Artist in Residence Info: 2012-2013!!! The following information is selected! from Monte s application to an Artist!!! on Tour Roster. It is available here! to help schools plan and prepare.!!! Page 1! Monte Selby Bio Info!!! Page 2! Program Description!!! Page 3! Educational Component!!! Page 4/5 Recommendation Letters!!! Page 6 One Week Draft Schedule!!! Page 7! Book & CD Descriptions BIOGRAPHY Dr. Monte Selby is an acclaimed singer and songwriter who helps people find their song. Known as education's songwriter, he has written hundreds of songs with over 20,000 students, educators, authors, and Grammy-winning musicians. In 2012, Monte s song, Check Your Attitude, was included on the Grammy Winning Best Children s Album! Monte s comical and insightful music featured on network television, radio, pod casts, and websites, and in books, stage productions, and videos is cultivated from an award-winning career as a teacher, middle school principal, and professor. Internationally sought after, he is a favorite presenter for keynote addresses, workshops, concerts, and artist residencies. Monte has co-authored eight books, numerous articles, and a leadership column for Middle Ground magazine. Monte loves to help students experience the power of writing lyrics and music, the joy of performing, and the intrigue of digital recording. Teachers describe his work with students as awesome and unforgettable. He comes from a family of hit songwriters and outstanding musicians, so it s no surprise young audiences applaud his school assemblies, classroom writing sessions, and community concerts. Using contagious humor, engaging activities, skillful talent, and enormous bounding energy, Monte captivates pre-schoolers to grandparents with an unforgettable musical experience. Monte s educational background includes teaching degrees in music and mathematics, with Master s and Doctorate degrees in school leadership. As a guitarist, singer, and songwriter, he has released five CDs for teachers and parents through MDM Records, Nashville. He has co-authored eight books, including a book/cd for Incentive Publications to help students learn and practice the six traits of effective writing through songwriting. Two dynamic books/cds for early language learners are published with Frog Street Press, Inc. Page 1
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Each residency with Monte Selby is an opportunity to actively engage students, parents, and teachers with music and songwriting. Monte will custom-design a day or a full week for each particular group. Possibilities include: Writing. Students brainstorm and develop original songs by exploring techniques used by hit songwriters. Students develop the music, appropriate to skill level. Composition skills are related to writing and communication techniques that students learn in school. Singing and recording. Songs are intentionally written to encourage student singing and participation. Songs are recorded and a CD is provided to the school. When time allows, students are involved in producing the song (appropriate to age level). Music industry. Monte can discuss aspects of the music industry with students who are already serious about music. They explore songwriters, artists, producers, publishers, engineers, etc. A choose your career game allows students to consider job requirements, income, and the not-so-glamorous lifestyle of living on a touring bus! School assemblies. Monte uses music (including new student compositions), stories, juggling, and interactive activities to engage students. Embedded in his message are themes of responsibility, kindness, the importance of writing, why the brain responds to music, and the value of collaboration. Community concerts. Residencies typically culminate with a community concert. Monte will showcase student writing and involve students in the performance. Staff development. Monte will spend time after school with staff when possible. He has co-authored books that help educators include music throughout the curriculum. Performance. Monte will encourage young musicians through guest conducting during music classes, meeting with guitar 101 classes, or including performance groups in the community concert. Page 2
EDUCATIONAL COMPONENT Monte Selby s residency work typically involves songwriter workshops (small groups of 20-50 students), all-school assemblies, and community concerts. Objectives for each residency include: Promoting the arts and the value music brings to academic, physical, social, and emotional health. Encouraging writing by helping young writers see that hit songwriters use many of the same skills learned in school, and that music can lend increased significance to every child s important ideas. Reinforcing the value of creativity. Demonstrating the benefits of collaboration and respect for others, not only in the music industry, but also in daily life. Monte integrates many state and national standards for music, and incorporates curricular standards (for example, related to writing) in his workshops and publications. His book with CD titled, How Does It Do What It Does? (Frog Street Press) addresses ten pre-k standards in science, incorporates literacy strategies, and integrates numerous music skills identified in the pre-k Music Benchmarks. Monte will plan with school leaders to integrate the objectives of the residency with ongoing goals of the school. Monte s lesson plans are well grounded in educational and current brain research. He directly involves all students, engages both reticent and gifted writers and musicians, and strategically involves all willing participants in performances. Monte Selby has co-authored eight books - each including a CD of high-engagement music. Regarding student writing, That s What I Need (Incentive Publications) outlines clearly how Monte connects songwriting to the six traits of effective writing, a process used in many North American schools. During each residency Monte records the original songs (typically involving students) and provides the school with a digital recording so that educators can forward songs to students, place on websites, etc. All students and staff are provided Monte s email address and phone for ongoing conversations and support. Page 3
Recommendation: Monte Selby As principal of Williston Middle School, I have had the privilege of knowing Monte Selby as both an educator and musician for five (5) years. As an audience participant at the National Middle School conferences, as well as, speaking to him after his presentations, I was determined to bring his magic to my staff, students, and community. Utilizing a grant from the North Dakota Council of Arts - Artist in Residency and school funds, I was able to host Monte Selby for an entire week last year, November 12-17, 2007. Monte Selby s enthusiasm and passion is contagious. Our teachers recognized Monte as an educator who recognized their heartfelt classroom journey. In Monte s presence, students quickly understood that he cared about them as individuals and challenged them to be successful in school and life. Finally, our community of parents and business leaders who attended our community events were not only entertained but appreciated his mission to connect to each person in a special way and bring about an excitement for life itself. Our week s theme was Making the World a Better Place. During this week, his generosity to share his many talents allowed me to utilize his talents literally from sun up until sun down. His energy and commitment allowed our school to accomplish activities and programs that well surpassed my expectations. He worked with teachers, conducted school assemblies, appeared on our school and local news shows, sponsored staff professional development sessions, jammed with all vocal and instrumental music students, worked individually and with groups of students to compose, perform and record songs, organized and performed evening concerts for the staff and community spotlighting student talent (both in song writing and performance), and visited elementary schools to share music, energy, and smiles. Throughout the week, our students would come up to him in the hallway or classroom and ask for him to read their writings. He not only accepted but would get back to them with feedback. It was amazing! I recommend without hesitation Monte Selby for consideration by the Kansas Art Commission for Artist in Residence. Monte s magic will reach young and old alike; I whole-heartedly believe the lives of those who share in his talents will be touched for a life time. Yours in Education, Marcia L. Armogost, Principal Willison Middle School Willison, North Dakota Page 4
Recommendation: Monte Selby To Whom It May Concern: I am writing this letter in recommendation of Dr. Monte Selby. I first met Dr. Selby at the National Middle School Conference in 2006 in Nashville, TN. My coworkers and I were so impressed with not only Dr. Selby s presentation, but also his obvious love and dedication to youth that we immediately set about planning for a way to have him visit our school district. Due to immense Community and School District support, we were able to have Dr. Monte Selby visit the Walla Walla School District for a week long presentation that has permanently impacted our District and Community. Dr. Selby worked with all six elementary schools, two middle schools, one alternative education high school, lead professional development at the elementary and middle school levels, as well as two evening events that were open to our entire community during his stay in Walla Walla, WA. At each school Dr. Selby visited, he worked with groups of students to write a school song centered on anti-bullying and kindness. He ended each visit with an all school assembly that included the anti-bullying message and a performance of each school s song. In visiting Walla Walla, Dr. Selby was faced with the new challenge of working with entire schools at the same time to song write. I was so impressed with his ability to work with up to 600 kids at one time while maintaining his easy going style and sense of humor. Dr. Selby s visit culminated with a community concert held at Whitman College. The concert was open to the community and each school was asked to join Dr. Selby on stage to sing their song. I can honestly say that I have never been part of such a moving and worthwhile experience and know that many parents, students and community members feel the same way. Dr. Selby has an innate ability to relate to all, regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. His love of music and the arts shines through in every moment that he spends educating youth. In a time where the arts are beginning to wane, Dr. Selby is not only a pleasure, but a necessity and I know that our district is already planning for his return. I strongly encourage your support of Dr. Selby and his program as he is truly dedicated to educating youth through the use of music and the arts. Sincerely, Angela B. Gardea Middle School Counselor agardea@wwps.org Page 5
DRAFT SCHEDULE: As a beginning structure, a week residency might look like: Pre-week. Send information to teachers who want classroom prep activities. Send songs for youngest students to learn for their concert assembly. Possible plans to Video Production - where, when, why things will be happening. Prep work with design students, dance, band, songwriters, etc. Inform all staff. Monday: Middle or High School: Period 1-4, English classes each explore concepts/ techniques used by hit songwriters to make songs unforgettable. Brainstorming for main idea will begin and a basic structure for the chorus. Each class developing song. Period 6. Meet with tech class to begin framing digital tracks Period 7/8. Meet with dance, art, or music performance groups (perhaps individual students) to explore song ideas and potential involvements. Tuesday: Meet with English classes to continue development of chorus. Explore the specific role of verse one, verse two, and bridge (or other possible song organization frameworks). Possible homework with graphic organizers to explore song idea. Period 6. Tech class assigns roles for the four songs, lay-out of song structure, and production ideas. Development of rhythm track will be underway Period 7/8. Storyboard work to explore performance options Wednesday: English classes work to clarify verses, push for descriptive writing, potential for use of metaphor, simile, hyperbole, alliteration, voice, fluency, etc. Invite feedback from writing teachers for students to consider. Period 6. Tech class song groups are working on instrumentation, working around/ supporting vocals. Production of no-vocal tracks that can support live performance Period 7/8. Assign roles and plan for Thursday after school rehearsals. Thursday: Morning classes complete the structure of the song and finish a performable draft. Other classes meet to rehearse. Bus/transportation considerations... Brew more coffee. Rehearsals. Design classes create program. Friday: English classes return with final chances to edit. Consider how lyrics will be displayed, with brainstorm and writing process. Writing classes prepare a 3 minute presentation to describe their writing process (at concert). Other groups have determined roles - who does what by when for this concert to be a powerful success. Evening performance. World premier of the four songs, plus monte/student written songs from schools around the country that compliment the content of the concert - humor, messages, song styles, etc. Provide an entertaining and meaningful look at the power of writing, and the talent and potential of students. Then, Celebrate. Follow-up: Make connections to the outside world for feedback on songs, production, writing considerations, Students involved complete short evaluation of the process and product for future improvement of similar events. Monte completes the recording process from home the following week. Send recordings and lyrics to the school. Page 6
Dr. Monte Selby email: monte@monteselby.com cell: (620) 340-7944 Dr. Monte Selby has co-written eight books for educators. Books from Incentive Publications include Because You Teach (book/cd of innovative staff development activities), Middle School Matters (book/cd of engaging classroom learning activities) and That s What I Need! (book/cd using music and songwriting to help students practice six trait writing). Co-writers include Rick Wormeli, Debbie Silver, Kathy HuntUllock, Jill Norris, and Randy Thompson. Bricks and Bridges is a ground-breaking new book to guide educators who work with at-risk students. Monte s new books (with music CD) from Frog Street Press include co-writers Jill Norris and Michelle Selby. Titles include Don t Eat Cactus Cookies: Music, Movement, and More for Early Language Learners and How Does It Do What It Does?: Music, Movement, and Hands-on Science. Monte and Michelle Selby s sing-along book/cd Sounds Like the Truth is published by Street Singer Books. Wiped Out is a favorite humorous book and CD for every parent who has heard the scream, Wipe me! As a recording artist, Monte Selby has released five music CDs (MDM Records, Nashville) for educators, including My Dad Is a Supt., Peer Pressure, To Catch Them When They Fall, One and In the Teacher s Lounge. His music features a long list of Grammy Award winning and #1 hit songwriters, top studio musicians, noteworthy producers, and inspiring young student writers! Chat Chat Chase the Cat is specifically for youngsters, and includes the hits (as selected by kindergarten kids). Page 7