Alaska teachers visit Mississippi State for musical training

From left, teachers Sophia Larson, Mary Tony, Ruth Decker, and Eliza Wassillie came to Mississippi State to acquire music skills to take back to their classrooms in Nunapitchuk, Alaska.

Four preschool and elementary teachers from remote Alaska are among 25 teachers from around the region visiting Mississippi State for a two-week music education workshop.

The Orff Schulwerk teacher training program is now in its fifth year at Mississippi State. "The program is a unique approach to teaching music that combines music, language and movement," said coordinator Ellen Boles of the Department of Music Education. "It uses music in teaching math, science, reading, and social studies skills."

The Alaska teachers, two of whom are Yup'ik Eskimos, say they enrolled in the program because the instructors were recommended highly. “We're learning lots of wonderful musical games,” said elementary teacher Ruth Decker of Nunapitchuk.

"This is giving us skills to help children develop beat and rhythm," added Sophia Larson, a preschool teacher. "It's a way for someone who teaches in the bush like we do to provide music even if they don't have a background in music."

The specialized training emphasizes ensemble playing using a special set of instruments much like a xylophone. For one activity, participants will make their own Eskimo drums. They also learn how to introduce poems and drama into their classroom teaching.

"One of the things I really like about the program is that we're learning to celebrate other cultures," said Mary Tony, a kindergarten teacher from Nightmute. "All of these activities help make learning fun."

When they return home, they will take ideas to Native American students whose villages are accessible only by plane or snowmobile. At Nunapitchuk, where all four will teach this fall, there are approximately 140 total students from preschool through high school.

"This will give us ways to encourage our students to become more involved in their own educational process," said Eliza Wassillie, a preschool teacher.

All say they've enjoyed the renowned Mississippi hospitality. "Everyone has been wonderful," they say. "Except for the humidity, Mississippi is a beautiful state."