This month’s Outstanding Teacher, alumna Andrea Campbell, brings a unique blend of tradition and innovation to her role as director of vocal performance at Harding Academy.
Campbell’s journey, deeply rooted in her experiences as a student, shapes her approach to teaching music to young children. Reflecting on her time in middle and high school at Harding, she fondly remembers the impact of her teachers. “The incredible teachers I’ve had taught me the importance of teaching the whole child, not just the content,” says Campbell. This belief drives her to build meaningful relationships with her students and their families, believing that genuine connections are the cornerstone of effective education.
“I always make it a point to emphasize with my students the importance of cherishing our time together every chance we have the opportunity to perform and fellowship with one another,” says Campbell. Her philosophy on music education for young children is grounded in the belief that music is omnipresent and impactful. “Music helps us express our feelings and moves us in unique ways,” she says. Her instruction is sequential, differentiated, and student-centered, adapting to make music accessible for students of all ages. She continually adjusts her teaching style by relying on student feedback to meet her students’ needs.
Incorporating A Cappella music into her curriculum, she promotes ear training, audiation, and blend. “Being able to sing A Cappella allows for students to listen to themselves, reflect on their performances, and respond to what they’ve heard by improving and building upon what they’ve just done,” says Campbell.
A typical lesson begins with a warm-up tailored to the age group. For older students, vocal warm-ups and moments of quiet reflection prepare them for rehearsal. For younger students, physical warm-ups provide a necessary break from their regular classroom routine and help them focus on music. “I want to check in on the students emotionally and give them a space to step away from whatever the day brought before they walk into my classroom,” says Campbell.
Creating a classroom culture of grace, community, and a growth mindset is paramount. From day one, she encourages her students to explore their voices, take risks, and grow from mistakes. Campbell leads by example, sharing her mistakes and nervousness about new challenges and encouraging a supportive environment. “We warm up together, learn the notes together, make mistakes together, correct the notes together, and even critique each other with grace and humility,” she says.
Evaluation and support of her students’ musical development are conducted in real-time, whether through rehearsals or musical games. Immediate feedback and modeling correct techniques allow students to process information quickly and learn to assess themselves.
Courtesy of Harding Academy
"Seussical," vocally directed by Andrea Campbell
Her innovative approach includes developing elementary performances that mirror those of the upper school, promoting alignment and professionalism from an early age. She also integrates technology in various ways, from exploring new warm-ups to combining music with other subjects, enhancing the learning experience.
Balancing Harding Academy’s rich musical traditions with new approaches, Campbell ensures innovations are introduced through familiar traditions, maintaining a connection to the school’s legacy. Engaging the broader school community and parents through diverse performance opportunities is a priority, creating a seamless experience for students and their families.
Facing challenges like helping students overcome self-doubt, Campbell strives to affirm their self-worth and value continuously. A notable success story involved guiding a shy trio of girls to become confident performers. “Watching these girls grow in confidence was one of the highlights of my school year,” she says. This trio also won a nomination at the High School Musical Theatre Awards.
Long-term, she envisions the Harding Academy Vocal Department as a safe space for students to explore and nurture their musical abilities while creating meaningful fine arts experiences. “Harding is a school full of wonderfully gifted students who will impact the city of Memphis and this world in a special way,” says Campbell. “I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of their good story that’s still being written.”
“Education is not done in silos; it takes a village,” she says, crediting her mentors, colleagues, and family for their unwavering support and wisdom. Their influence is deeply felt in her classroom, where she continues to pour the same passion and dedication into her students that was instilled in her.
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