President Elect
Lisa Roebuck
________________________
The
theme for this issue of the Encounter is “Singing: The Basis for
Music Education”. Singing has always been an important part of my life. My
parents often have commented that they believe I was singing before I walked
or talked. My love for singing grew as I learned the hymns and songs we
sang every morning at daily Mass for the Catholic school I attended. I
decided at this young age that I would study music and sing, sing, sing. It
is no wonder that I have been so attracted to the Kodály approach since it
seems natural to begin music education first and foremost with good singing.
So this fall as you begin to instill the love of music in so many young hearts, don’t forget to teach quality vocal production in the process. It is often easy to keep going while the students sing that beautiful folk song out of tune or with a poor vocal production. Often it would only take seconds to fix the intonation or tone production. Attend a workshop that emphasizes good singing techniques. Please check out the wonderful workshop opportunities listed on the KET website. On September 29th, Lynnel Joy Jenkins will be presenting a workshop in Austin, Texas entitled “Laying the Foundation for Artistic Singing”. Please try to attend this workshop or one like it to obtain new ideas for vocal instruction.
In August, my Father died after a lengthy battle with leukemia. He was not a musician but rather a farmer and businessman. Yet, when my Mother and I planned his funeral I knew we needed to pick music that both he and Mom cherished. After the funeral, so many people came to tell me how beautiful the singing was at the service. The songs had helped us celebrate the life of a wonderful man. The music and in particular the singing had brought us comfort. These people were not musicians rather people from all different walks of life and the music had touched them. How can we keep from singing?
How Can I Keep from Singing
(Text: Robert Lowry)
My life flows on in endless song above earth’s lamentation.
I hear the real though far off hymn that hails a new creation.
No storm can shake my inmost calm, while to that rock I’m clinging.
It sounds an echo in my soul, how can I keep from singing?
Lisa Roebuck