Posted on October 1, 2024 in Issue 1: Fall, Kodály Envoy, Volume 51
By Lauren Hirsh Each fall the OAKE Board of Directors gathers to discuss the state of our organization, take on strategic projects, and carry out official business such as passing budgets. I am proud of our work and the volunteers and staff that give generously of their skills…
Posted on July 1, 2024 in Issue 4: Summer, Kodály Envoy, Volume 50
Lauren Hirsh, Executive Director I hope each of you are enjoying summer opportunities to invest in yourself and consider what will make next year an even stronger one in your educational life. It’s exciting to see pictures of summer training programs underway and more educators growing professionally, personally,…
Posted on January 1, 2024 in Issue 2: Winter, Kodály Envoy, Volume 50
As we enter 2024 and continue to prepare for OAKE’s fiftieth conference, I’m imagining OAKE’s sixtieth and seventy-fifth. Chapter leaders will have welcomed new leaders to offer ongoing professional development and build camaraderie within their own locale. The state of American education and music education will continue evolving,…
Posted on October 1, 2023 in Issue 1: Fall, Kodály Envoy, Volume 50
Lauren Hirsh, Executive Director In the prior issue of the Kodály Envoy I shared my personal reflection on a “PPP lifestyle,” especially the first of our Kodály educators’ favorite trifecta – prepare. This has remained on my mind, and as elections close I’m thinking about the variety of…
Posted on June 30, 2023 in Issue 4: Summer, Kodály Envoy, Volume 49
Lauren Hirsh, Executive Director “Prepare, Present, Practice” is a central Kodály principle because it works. It’s intentional, responsive, and cumulative; a sequenced approach to imparting knowledge in a way that sticks. Although the “PPP” sequence is a foundational tenet for Kodály practitioners, I do not hear it discussed…
Posted on April 10, 2023 in Issue 3: Spring, Kodály Envoy, Volume 49
Lauren Hirsh, OAKE Executive Director In Jacksonville the OAKE staff got to greet many of you on your way into the evening social events, speak with the families of your students singing in National Choirs, answer questions from presenters and attendees, celebrate award recipients, and address you as…
Posted on February 15, 2023 in Issue 2: Winter, Kodály Envoy, Volume 49
WINTER 2023Message from the Executive DirectorLauren Hirsh The initial visits to choose a location for OAKE’s 49th National Conference started five years ago in 2018 with your National Conference Business Director Nancy Johnson traveling to three cities in the Southern Division to choose one that would best fit…