Thinking Outside the Zoom Box: Discovering Resilience, Innovation, and Creating Valuable Experiences for Ensembles During the Pandemic

Conference: The IAFOR International Conference on Arts & Humanities in Hawaii (IICAH2022)
Title: Thinking Outside the Zoom Box: Discovering Resilience, Innovation, and Creating Valuable Experiences for Ensembles During the Pandemic
Stream: Arts - Performing Arts Practices: Theater, Dance, Music
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Authors:
Kira Omelchenko, Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada
Colleen Ferguson, Texas A&M University, United States

Abstract:

Due to the pandemic environment, music educators and students have found themselves in challenging situations ranging from entirely online/virtual to fully in-person and face-to-face physically distanced ensemble rehearsals. This session will provide participants with insights and strategies to tackle challenges of various remote and in-person large ensemble rehearsal situations, as well as inspire attendees to find the opportunities through the obstacles. Participants will learn strategies for building resilience, creating innovation and cross-disciplinary projects, and providing quality experiences for students in virtual, hybrid, and socially distanced in-person educational settings. Strategies presented are gathered from the presenters’ first-hand experiences with their large orchestral ensembles (ranging from 50-70 students) during the pandemic. Presenters will provide insights on what has worked well, challenges faced, technologies applied, and lessons learned during the process. They will also introduce various creative strategies to highlight collaboration and create a sense of community and belonging in a remote environment. Attendees will gain ideas and learn unique teaching concepts for the music ensemble in the current environment including fully remote instruction, hybrid instruction, and in-person settings. Topics such as utilizing the audio Jamulus platform, working synchronously with students from various time zones, how to engage students with limited access to technology and internet/WiFi, wellness for the instructor and students, finding value and motivation, meaningful assessment, and embracing technology will be discussed. A student panel will join the presenters (virtually) to provide students’ perspectives.



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