Mr. Sims - Orff Music Specialist
What a thrill it is to teach at Donelson Elementary! Prior to coming to Donelson, I taught music at Southwind Elementary for 12 years. I am married to my beautiful wife, Shey and I have two children – Casey and Josiah. I am active in my church’s Music Ministry and direct the Youth Choir (7th – 12th grades).
When I am not teaching music, I love to write and arrange music and I also love going to the movies with my family - especially the Drive-In!! I love going to Broadway Musicals when I have the chance - my son, Josiah loves them and wants to perform in them soon!!
In class, I use the Orff Schulwerk method for all of my music classes. The four components of this method are SING – SAY – DANCE – PLAY. I believe that, in music, students learn more by “DOING”. Students will experience singing and movement as well as instrument performance during class sessions. BUT, most of all, students will be engaged in active learning and participating in songs, folk music, nursery rhymes, poetry, music theory, and various musical styles (Jazz, Blues, Classical, Hip-Hop, Rock ‘n Roll, Swing, Spirituals).
My Philosophy:
(1) All students can succeed in my classroom.
(2) All students can feel safe.
(3) All students can be free to make mistakes.
(4) All students will be challenged, encouraged, and motivated to do their very best.
My Beliefs:
(1) I believe all students can thrive in the music classroom.
(2) I believe that music can reach students that other subjects can not.
(3) I believe the music classroom should be energetic, exciting, challenging, and NEVER BORING!!!
When I am not teaching music, I love to write and arrange music and I also love going to the movies with my family - especially the Drive-In!! I love going to Broadway Musicals when I have the chance - my son, Josiah loves them and wants to perform in them soon!!
In class, I use the Orff Schulwerk method for all of my music classes. The four components of this method are SING – SAY – DANCE – PLAY. I believe that, in music, students learn more by “DOING”. Students will experience singing and movement as well as instrument performance during class sessions. BUT, most of all, students will be engaged in active learning and participating in songs, folk music, nursery rhymes, poetry, music theory, and various musical styles (Jazz, Blues, Classical, Hip-Hop, Rock ‘n Roll, Swing, Spirituals).
My Philosophy:
(1) All students can succeed in my classroom.
(2) All students can feel safe.
(3) All students can be free to make mistakes.
(4) All students will be challenged, encouraged, and motivated to do their very best.
My Beliefs:
(1) I believe all students can thrive in the music classroom.
(2) I believe that music can reach students that other subjects can not.
(3) I believe the music classroom should be energetic, exciting, challenging, and NEVER BORING!!!