As 2021 comes to an end, we’ve been looking back at some of the great things that happened for Pass the Baton this year. In December, we celebrated #12DaystoPasstheBaton! Each day, we shared one of our favorite interviews or resources for student empowerment in music. Just as empowered music students should reflect regularly, so should music educators! Counting down the twelve days was a great way for us to reflect on the impact Pass the Baton is having on music educators, and music students, everywhere.
In case you missed #12DaystoPasstheBaton, here’s a recap:
Day 1: Happy Birthday!
First, we celebrated the birthday of Pass the Baton co-author, Kathryn Finch! Check out a preview of the book here, and purchase a copy for yourself.
Day 2: A Snowball Fight
Use this template for a fun activity to encourage creativity in your music students.
Day 3: A Charity Concert
Check out this interview with Allison Rakickas to hear how her band students planned & performed a charity concert!
Day 4: The Dynamic Menu
Use this Hyperdoc template to provide student choice. It’s great for a substitute or asynchronous learning day!
Day 5: Creativity in Ensembles
Check out this interview with orchestra director, Marissa Guarriello, for tips to incorporate creativity and improvisation in ensemble rehearsals!
Day 6: Book Study Resources
Here are some resources to use as you read Pass the Baton – they’re great for guided reading, discussions, and more!
🔗 Book Study Resources
Day 7: Exit Ticket for Self-Reflection
When students reflect on their work, they begin to take ownership of their learning. Use this template to try it!
Day 8: A Student-Centered Choral Program
Check out this awesome interview with Brian Ackles and learn about his student-centered approach to high school choir!
Day 9: Student Jobs – Badge Template
Adding student jobs is an easy way for them to take ownership in any music classroom. Give it a try now!
Day 10: Student-Selected Repertoire
Check out Laura Johnson’s six-step process for involving students in the repertoire-selection process.
🔗 Incorporating Student-Selected Repertoire in Ensembles
Day 11: Student-Led Score Study
Use this template for a student-led score study to give students ownership when learning and exploring new repertoire.
Day 12: Crafting Student-Centered Lessons
Here’s an interview with Jesse Rathgeber where he provides some great lesson planning ideas for 2022!
Thanks for your support throughout 2021! We look forward to providing even more resources to empower music students in 2022!
