musicatthemill1

I’m pretty sure that I must have been born with some sort of “teaching gene.” With both of my parents, two of my grandparents, and most of my family being teachers, it was no surprise that I would follow this family tradition. Music has always been a huge part of my life. Hearing the piano play, band practices going on, or even a random outburst of song has always been common place in the Brock household. My mom and dad, both musicians in their own right, fostered my love for music. Growing up I often performed with my family at church, at barbeques, and on stages big and small. Sensing the joyous effect music had on me and others made the decision to go into music education an easy one. So at 18 I left my life-long home of Flowery Branch to attend Georgia College & State University to pursue a degree in music education. Having a hard time sitting still (which might explain why I get along so well with the younger ones), I became involved in as many activities as I could in college. I sang in the G.C. & S.U. Women’s Ensemble (and was their assistant director), competed in vocal competitions (NATS), volunteered and mentored for the Boys and Girls Club of America, and danced for the G.C. & S.U. Sassy Cats, (fueled by McDonald’s and lots of chocolate, . . . not that much has changed J). It was during my volunteering that I truly learned the passion I have for teaching children. Having even a small part in their growth and development is the most rewarding career I can think of. Most of my students will tell you that I will do just about anything to make sure they are actively learning, even if that means dancing and jumping around the room, acting like composers, and creating silly songs complete with silly voices.

I gained my first classroom experience when I student taught music at Walnut Grove Elementary School. Completing my degree in music education in December of 2007, there were no full-time music teaching jobs available. However this turned into a great opportunity because it gave me the chance to substitute teach throughout Gwinnett County at various grade levels, including periods of long-term subbing, some with learning disabled children. During this time I also attended various conferences and classes, including the Georgia Music Educator’s Conference in Savannah and the Atlanta Orff Association’s presentations and classes.

I am excited to be teaching in the Hamilton Mill area. I attended nearby Fort Daniel Elementary and Dacula Middle School. Not much has changed. Sure there’s more buildings and restaurants, but the tight-knit “community feel” that I treasured is still intact. I am so excited to be making memories at Puckett’s Mill!

Classroom Pictures

Classroom Pictures!

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DSCN2774.JPG 2008-07-27

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DSCN2775.JPG 2008-07-27

Give Yourself A Hand!
The "Give Yourself a Hand" wall is where children are recognized for doing an awesome job in music. Students who go above and beyond for things like consistently making good choices, being a good friend to everyone, or excelling in their musical aptitude get to "give themselves a hand." They sign the wall and in the future if they make another good decision, they put a hand stamp on their name. If children get five stamps, they get a special surprise as a reward them for a job well done!

Composer Wall
Every few months we have a new composer that we focus on. I choose the composer based on his contribution to music and history. Feel free to look on the composer link to find more information on this month's composer!

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DSCN2778.JPG 2008-07-27

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DSCN2779.JPG 2008-07-27

Word Wall
In music, we will refer to our word wall almost daily. This gives children a wonderful resource to recall information they learned in their previous music class.

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DSCN2786.JPG 2008-07-27

Featured pictures

All about your music teacher!

Classroom Pictures

Classroom Pictures!

Music Websites Just for Kids!

Music is worth knowing!

Music Rocks!