can do this, they
can do anything.”
As the
students
progress through
elementary
school, their
musical skills
evolve as they
learn healthy
vocal development and ensemble singing, and the shows add
in instrumental and dance components. Through their music
classes students learn how to play the recorder, xylophone,
glockenspiel, and even a boomwhacker, and the shows feature
that aspect of their learning. Pleasant Valley also adds in some
sounds of the rainforest using rhythm percussion and bird calls
and urban rhythms for their Pittsburgh show using five gallon
buckets.
Students also display their dance moves during such features
as the “Dinosaur Two-Step,” the Italian tarantella dance and the
Black and Gold Boogie Woogie. At Bower Hill the third grade
students play a role in writing the songs as well.
Tupper stresses the importance of all students having the
opportunity to take part, with 3rd grade being the last time that
will happen unless the student opts to join the chorus, orchestra
or band.
“By the end of third grade, every student has the
fundamentals of music literacy,” said Tupper. “This is the first step
toward actually reading music. If they choose to participate in a
performing ensemble at McMurray, they have the foundation.”
While the musical skills are impressive, the students are also
learning an excitement for the arts in many forms through the
shows.
“Early in the year, I look at the skills of each group of students
and determine what class feature will suit the class,” explained
Viola. “The excitement on the day we announce who has what
feature is palpable. They are beyond excited.”
Viola adds that it’s not just their musical talents on display,
but the students are also learning collaboration, leadership and
critical thinking.
“Our musical
productions
celebrate all the
gifts we have as
people,” she said.
“There is a place
for everyone in
music.”
GET TO KNOW: JAMIE ONEY
What made you want to become a
teacher?
I always knew I wanted to have a career
where I would be working with people.
During my senior year of High School
at PTHS, I volunteered in a third grade
classroom at Pleasant Valley as part of
the Community Service course. From this
experience, I knew I wanted to pursue a
career in Elementary Education.
I
n any visit to our schools you will
encounter talented and dedicated
individuals who make each child’s
school day fun and challenging. In
each issue, we are profiling some of our
staff members to help parents and the
community get to know some of these
people. This month, we asked McMurray
5th grade teacher and Peters Township
native Jamie Oney to answer our
questions. We wanted everyone to get to
know Mrs. Oney!
68
PETERS TOWNSHIP
What other interesting jobs have you
held?
I worked as a babysitter for several
families while I was on summer and
holiday breaks from college. After
finishing graduate school in 2003, I
moved to Virginia and taught in the
Fairfax County Public Schools as a
learning support teacher. Four years later,
I moved back home to Peters Township to
continue my teaching career.
What is your favorite thing to do
outside of the classroom?
My husband and I have three boys
(ages 8, 6, and 4) and a dog. I am often
busy attending activities and games for
my children. I also enjoy spending time
outside and taking trips to the beach
each summer with my family.
What has been one of your favorite
projects/events at McMurray?
The Young Entrepreneur Fair is one
of my favorite events held at McMurray
each year. This event is a combined
effort of the McMurray staff, students,
parents, family members, members of
the business community, and the Junior
Achievement program. I have served as
an adviser for students in this program.
Leading up to this event, the students
create a small business, design a unique
product, then produce and sell that
product at the McMurray Arts Festival
in the spring. Proceeds from the fair go
toward a charity chosen by each group.
I attend the fair each year with my
children. They love to purchase all of the
great products!
What do you wish every student would
know after a year in your classroom?
I hope that my students leave my
classroom with a love for learning and
look back on their fifth grade year with
good memories and a feeling of success.