Walker Area Community Foundation is promoting music education in Walker County Elementary Schools. The foundation received a grant to have a music program implemented in Walker County second grades with the exception of Carbon Hill who has a music program this year.
The Walker County Board of Education hired Malia Henderson-Henson to teach the program in all twelve schools.
Malia, known as ms. mimi among Walker County second graders, was recommended by Dr. John and Becki Stallsmith to teach the program. The Stallsmith’s are the music directors at Bevill State Community College, Jasper Campus.
“I visit each school once every month and teach a thirty minute lesson. Lessons have included steady beat, tempo, reading literature, conducting, learning to find your singing voice, and keeping a steady beat using instruments," Henderson-Henson said. "I have been taking part in the MENC National Anthem Project: Restoring America’s Voice … Through Music Education! I teach the importance of knowing the words to our national anthem, what they mean, and that it was written during a dramatic moment during the War of 1812 by Francis Scott Key. I have been very pleased with the students and their ability to retain all of the information I teach each month when we review. I am able to build on the knowledge they have acquired which makes teaching this program even more rewarding.”
Malia was Miss Walker County 2003, her platform was Music Education with an emphasis on the importance of elementary music. She is a Member of MENC: The National Association of Music Education, and The Young Performing Artists Program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Music education majors at UAB are planning a music education project for some of the Walker County elementar schools. The UAB MENC Chapter plans to volunteer during the months of February and March.
For more information on Walker County’s music program visit: http://walkercountymusic.blogspot.com
Curry Elementary is the first school for the MENC Chapter Project. First grade has been selected by the principal and administration. I will have more information for this project next week. I have a possible starting date set for the week of February 20th-24th. Lessons will be thirty minutes in length. Keep in mind: Walker County does not have a music program - most students do not have a formal background in music.
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