Our 2018 Beacon Scholarship Recipient: Theresa Iacarino

ACEMM is pleased to announce our 2018 Beacon Scholarship recipient, Theresa Iacarino. Terri is the vocal/general music teacher at Joppa View Elementary School in Baltimore County, Maryland. As a member of the Maryland Music Educators’ Association, she serves as the MMEA Technology Chairperson, coordinating professional development opportunities for music educators in the state.

Terri holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in music education from Towson University, where she also received a certificate in Dalcroze, Orff, and Kodaly pedagogies. She is currently completing a master of education in School Improvement Leadership with Administrative I Certification from Goucher College.

As a clinician, Terri has presented general music and technology workshops for music educators and pre-service teachers in Baltimore County, MMEA, and Towson University. This summer will be Terri’s fourth year serving on a summer workshop committee for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, in which she works to create arts-integrated, interactive teacher guides to prepare students for field trips to the symphony’s Midweek Concert Series. Additionally, she has collaborated with colleagues in writing and revising the general music curriculum for Baltimore County Public Schools.

You can read Terri’s article, Rhythm Games to Engage and Motivate Young Musicians, featured on NAfME’s “Music in a Minuet” blog.

Terri used the Beacon Scholarship to provide the 5th grade students at Joppa View Elementary School in Perry Hall, MD with drum circles led by world-renowned drum circle facilitator, Nellie Hill.  Students used percussion instruments as an outlet to create a safe space for creativity and self-expression in music class. Each homeroom received 75-minutes of instruction with Ms. Hill making curricular connections to music from East-African cultures and exploring how their personal culture and heritage is represented and celebrated within the JVE school community.  Students learned drumming techniques and cultural preferences regarding ways to perform call-and-response songs from Kenya. Ms. Hill also taught the students the welcome/greeting song “Twaingia” and the accompanying dance. After three days of daytime drum circle instruction with their homeroom teacher and music teacher, Ms. Hill led an evening drum circle for the friends and families of the 5th grade students.  

“We learned to play the drums the right way.” – V.T.

 “We also played small percussion and there were instruments from different countries.” – L.D.

“It was difficult to play different parts on the drums, but it was loads of fun.” – P.T.

“It was a cultural smorgasbord of fun.  It was great to see students who don’t typically engage in traditional learning being actively involved.” – Mr. Kuczmynda

“The drum circle experience was amazing!  It was a lesson in teamwork and cooperation. I loved getting to see a different side of my students – such talented musicians!!” – Mrs. Nietubicz

“Drum Circles are the best!” – K.A.

“Using the ACEMM scholarship to bring in such an amazing performing artist to teach my students and lead the community was the most useful and personalized professional development I have ever received as an educator.  There is much to be learned from Ms. Hill such as how she interacts with students and how she breaks down complicated pieces to make the music attainable, meaningful, and enjoyable for students. This scholarship supported my curricular needs and the social/emotional needs of my students as we build a multicultural music program at Joppa View.  ACEMM is a supportive organization to work with because they are music educators who encourage and motivate their colleagues to provide the best opportunities for their students. It is was an honor and a privilege to be their ACEMM 2018 Beacon Scholarship Winner. It is my recommendation that all music teachers to apply for this scholarship to provide your students with unique and memorable musical opportunities.  “