My name is Heidi Robertson, and I'm a
Music Education student at UW-Oshkosh. I have spent the past nine weeks
in Ronald Reagan's music department student teaching and have learned so much
about how to teach as well as the urban environment. I specifically chose
Milwaukee Public Schools for my student teaching experience because I hope to
work in the district upon graduation, but I wanted to get a glimpse into the
urban education setting before starting the job hunt. I was so thrilled
to work with these dedicated and enthusiastic students as well as the
knowledgeable and effective teachers.
During my time at Reagan, I worked with each of the choral
ensembles as well as two Music Appreciation classes. Upon arrival, I was
blown away by the rigor of the IB curriculum. The students in the ensembles as well as IB Music classes
were more prepared for collegiate ensembles than I was at their age. The students were warm and welcoming
and challenged me as a teacher.
I began my student teaching experience during the week
before the musical, which meant long rehearsals after school. The students immediately made me feel
at home during these rehearsals, and I got to know them quite well during that
week. I was very impressed by the
musical and the talent of the students.
It was a fun way to begin my experience at Reagan!
During the course of the nine weeks working with Ms.
Breitbarth, I learned how to build a strong choral program by observing all
that she has done. Her thorough
and challenging aural skills and theory curricula encourages strong
musicianship from the moment a beginning singer walks through the door. I learned what I called “Ms. B’s Keys
to the Kingdom,” or how to create a thriving choral program. I was amazed by the portfolio-based
assessment the students are graded by, and I couldn’t help but become a
believer in the power of solfege syllables when learning a piece of music.
Mr. Johnson had a large impact on my teaching style as
well as he mentored me in Music Appreciation. He gave me the chance to create my own long-term project in
his Music Appreciation classes.
After class, he shared many of his experiences teaching in MPS and gave
me valuable perspective for my future career in the district. The students in these classes were a
joy to work with as well, challenging me with their fresh approach to teaching
music through the lens of popular music.
I also had the opportunity to work with the students as
they prepared for WSMA Solo and Ensemble.
The students were very prepared for the competition before I arrived,
but I helped with some of the polishing aspects before their final
performance. I continued to build
relationships with the student throughout the coaching sessions after school,
strengthening my bond and love for this school. The students sang extremely well and I was very proud of
their hard work!
Though my time at Ronald Reagan has come to an end, I look
forward to seeing he students again at their concert on April 30th. It will be such a joy to listen to the
polished pieces that I helped them learn and catch up with them after the
concert. I also look forward to
seeing their individual endeavors displayed at the upcoming Gallery Night. I am
very grateful for the friends I have made and the things I have learned with Ronald Reagan High School’s Music Department.
Heidi Robertson
Music Education Student
UW Oshkosh class of 2013
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