or hosting an event are encouraged to reach out to Erin Emery-Dumas by email at erin.emerydumas@ppps.org.