An Interview with Ms. Janet Mudge

(This interview was conducted by Mr. Michael Cantu and first published in the March 22, 2012 eFC (PDF).)

Ms. Mudge, you have served here for many years. When did you start and how did you develop your passion for Music?

Holy Rosary School has blessed me with the privilege of teaching music for over 13 years now. It’s something I have appreciated from the beginning and continue to recognize as a worthwhile opportunity in exposing children to a variety of musical experiences. My family was very musical and encouraged me in developing the use of my singing voice, learning to play various musical instruments, and utilize other musical talents such as dance and acting in musical theater.

You recently began graduate studies in Music. Tell us about the program you are in and how you see this benefiting your teaching and ultimately, the students here.

Last August I entered Lesley University’s Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction: Integrated Teaching Through the Arts program. I have enjoyed completing the first three courses of this cohort format and happy to report that I am almost one-third the way through! This program enhances the individual creativity of teachers and serves as advanced training for educators to integrate the arts into the school curriculum. I truly appreciate this program as it allows me to gain skills that transfer directly to the music classroom. Through experiential learning in the arts, my teaching skills are strengthened and I’m becoming a more imaginative, reflective, and creative teacher. Each course addresses innovative strategies for differentiated learning, critical literacy, the application of state and national standards, assessment, and the application of technology and multimedia.

Many schools have eliminated the Arts from the school curriculum, why do you see this as shortsighted? How can we further develop our Music program here?

It is difficult to hear of schools that have cut their Arts programs for the sake of budget. We are so very fortunate to afford a variety of specialist classes here at Holy Rosary. Research supports that the arts provide a powerful means to improving general education and Holy Rosary is no exception to this as seen in our testing scores and graduate placement. The arts invite students to be active participants in their world rather than mere observers, drawing the student into stretching their imaginative thought processes, teaching self-discipline, communication, and craftsmanship. Inevitably, the arts covey a sense of time and place that transports students, helping them go beyond mere facts to experience the past in a more personal way. To have a classroom specifically designated for music and equipped with a Smart Board is true blessing. Grant monies from our school families have graciously funded most all of our musical instruments and resources. We can maintain an interest in conveying the value of the arts to our children and the importance and benefits that our specialist classes provide. Continued support from the parent community, administration, and faculty is valued and much appreciated, and witnesses our joint commitment to the arts.

I understand that we will be once again have a Advent Music program. Have you already started planning for this? How busy do you get around the Christmas season?

Planning for next year’s program typically starts with a review of the previous years program soon after it’s completion. Advent is a meaningful time in our liturgical calendar and choosing appropriate repertoire is an enjoyable process. In past years each grade has performed an Advent-themed and a “fun” seasonal song, as well as a grand finale number. In years past, we have coordinated with the school band and performed a musical selection together. With the pre-Christmas rush upon everyone including Holy Rosary School, the load is lightened a bit with the annual holiday program helping to get people in the “Christmas spirit”. There is nothing that is more rewarding in my job than watching the kids use their talents. I’m so grateful to have a part in making this come about for our community!

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