Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Professional Development for Alberta Music Teachers- Elementary, Band, Choral, and Handbell

The Alberta Teachers Association Fine Arts Council holds an annual Fine Arts convention every fall.  This year it will be in Calgary on Oct. 27-29th.  We have sessions for Art, Drama, Dance and Music.  The link to sessions and registration is here.  http://fac.teachers.ab.ca/Annual%20Conference/Pages/AnnualFallConference.aspx
This summer, I attended the Orff Institut 50th Anniversary Symposium, in Salzburg, Austria. The conference was in the form of lectures, workshops,pedagogical presentations, performances and a large exhibition featuring the history of 50 years of Orff Education. They were celebrating 50 years of leadership in Music Education, the Orff Way! The Orff Institute was founded in 1961 by Carl Orff and his colleagues with much confidence and great expectations. Its worldwide significance as a unique training centre for Elemental Music and Dance pedagogy in the tradition of Orff-Schulwerk is infamous. I had an absolute blast meeting teachers from all over the world that have embraced the philosophy and pedagogical ideas of Carl Orff and his colleagues.  
Speaking of Orff,  another suggestion that I can offer of course, is the Calgary Orff Chapter.  They have a three workshop program that you can sign up for.  To print off a registration form and a contact number, please follow the link.  While all the sessions look great, I can personally vouch for Wendy Rae and Doug Goodkin.  I received training from both of these wonderful presenters, and you will surely be inspired by them.  http://www.calgaryorff.com/2010-2011_Registration_Form.pdf
Here also is a link to Doug Goodkin's blog. http://douggoodkin.blogspot.com/ 
Alberta Orff Chapters
For more Alberta Orff Information, Edmonton and Lethbridge, please follow this link.

Music Conference Alberta takes place in Red Deer from Nov. 3-5th.  There are sessions in choral, band, and elementary music education.  Please see the link for more information.
The Alberta Kodaly Association is holding their annual Singposium featuring Calgary Girls' Choir director, Elaine Quilicini and her grade 4-6 performing group, Viva.  This is a full day workshop on January 21, 2012.  Follow the link for registration information.

Handbell Discovery 2011- Let the Lights Ring will be held in Fort McMurray on October 15, 2011.  There are sessions for both children and adults.  Follow the link.

If you have any events that you would like to add for Alberta Fine Arts Professional Development, please contact me and I will be happy to add it for you.  Please pass along this blog to anyone you know who teaches Music in the province.