OkMEA Retired Music Teacher Directory
Welcome to the new and improved Retired Music Teacher Member Directory! The new directory is searchable and you can view each entry by clicking on the first name of the retiree. If you would like to join the directory, click here to fill out the form and upload your picture!
| Picture |  |
|---|---|
| Retired Teacher Name | Sandra J. (Browning) Fitzgerald |
| Spouse | David |
| Children | Brandon and Jonathan |
| Address | 804 Janet Street Tahlequah, OK 74464 Map It |
| Phone | (918) 456-3944 |
| In what year did you retire from teaching? | 2004 |
| How many years did you teach? | 44 |
| Degrees Earned (start with most recent) | Northeastern State University - Tahlequah, OK - MME: Piano, Voice, Jazz - 1990 |
| Other Training Institutions (certifications, etc.) | Ball State University - Muncie, IN - Orff I Certification |
| Teaching Positions (start with the most recent) | 1994-2004 - Cherokee and Central Elementary - Tahlequah, OK - General Music Grades 1-6 |
| Teaching Highlights (ensemble accomplishments, personal accomplishments, etc.) | In 1968 I took my 2nd graders to the University of Houston music methods classes to demonstrate Orff and Kodály techniques-children played melodic instruments, sang and signed, sight read vocally, and took musical dictation on their staff chalkboards. From 1965 to 2004, my students did in-class demonstrations for parents, administrators, and community. My numerous school programs were hands-on. Students did the accompanying on Orff instruments. I presented in-service programs for Tahlequah music teachers (Orff and Kodály) Took 25 first graders to NSU where they did Orff/Kodály activities for Dr. Foster's music methods classes. Taught NSU music methods classes for Dr. Gary Foster and Dr. Rob Bailey. Made videos of my classes (grades one and two) for Dr. Joy Nelson for her to use in her Kodály Concept I classes at the University of Oklahoma A bright spot in my career was having Marge Malone change from numbers to solfege because it made pedagogical sense to her. After 10 years, I can say there is much more awareness and hopefully new ideas are being utilized to enhance the music learning of our students. My greatest reward is seeing my former students and hearing: "Music was my most fun class." "You taught me to read music." "We always got to play the instruments and I always loved coming to music." |
| Professional Education Associations | MENC/OMEA Played cello for 15 years in the Ft. Smith Symphony Orchestra (still play in church) |
| Retirement Years (jobs, accomplishments, travel, etc.) | Church pianist, praise team members and a special music in our services at Tahlequah Church of the Nazarene. I still have a few private piano students. My major hobby is gardening. I have become a certified Master Gardener, am a past president of the Nasturtium Garden Cloud, am a Co-Sponsor of Sunflower Jr. Garden Club for 4th graders at Cherokee Elementary School in Tahlequah. I volunteer two hours per week with garden club, planting and maintaining gardens at the city park. We have traveled the US in our motor home. I have planted Knockout bush roses in Minnesota, Kansas, Nebraska, Texas, Missouri, and several locations in Oklahoma. |
Janis Dawson, OkMEA Past President
6721 Stonycreek Dr.
Oklahoma City, OK 73132
(405) 740-9306
[email protected]