Valley View students are learning through a variety of different methods. The three main methods I use at the elementary level are: Edwin Gordon's Music Learning Theory as well as the Kodaly and Orff Methods. 

Music Learning Theory: Much like learning a language, MLT (Music Learning Theory) is about whole/part/whole sequencing as well as hearing before reading. The students first learn about audiation, or how to hear and comprehend music in their mind. It is the foundation of all musicianship.  I teach this through singing, movement, and tonal & rhythm pattern instruction before introducing the students to any form of notation. I then use the Kodaly and Orff methods to enhance this idea and move the students to notation.

Kodaly: Like all learning should be, the Kodaly method is student centered with sequencing! It was developed in the early 20th century, and focuses on expressive and creative skills of musicianship.  Here are the five central principals of the Kodaly method. 

1. Music should be taught from a young age. Kodaly believed that music was among, if not the most important subject to teach in schools! 

2. Music should be taught in a logical and sequential manner. 

3. There should be pleasure in learning music; learning should not be torturous. 

4. The voice is the most accessible, universal instrument! 

5. The musical material is taught in the context of the mother-tongue folk song. 

Orff: This method was developed in the 1920s and combines music, speech, movement and drama into music lessons. The idea behind this is it is how a child plays naturally. While Kodaly and MLT focus more on the voice, I use the Orff method to teach class instruments such as xylophones, drums & the beloved boomwhackers! 

For more information on my approach to teaching music, feel free to send me an email or call me at Valley View extention 129! 

Please see the letter below for all of the information you need for your 4th grader! 

All 5th and 6th graders have the opportunity to join morning choir! We meet one day a week in the mornings at 8:00 am. If you are interested in joining morning choir, please print and sign both permission forms found below. Or, come to the music room to pick up a permission slip! Forms are due September 24th and our first rehearsal will on October 1, 2025.

5th through 8th graders can join Pop Choir! All students in another choir or band are welcome to join! See below for the permission forms, or stop by the music room! Forms are due by September 25, 2025, and our first rehearsal will be on October 2, 2025. 

My name is Kathryn Brennan. I am one of two music teachers here in Lebanon Township. 2025-2026 is my ninth year teaching at Valley View & Woodglen! I teach pre-k through third grade general music, and co-teach fourth grade with Mr. Weber. I also teach sixth grade general music, and seventh and eighth grade choir. I run an extra curricular choir for 5th and 6th graders on Wednesday mornings! Click here for more information!

Pop choir will also be running again this year on Thursday mornings at 8:00 am. Click here for more information! 

 I am a graduate of Rowan University. I graduated Cum Laude in 2017 with two Bachelor's Degrees. One, a Bachelor of Arts in Subject Matter Education: Music and the second a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Music Education. 

Need to contact me? Please email me at: kbrennan@lebtwpk8.org

Thank you for your consideration to buy something for my classroom! 

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