Music Teacher Tip #13 - Holiday Music

Music Teacher Tip #13 - #HolidayMusic:

😢 Don’t be sad, but...

Halloween is approaching. So is Christmas. As tempting as it is, avoid the following:

🧹 Songs about witches, witchcraft, or 👻 ghosts 🎃 Songs about “Halloween” ⚰️ Death (especially for younger students) 🔗 Magic

You may be able to get away with it, but you also may risk alienating a student or the student’s family and end up in your principal’s office talking about the separation of church and state. Just because you celebrate it doesn’t mean your students do.

Instead, choose 🍁 fall music, 🎃 pumpkin songs, 😱 music that’s creepy or dark. Here’s an example of one that’s appropriate:

https://www.jwpepper.com/Darkness-Fell/10984374.item#/

🎄 Also avoid religious Christmas songs like Silent Night. ❄️ Generally, songs like “Jingle Bells” ⛄️ and “Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderland” are safe.

Imagine how you would feel if you were in the minority and you were not allowed to sing the majority of the music your teacher selected. 😢

I know this may be controversial, but consider the needs of the minority too. There is plenty of good music out there that’s not overtly religious and doesn’t leave anyone out. ❤️

If you have your heart set on something that may be questionable, at least run the octavos by your principal so they can have your back in case a parent or student complains.

Good luck! Happy autumn! 🍁