Abstract
As I start this new academic year, I am excited for the opportunity to try new ideas in my classes, expand collaborations with colleagues across disciplines, and form new musical friendships. I have always loved going “back to school.”
I am also excited for my three children—all of whom are in the same elementary school—and starting a new journey in fifth grade, second grade, and kindergarten. The anticipation of sending my children off to a new school climate brings with it many anxieties as well. Will they like school? Will they make friends? Who will be their music teacher? And now, more than ever, is their school environment safe?
In the past few months, many events have rattled the nation and subsequently will become the center of discourse in classrooms. I think about this as well, and what equity and social justice will mean for my children’s generation, and how we can support social justice through music. What are the ways you help your students connect with each other through sound, rhythm, and lyrics? How do we invite those who are not familiar with American folk songs to share their native music, to know that they, too, are represented—and safe—in school?
Since becoming editor for General Music Today, I have tried to make the journal a platform for voices that may not necessarily have been heard in academic publications. That included expanding our editorial committee to include not just faculty in higher education, but practicing K–12 teachers, and encouraging the publication of articles on topics that may not necessarily be “traditional” musical ideas. I am grateful to the editorial committee who read multiple revisions of your work—our submissions have doubled in the past year!
I also hope you read the wonderful columns in each issue, written by experts in the fields of arts integration, classroom management, and special education, to name a few. I want to take a moment and also thank Lisa Koops for her time as the early childhood columnist and welcome Chiao-wei Liu, who will be writing a column focusing on social justice in the general music classroom. I think the topics in each column are timely and relevant. And, as readers, if you have ideas—please send them in!
I hope that these perspectives have encouraged you to think about your own classroom setting and I look forward to reading your submissions and articles on how we can further strengthen the general music classroom. I am so proud of the work we are doing together as music educators and, as always, thank you for reading General Music Today.
Here’s to a wonderful, safe, and inspiring academic year!