Director of Teaching & Learning Miles Azzeh's Academic Spotlight: Aaron Edwards and Blake Vignery
Our Lansing USD 469 teachers are incredible at engaging our students in fantastic learning opportunities to reach their full potential every day in our district. To highlight and bring recognition to this great work, Director of Teaching and Learning Miles Azzeh will be regularly shining a spotlight on a stand-out teacher through "academic spotlights."
This week's academic spotlight goes to LMS/LHS band teachers Aaron Edwards and Blake Vignery and their fantastic work with their students. I was fortunate enough to be invited into their 6th-grade band class to see them in action as they practiced for the Fine Arts Fair on May 10th at the middle school. This performance will only be part of a busy month for the band program here in Lansing, with different groups showcasing their talents:
May 7th: The Jazz Band will perform at the "Jazz-a-Que," hosted by the LHS Jazz Bands
May 13th: The percussion students will perform at the "Extreme Percussion Show" at LMS
"We are always excited to share our talented students with the community!" said Mr. Edwards.
In addition to the beautiful music I was afforded the opportunity to listen to, it was great seeing both teachers utilizing effective instructional practices to help guide the students in their learning. Mr. Vignery led them in a warmup activity and constantly monitored and checked for understanding. Mr. Edwards led them in playing the music, stopping at critical points to give specific students or groups directions on improving. Both teachers play off each other masterfully.
The class was not small in size, but it was apparent that both Mr. Edwards and Mr. Vignery have made genuine relationships with all of their students. Whether it was giving advice, redirecting them to stay on task, or answering questions, both teachers were patient and genuine in their help.
"We have great students in all of our music classes, which makes coming to school very enjoyable day in and day out," said Mr. Vignery.
It's evident that the students love being in class as well:
"I love awesome and fun my teachers are," said MacKenna Bomar.
"I like how Mr. Vignery and Mr. Edwards are always willing to help and teach us while being so chill makes this a fun class," said Luke Withers
"I like that class can be challenging sometimes, and we always do something. Even if the teachers are not always working with the trombones," said Bella Hough.
"I like that they are willing to teach a class that normal teachers don't. Also, they are more patient with the class as well," said Jacob Finningin
The students also spoke about their enjoyment of how their teachers vary how their classes are run:
"I like that they make class fun. It's not strictly working; we clap out rhythms, we sing different parts of our song, and they're both really funny," said Nichole Mack
"What I like about this class is that sometimes when we do a good job playing our instruments, we can do something fun a couple of minutes before class ends," said Devin Dominick
Both teachers expressed how their goals are more than just preparing for performances; they want the students to appreciate music more and strive to grow as musicians.
"My goal for all of our music students is for them to develop a love and appreciation for music," said Mr. Vignery.
"Our middle school bands have grown in ability so much in the past year. I am proud of how far they have come and excited to see them continue next year," said Mr. Edwards.
I'll end this with a quote from Mr. Edwards about our district's music programs and the overall support they receive:
"I also enjoy working with the other amazing music teachers we have in this district, and we have a great working relationship with the same goals for our young musicians. I'm also thankful we have a school district that supports the performing arts so well. We are blessed."
Great job, Mr. Edwards and Mr. Vignery!