Tim Flinchbaugh
Standing Stone and Jackson Miller Elementary Schools
Huntingdon, PA

"It doesn't really matter whether the music my kids create at their computer stations sounds good to me. What matters is that it's theirs and that it sounds good to them - they made it, that's exciting, and they want to create and learn more. Their successes in creating their own music become a bridge to learning that leads them to eventual success in other academic areas. Their joy spills over into the entire school experience!"

"He is contagiously joyful in his teaching. His students approach music class with good cheer and they leave more engaged learners. They see the application of music to their lives. Students learn that creativity does not just have entertainment value, but is also something that gives meaning and satisfaction to other aspects of their learning."

Tim believes that kids learn and retain more when they can see what they are learning in the context of how it relates to them personally and how it inter-relates to everything around them. His holistic, cross-curricular approach, combined with his use of cutting-edge technologies, make for eager classes ready to learn the artistic and academic disciplines that come together in music. In 1999, Tim researched and designed the Keyboard/Computer Music Lab classroom. The lab includes computer/electronic keyboard stations equipped with headsets, microphones, and communications modules. All stations are networked with each other and to a teacher/control station. Each station is outfitted with sophisticated software, including sequencing and composition applications, and access to Web-based activities designed by Tim. This lab has become a model and Tim is now responsible for building and implementing similar labs in all of the district schools. Tim is realigning the District Music curriculum to include Music Lab technologies to help achieve arts, technology, and other state standards. In addition, Tim designed and implemented music activities that integrate with other academic areas to enhance student performance and achievement in their regular classrooms.

Other Highlights:

• Creator, developer, and instructor of "Electronic Keyboarding" and "Basic Midi Orchestration," Penn State Kids' Kollege, 2000 - 2002
• Creator and instructor of two courses, "If It's Baroque, Don't Fix It," and "It's Only Rock and Roll," New Visions summer program at Juniata College
• Host Director, PMEA District 4 Chorus Festival, Juniata Valley High School
• Host Director, PMEA District 4 Chorus Festival, Huntingdon High School
• Adjudicator, PMEA District and Regional Chorus and Band Festivals
• Creator, developer, and presenter of numerous workshops regarding the use of music activities to enhance student academic achievement
• Chairperson and curriculum leader K - 12, Huntingdon Area School District Fine Arts Department, 1997 - Present
• Creator, developer and instructor of Music Enrichment Activities, an afterschool program for at risk and disadvantaged students
• Outstanding Teacher Award, recognition of innovative curriculum development and implementation, Shippensburg University, 2001-2002