Sigma Alpha Iota

sai-national.org • Spring 2025 13 By Marybeth Lambert M usic has always been a huge part of my life, and I believe it can really change people's lives. It's not just about learning notes and rhythms; it's about creating a space where everyone can express themselves and connect with different cultures. Thanks to a generous grant from Sigma Alpha Iota, I was able to pursue my Level Two World Drumming certification. This experience has completely changed the way I teach and how my elementary music students engage with music. When I applied for the Professional Development Grant, I had a clear goal in mind: I wanted to dive deeper into world drumming and bring that knowledge back to my classroom. The financial support helped cover the costs of the course. The program itself was intense and required a lot of hard work. I learned advanced techniques and got to explore the rich cultural backgrounds behind different drumming styles. Each session was hands-on, with expert instructors who shared their passion for drumming. It was incredible to discover how diverse and meaningful drumming is in various cultures. With all this new knowledge, my teaching style has changed dramatically. Before the course, I focused mostly on Western music traditions. While that's important, I realized I needed to broaden my curriculum. The certification gave me the tools to introduce rhythms and techniques from around the world. Now, I incorporate elements of African, Latin American, and Asian drumming into my lessons. This not only enriches my students' musical experience, but also helps them understand and appreciate cultures different from their own. Drumming has a unique way of grabbing students' attention. I've seen how excited my students get when we do drumming activities. After my training, I created a series of drumming units that are fun and engaging. For example, I set up ensemble drumming sessions where students play together, learning to listen and respond to each other. This collaboration helps build a sense of community in the classroom, encouraging students to support one another. I also introduced improvisation exercises, where they can express themselves while still being part of a group. The certification allowed me to dive deeper into my curriculum. I developed a drumming module that meets national music education standards while promoting cultural diversity. This module includes lessons about the history of drumming, the importance of rhythm in different musical traditions, and how drumming plays a role in celebrations and communities. I even started using technology, like online resources and drumming apps, to make lessons more interactive and engaging. This way, students can explore rhythms and drumming outside of class. One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been seeing my students grow in confidence. Many of them who were shy about music have really found their voices through drumming. They look forward to lessons and are eager to participate. Working together as a group has taught them important skills like teamwork and communication, which are valuable beyond just music class. Plus, drumming helps with their coordination and focus. It's amazing to see them express their feelings through music, creating a safe space where they can connect with one another. As a music teacher, I've always wanted to create an inclusive curriculum that represents various cultures. This certification has been key in achieving this goal. By incorporating different drumming styles and backgrounds into my lessons, I'm teaching my students to appreciate diversity and understand different cultures. This is especially important today, as we live in an interconnected world. Music can bridge cultural gaps, and exposing my students to different traditions helps them become more empathetic and culturally aware. Looking back on my journey and the support from Sigma Alpha Iota, I feel incredibly grateful. The grant made it possible for me to pursue my Level Two World Drumming certification and opened up so many opportunities for my students. I'm excited to keep exploring new rhythms, bringing them into my classroom, and sharing the joy of world drumming. The impact of this grant has been huge—transforming my teaching style, diversifying my curriculum, and enriching the experiences of my students. Together, we're building a vibrant and inclusive music community, one beat at a time. SAI Philanries, Inc. World Music Drumming Marybeth Lambert Marybeth Lambert in 2024 and in 2024 and 2019, below. 2019, below.

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