NEXT GENERATION
Beach Kids Rock to Beat of New Music Program
By Dr. Leslie Rosenfeld
R
ock, pop, Latin and rap may be music genres, but they are also important learning tools for Miami Beach public school kids this year.
“Our kids see themselves reflected in their classes, and this inclusive music education infusion strengthens our youth’s connection to their school and the Miami Beach community,” observed Feinberg Fisher K-8 parent Ivan Alvarez.
Culturally Relevant Music The program incorporates culturally relevant music education in traditional school activities like marching band, jazz band and chorus.
Under the city’s new partnership with Little Kids Rock Organization, which is supported by the Wildflower Foundation, Miami Beach public school students in grades kindergarten through 12 now have expanded access to music education, including curricular resources and musical instruments.
It also provides learning opportunities for students, who may not have been able to participate in music programs in the past based on their family circumstances or lack of access to instruments.
The modern band program teaches kids to perform, improvise and compose using the popular styles they know and love. Lessons cover guitar, bass, keyboard, drums, vocals, technology and even computer-generated music. One instructional video for teachers incorporates the Oscarwinning song “Shallow” by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper to teach various musical concepts. “One of the things I really like about this song is that it’s a great example of how to do a lot with just a few chords,” explained Greg, the presenter in the video. “You can really look at the trajectory of this song with your students, and listen along and say, ‘how does it change over time?’ “At the beginning, it’s just one person singing with some guitar,” he said. “Then we have an addition of everything from violin, piano, bass and finally some drums.” 26
He suggests teachers ask students to take notes on what they heard in the song and then pivot to a discussion about songwriting.
MB magazine | Fall 2020
“This multi-faceted approach to music education will enhance the music experience and skill level for all youth in our city,” shared Miami Beach South Pointe Elementary parent Monica Matteo-Salinas. While working collaboratively, the children are also given an opportunity to take their own musical journeys. The Little Kids Rock curriculum avoids gender stereotyping for instruments and encourages kids to pick their own musical path based on individual taste and personality with guidance from teachers and parents. National Movement This Miami Beach partnership is part of a national network of K-12 educators who are providing professional development to music instructors in schools across the country. The aim of the program is to encourage innovation and inclusive music education for our kids. Several Miami Beach teachers
