My Wonderful Students!

Today my Professional Development students will be Christmas Caroling at Comer Children’s Hospital at the University of Chicago. After Caroling there, I will be walking with the students approximately six blocks to the second Caroling engagement at the Ronald McDonald House near Comer Children’s Hospital.

I am very proud of my students. They decided that they wanted to bring “Cheer” to ill children and their families during this Holiday Season. After learning of their desire to do this, I created a special project, through which they could learn about all aspects of booking an engagement. I have called it the Book-A-Gig Project.

Because we didn’t have time for every student to be involved with every aspect of the Project, the class was divided into four groups. This allowed every student to be hands-on with one aspect of the Project. Once their work was done, each group reported their process to the entire class, allowing all students to get exposure to the entire booking process.

This has been a wonderfully collaborative learning opportunity for the students. They have struggled with many things regarding this Project. The major struggle was managing the social dynamic of their individual groups. Who would lead the group? How would they make sure that all group members had an equal opportunity to contribute ideas and suggestions? How would they divide up tasks to assure that every member was working hard and bringing something of value to the table? How would they compile their data to be used in practical application toward the outcome of the Book-A-Gig Project?

With my gentle (and sometimes quite firm) guidance, we have come to this day. The students have booked the gigs, marketed the gigs, booked a photographer/videographer, sent press releases, selected the music and diligently rehearsed the music. They are performing six secular Holiday songs. One of the students is the conductor for today’s performances. She will be using Garage Band on my cell phone to establish starting pitches and the students will sing acapella.

I am very proud of the work that these students have done.

Wishing them a day filled with great music and happy memories.

Break a leg!!!