I always like to think of the beginning of the New Year as a fresh start. It's a time to renew your love of teaching, try new and innovative ideas, and stretch yourself. Hopefully you have something new planned which will challenge yourself and your students.

We have a fantastic lineup of sessions in the Elementary room at our In-Service Workshop which will give you great ideas to use instantly in your classroom. On Thursday, we welcome Susan Brumfield as she gives us great skill building activities and singing games for our music classroom. Susan comes to us from Texas and we are excited to hear her strategies for improving our work with student voices.

Friday features our KMEA All-State Elementary Choir clinician Elaine Quilichini as she shares her favorite repertoire in our reading session and discusses modeling for children in her clinician spotlight session. We also will host Michele Kashub and Janice Smith as they demonstrate how to use film scoring and composition with even our youngest students. Their instructional strategies and use of instruments will inspire you to start composing with your children immediately!

Denise Gagne rounds out our headliners with her sessions on Listening Fun, Rhythm Instrument Fun, and Singing Games both Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. Denise comes to us from Canada and is a master of engaging students through classroom instruments, manipulatives, and singing games. Her energetic activities will leave you inspired and ready to try new things in your classroom.

We are fortunate enough to feature four elementary performing groups this year. The Andover Trojan Children's Choir, Hutchinson 6th Grade Honor Choir, Geary County Children's Choir, and the Olathe Madison Place Elementary Mallet Ensemble will be performing throughout the In-Service Workshop. You will definitely want to hear these excellent groups and support our teachers from around the state.

As you can see, we have a packed schedule full of great ideas, excellent clinicians, and wonderful performances. Be sure to plan early to attend this year's In-Service Workshop.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me with any concerns or feedback concerning our Elementary schedule. I look forward to seeing many of you in just a few weeks!