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FLORIDA NAfME COLLEGIATE
Allison Yopp, President
MORE THAN OBSERVATIONS:
Engaged Service Learning in the Classroom by Colin Urbina
A
s practicing college students, one
Service learning is a form of classroom
putting together a benefit concert to pur-
work with providing needed goods and/
for students in need. All of these experi-
of the greatest boons afforded to
experience where you pair hands-on
is hands-on experience in the class-
or services to schools or the community.
us during our time spent in the degree
room; however, this type of teaching
often begins with observations or pas-
sive learning. While these experiences are beneficial, there are other ways we can more actively learn from and support our local music programs. As we strive to
become more active participants in our local schools, we should engage in service
learning as an avenue to benefit our educational experience and the community.
This process allows students to engage in meaningful classroom work as well as
develop practical and applicable content knowledge and acquisition of skills that might otherwise not be covered during
our time in school. By working directly with our local schools, we gain the
and educators while providing for our surrounding community. The knowledge
and skills we gain from these experiences
will help down the road when we face similar challenges and scenarios in our own classrooms.
Beginning a service learning proj-
ect is as easy as reaching out to local
the needs of our community and how
have. The next time you are observing
into practice while also learning about
to help fulfill them. The more we learn schools we most likely will be working in after we graduate, the
better equipped we will be to effectively teach and
serve our students.
So, what does a prac-
tical application of service
teachers and seeing what needs they at a school, ask the director what needs
they have in the classroom and how you can help fulfill them. Not only will you
gain skills from helping provide for the
classroom, but you will also deepen your
relationship with that teacher, program,
and school and widen your networking circle.
As we close out this school year and
learning look like in the
begin looking toward the fall, I encourage
vary with a wide range
your local music teachers and commu-
music classroom? It can of time, commitment, and
effort needed, and can be as small or as large a
project as one chooses.
Some examples include
you to think about the ways you can help
nity. With so much music being made in Florida, there will always be an avenue for young music educators to further our craft and help our musical communities.
running sectionals for
Colin Urbina, Florida NAfME Collegiate pres-
repair stands, risers,
tion major at the University
a teacher; working to
chairs, or simple things
around the classroom; securing
and organizing funds to help provide meals for a marching band program; or Music Director
ences help develop our skills as leaders
experience of putting our teaching skills
about the environment, community, and
26 F l o r i d a
chase instruments, music, or resources
ident-elect, is a music educaof Central Florida. He is in his third year of studies and
is excited for his career in the classroom that lies ahead.
