Renaissance Academy Faculty Presents at National Conference

On Friday, April 23, 2021, Renaissance Academy (RA) music teachers, Eileen Keller and Stephan Hayes presented at the 2021 National Association for Music Education (NAfME) Eastern Division Conference.

Mrs. Keller and Mr. Hayes submitted their proposed session presentation, “Buckets of Fun” to the NAfME and it was selected for the 2021 conference. “Buckets of Fun” involves students using buckets or other household items to create music during class. It proved to be a relatively easy, fun, and inexpensive way to enhance the student musical experience in a virtual classroom environment.

Presenting to a virtual “full house”, the Renaissance Academy music teachers’ presentation also included audience participation, with the attendees bucket-drumming along at home.

Mrs. Keller credited RA students with the inspiration for “Buckets of Fun”. “This presentation came about because of our RA students in music class using found sounds and bucket drumming for our curriculum this year!” She also was extremely impressed by her co-presenter, Mr. Hayes. “He did an amazing job leading the presentation with me and I could not be more proud of his efforts, musicianship, and ability to engage our students and the conference attendees”

About the National Association of Music Education (NAfME):

Among the world’s largest arts education organizations, NAfME is the only association that addresses all aspects of music education. Advocating at the local, state, and national level, the organization provides resources for teachers, parents, and administrators including hosting professional development events. Since 1907, NAfME has worked to ensure that every student has access to a well-balanced, comprehensive, and high-quality program of music instruction taught by qualified teachers.

About the RA Faculty Presenters:

Eileen Keller teaches music K-6 at Renaissance Academy Charter School in Phoenixville, PA. She is also the Elementary Chorus director and Fine Arts Lead Teacher K-12 at her school. Eileen Keller is the Artistic Director of the Kennett Symphony Children's Chorus in residence at West Chester University. Mrs. Keller received her Bachelor's and Master's degree in Music Education from West Chester University School of Music. As part of her Master's Degree, she earned her Level IV Kodaly certification. Mrs. Keller is an active member of the Organization of American Kodaly Educators (OAKE) and PMEA. Mrs. Keller was the guest conductor for the District 12 7-8 grade choral fest in March 2018. Of great importance to Mrs. Keller is helping students gain musical literacy through Kodaly teaching techniques, to facilitate understanding of the significance of folk songs and their tie to a time, people, and place in history, and awakening her students to the emotional impact of music.

Stephan Hayes teaches Grades 5 and 6 General Music as well as Lower School Band at Renaissance Academy Charter School. He received his Bachelor's degree in Music Education from West Chester University. He holds level 1 Certificates in both Orff and Kodaly. Mr. Hayes taught General Music in China and was inspired by the multicultural environment to highlight world music exploration in the classroom. As a lifetime musician, singer and songwriter, Mr. Hayes also advocates the relevance of Modern Band in curriculum. He believes that music is a synthesis of all academic disciplines and that students of all learning types have the ability to create, perform and express themselves through music.

About Renaissance Academy:

Established in 1999, Renaissance Academy is a fully-accredited, K-12, award-winning, tuition-free, college prep charter school located in Phoenixville, PA. Renaissance Academy was named one of US News & World Report’s 2020 Best High Schools in America. More information about the school can be found at www.rak12.org