Teaching Materials
Below you will find a sample of materials I have created for various ensembles, classes, and clinics. If you would like to see more of my work, please see Technology Competencies or contact me.
Midwest Clinic Materials
Musical Companions - Stravinsky and Stephenson
I created the handout (below) for the presentation by collaborating with Jim Stephenson as he discussed his writing process and Dr. Fansler who conducted and presented, and I also created the PowerPoint and poster. I ran the PowerPoint for the clinic and assisted with other aspects of the presentation.
Articulation Studies
Used by the Western Illinois University Wind Ensemble
Designed as a tool to unify interpretations of various articulations. Utilizes accessible but core melodies of which every band should be familiar, and includes meaningful exercises for percussion.
Marching Band Drill - Space
Drill I created for the piece Space, arranged by Jim Daughters. See more details here.
CMP Plan
Used with the Silver Keys Clarinet Choir
Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance (CMP) emphasizes learning through the piece being performed, thus turning the old militaristic performance-centered rehearsals on their head. Through the use of these plans, an overarching curriculum is created that teaches applicable concepts that enhance overall student musicianship.
Asynchronous Band Instructional Videos
Interactive
These videos were designed for Glenview's middle school Wind Ensemble during COVID. They were completely asynchronous for the semester, so I created videos that were meant to feel like a full band rehearsal in order to motivate them to want to play; they missed band greatly.
Utilizes Self-Assessment
Due to the prerecorded nature of the videos, I was not able to assess them directly throughout. I therefore asked many questions throughout each video to help guide each student in their playing. I was able to assess them after through their SmartMusic assignment submissions and their Google Form reflections (here is a sample).
Positive Effect
The students enjoyed this style of lesson. I sent a survey at the end of the week to ask their thoughts, and I received many positive comments. Some can be seen below. While band is not designed to be done asynchronously, we are still able to have meaningful interactions and lessons with our students.
Student Thoughts on the Above
Like Band Class
Builds on Itself
Like Band Class
It was like a real live class where you are asked questions and playing along with someone.
Interactive
Builds on Itself
Like Band Class
It's an interactive way of learning, while getting the sense that your teacher is actually teaching, not throwing work at you and expecting you to learn it.
Builds on Itself
Builds on Itself
Builds on Itself
I like how it's sort of like being in the band room playing and I like how Ms. Miller talks through the songs and starts slowly then goes up to the faster .
Pausable
Many Retries
Builds on Itself
I liked that I could pause and take a breather, or go back and rewatch something.
Many Retries
Many Retries
Many Retries
I like this a lot because if I want to do something over again I can just pause the video.
Informative
Many Retries
Many Retries
Its nice because now I know what I need tp [sic] work on.
Warnings and Solutions Regarding Clarinet Balance
An overview of the dangers of asking clarinetists to overplay and suggested solutions for the wind band.
Music Theory - Set Theory Curriculum Guide
A brief overview of George Crumb's Ancient Voices of Children and some sample applications in the theory classroom.
Developing Independent Musical Thought in Students
A research-based guide on developing independent musicianship in our students with practical applications.
Madrigal Recorder Studies
Exercises I created for a Madrigal Recorder Ensemble to help quickly learn the unique fingerings of the recorder while addressing recorders in both keys at once.
Copyright © 2020 Morgan Miller - All Rights Reserved.
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