Goodbye Singing Children? by Michelle Myre

I just need a minute. To grieve.

To grieve the beauty and language of Music as it “should” be taught. This year, although we are in person, we cannot sing (strict NO from admin unless we are 6’ apart in my tiny room), we cannot do “movement” - such as forming a circle or ANY movement or singing games that construct much of our learning in K-5 and again…..no singing.

No.

Singing.

In Music.

I actually have to gently remind little ones to “please only hum” when we are doing a song where I sing and they respond with instruments or clapping etc. Or they know it so well that they want to belt it out!

One little girl broke my heart to pieces today with her response when she realized she was singing and shouldn’t be. Isn’t that just absolutely backwards?!!

The shock in her eyes as she realized, stopped singing and began humming was simply and beautifully painful for me to witness.

Painful.

My heart sang with her little voice for those few seconds, and yearned to hear and sing with all the other little voices who were excitedly humming away at Old MacDonald and his farm.

I’m not looking for suggestions. I’m a professional. I’ve got great colleagues in the district and we are working together to make a fantastic Music Education come to life for kids in a multitude of ways.

But…..

It’s hard to put into words.

The sacrifices we make for being safe.

To keep my sweet littles safe.

But still…..I cry.

But still…..I grieve.

About the Author::

“Michelle grew up in a musical family, complete with educators for over five generations. Following in the footsteps of those before her, she graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in Music Education and Performance. Living a varied life, and ranging from publishing and editing a newspaper to High School Choral Educator, she’s now happily teaching ankle biters at the elementary level. Her three teenage kids keep her on her toes, as well as her adorable puppy, Mr. Wagglebutt. Living one day at a time is her mantra, and helping others find the beauty within making music together.”