Meek, Darla

Educational Background

1. IN PROGRESS: Doctor of Education in Supervision, Curriculum and Instruction, Elementary Education, Texas A&M University-Commerce.
2. Master of Music, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, 2002
3. BME, Dallas Baptist University

Kodály Studies

Kodaly Certification, University of Houston, Houston, TX, completed August 2014

Teaching Experience

1. Texas A&M University-Commerce, Commerce, TX, 2007-present, Lecturer (graduate and undergraduate elementary music education courses) Music Education Coordinator (Student Teacher Supervisor)
2. Rockwall School of Music, Rockwall, TX, 2005-2007 , Co-owner and Private Voice Instructor
3. Rugel Elementary School, Mesquite ISD, Mesquite, TX, 1998-2007, Music Specialist
4. Forney Primary School, Forney ISD, Forney, TX, 1991-1995, Music Specialist
5. AOSA Teacher Trainer, 2005-present"

Presentation Experiences

1. World Song! Multicultural Books with Musical Moments," North Texas AOSA 2021
2. "It's Music to Their Ears! Listening Lessons for the Elementary Music Classroom" and "The Soprano Recorder in the Kodály Context." OAKE 2019
3. "It's Music to Their Ears! Listening Lessons for the Elementary Music Classroom" NAfME 2018
4. "The Soprano Recorder in the Kodály Context," "It's Music to Their Ears! Listening Lessons for the Elementary Music Classroom", "Serious Singing...Serious Fun!" TCDA 2019

Areas of Expertise

Creative movement/improvisation
Soprano recorder
Multicultural literature and music

Session Topics

Multicultural Literature with Musical Moments (1-3)
Soprano Recorder in the Kodály Context (1-6)
Creative Movement (3-6)
Improvisation (3)
Blending the Orff Schulwerk and Kodály
Approaches (1-6)

Intercultural Knowledge and Competence

As a university instructor of 14 years, I have have participated in numerous professional development sessions on the topic of equitable practices. Additionally, intercultural competence is an important part of my doctoral studies. Because TAMUC has a large, active international department with which I collaborate regularly, and because my students hail from such varied backgrounds, growing in cultural competence is a high priority.

Organizational Leadership

TMEA Region III College Chair, 2016-2020, Chair of Teacher Preparation Committee
The Chorister's Guild, Dallas Chapter Board of Directors, Secretary
North Texas AOSA Past President

Publications

Journey Around the Globe with Recorder!
Flight 2: Another Journey Around the Globe with Recorder!
All Things Bright and Beautiful (Orff arrangements for church choirs)

ARTICLES:
Building Cultural Intelligence in Children (The Chorister)
Purposeful Movement in the Band Setting (Orff Echo)
Using Movement to Introduce a Masterwork (Reverberations)
Classroom Management in the Children's Choir Setting (Chorister)
Revitalize Rhythmic Learning Through Movement (Kodály Envoy)

Additional Information

Contact Billy Ferguson at [email protected] for special deals on the recorder sessions.