The workshop, ‘Making Cultural Connections through Philippine Songs, Spoken Rhymes, Games, and Dance,’ hosted by the Kodály Association of Southern California on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Azusa Pacific University, was an absolute blast! From the moment I walked through the door, I could tell it was going to be a fun day. Everyone who was there in person was so excited to jump into the activities—there was such a great vibe! I hope the online participants had just as much fun with all the exciting activities we had lined up. Huge thanks to the KASC Board for the invitation, and I can’t wait to be back with you all next year!
List of publications used in this workshop
- Aweng ti Kailokuan: The Musical Heritage of the Ilocanos, Book One
- Aweng ti Kailokuan: The Musical Heritage of the Ilocanos, Book Two
- Philippine Children’s Songs, Spoken Rhymes, and Games for Teaching, Book One & Two
- Musical Folk Games of Manila, Philippines
- Tarong, Kamatis, Paria (Eggplant, Tomato, Bitter Melon)
- Tinikling: Traditional Philippine Bamboo Dance Choral Arrangement in Unison with Descant
Here's what the attendees loved about this workshop!
Dr. Factora is a creative, dynamic, and engaging presenter, who invites all educators to join her in preserving musical traditions for future generations. My favorite takeaway from today’s workshop was her crash course on how to introduce melodic question and answer in the music classroom. Thank you for providing a Zoom option as there are many reasons attendees may not be able to participate in – person. As a Zoom participant I felt acknowledged and engaged whenever possible.
Jar-el Garcia
Music Teacher | Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District • California, U.S.A.
Biggest takeaway: Examples of ways to connect with students in a meaningful and musical way through their different cultures/languages.
Wonderful presentation! I wish we could have stayed all day or all weekend. I love the joy you exude while teaching. Thank you for being here!
Renee Gehlbach
Elementary Music Teacher | Covina-Valley Unified School District
Associate Conductor | National Children’s Chorus • California, U.S.A.
I really appreciated that Miriam showed us songs recorded from the source, and that we were learning authentic songs that are now being used in the classroom. Miriam’s passion, excitement, and energy are so contagious and really help to spark a genuine fascination for Philippine musical culture. She is so great at showing teachers how to teach not just the songs but also the musical concepts that can be taught with the songs, and was very responsive when participants had questions to clarify how instructions could be given. I hope to keep being able to learn from Miriam as she has such contagious joy that she shares with others as she shares music. |
Joy Tang
K-2 Music Teacher | Bullis Charter Schools • Los Altos, California, U.S.A.