{"id":2279,"date":"2018-08-29T12:52:44","date_gmt":"2018-08-29T12:52:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gcsdstaff.org\/eckwall\/?p=2279"},"modified":"2018-08-29T12:52:44","modified_gmt":"2018-08-29T12:52:44","slug":"welcome-back-5","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gcsdstaff.org\/eckwall\/?p=2279","title":{"rendered":"Welcome Back!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dear Southwest families and friends,<\/p>\n

I am excited to join you this year as we begin together a new chapter in Music at Southwest Elementary School!\u00a0 While I may be new to the school, I am not new to the district.\u00a0\u00a0 During the past six years, I have been primarily teaching music at Northside, though I have also assisted at the Middle and High Schools.\u00a0 This year, besides teaching music at Southwest I will be continuing to assist with the High School Marching Band.<\/p>\n

I grew up in the Chicago area, then attended Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois.\u00a0 Here I received my bachelor\u2019s degree in Music Education, as well as a minor in French. \u00a0I taught for two years in Chicago, after which I was offered the opportunity to join the Geneseo music faculty.\u00a0 When I moved to Geneseo six years ago, I immediately fell in love with the town.\u00a0 The appreciation here for music is unparalleled in many other places, as is the culture of respect for teachers, friends, and families.\u00a0 Besides my work in the schools, I also play for part of the season with the Maple City Band, and I am actively involved in the music ministry at First Lutheran Church of Geneseo.\u00a0 In addition, I find it important to attend numerous workshops and conferences to remain connected with the professional community and stay up-to-date with the current trends in Music Education.<\/p>\n

This fall we are also excited to announce that Mr. Andre Rivera will be working with us several days each week.\u00a0 Mr. Rivera is a student at Augustana College, and he is preparing to begin his career as a music educator. What better place to gain experience than in the Geneseo Schools!<\/p>\n

During this school year, in all grades<\/strong> we are again using the Spotlight on Music <\/em>series as a basis for all music lessons.\u00a0 We also incorporate a variety of other resources on a daily basis to create a fuller Music Education experience.\u00a0 In all grades, we will also be playing MUSIC Baseball.\u00a0 In order to earn \u201cbases\u201d the class must have all the letters of MUSIC at the end of the class period.\u00a0 By making good choices, they are able to keep these letters on the board throughout the class.\u00a0 Once a class scores two runs, they will earn free time, during which time students may pick from a choice of music games to play or video clips to watch.\u00a0 The class with the most runs at the end of each semester will have a popcorn party.<\/p>\n

4th<\/sup> and 5th<\/sup> Grades<\/strong> will have the opportunity to participate in a concert on September 23rd<\/sup> <\/strong>\u00a0during the Harvest Music Festival.\u00a0 Please see the 4th and 5th Grade tab at the top of this page for more details.<\/p>\n

At the end of this note, I have included list of all Southwest musical events for this school year.\u00a0 There may be a few additions and corrections.\u00a0 I have also attached a document outlining events where you are invited to assist and become involved.\u00a0 Please return this \u00a0signup sheet<\/a> with your child to school.<\/p>\n

Please let me know if you have any questions at meckwall@geneseoschools.org<\/a> or (309) 945-0652.\u00a0 I look forward to working with you this year!<\/p>\n

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Sincerely in Music,<\/p>\n

Mike Eckwall<\/p>\n

Southwest Music Teacher<\/p>\n

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Southwest Fine Arts Dates 2018-19<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Harvest Fest Talent Show Auditions (4th<\/sup> and 5th<\/sup> grades<\/em>)-<\/strong>Monday, September 10, 2018, 3:30 p.m., HS Choir Room.<\/p>\n

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Harvest Festival (4th<\/sup> and 5th<\/sup> grades)-<\/em><\/strong>Sunday, September 23, 2018 Geneseo City Park (rain location HS Gym)<\/p>\n