FMEA  Exemplary  Model  Program/Project    

Drumline  Buddies  (A.K.A.  Buddy  Drummers)  

   The  Drumline  Buddies  program  has  been  implemented  three  times  since  2007,  with  financial  support  from  various  grants.  Each  time,  Virginia  Dickert  and  her  school,  Jacksonville  Country  Day  School  (JCDS),  have  partnered  with  a  public  school  (School  B)  in  town.  The  music  teachers  met  and  chose  music  for  their  students  to  perform  together.  The  music  was  rehearsed  in  separate  rehearsals  throughout  the  year  with  the  assistance  of  two  members  of  a  local  professional  drumming  ensemble.  In  the  Spring,  the  students  from  JCDS  traveled  to  School  B  where  students  rehearsed  for  2  hours,  enjoyed  a  pizza  lunch  together  and  then  performed  a  collaborative  concert.  Brand  new  musical  instruments,  purchased  with  the  grant  money,  were  presented  to  School  B.                                                      Students  from  Tolbert  Elementary  with  members  of  the  Jacksonville  Jaguar  D-­‐Line  and  their  teachers.          

                                 

Collaborative  concert  at  Tolbert  Elementary  School.                                                  

Students  from  JCDS  and  Tolbert  Elementary  performing  in  the  collaborative  concert  at  Tolbert  Elementary  School.  

   

Source  of  Funding  2007  –  “Each  One,  Reach  One,  Teach  One”  FEMEA  Dorothy  Land  Past  President’s  Grant  –  $1,000  grant    Funds  were  used  to  purchase  recorders  and  hand  drums  for  West  Jacksonville  Elementary,  a  Title  I  public  school,  with  music  teacher  Lorraine  Roettges.    The  grant  monies  were  also  used  to  provide  West  Jacksonville’s  students  a  chance  to  interact  with  and  learn  from  members  of  the  Jacksonville  Jaguars  D-­‐Line  and  enjoy  a  pizza  lunch  with  the  Jazzy  J’s  from  JCDS.    The  project  culminated  with  a  collaborative  concert  by  the  JCDS  Jazzy  J’s,  West  Jacksonville  students  and  the  Jaguars  D-­‐Line  members.    2009  –  “Buddy  Drummers”  Jacksonville  Symphony  Harmony  Grant  –  $1,500  grant    Funds  were  used  to  provide  tubanos  and  hand  drums  for  Brookview  Elementary,  a  Title  I  public  school,  with  music  teacher  Aquila  Tamaseu.  The  grant  monies  were  also  used  to  provide  Brookview’s  students  a  chance  to  interact  with  and  learn  from  members  of  the  Jacksonville  Jaguars  D-­‐Line  and  enjoy  a  pizza  lunch  with  the  Jazzy  J’s  from  JCDS.    The  project  culminated  with  a  collaborative  concert  by  the  JCDS  Jazzy  J’s,  Brookview  students  and  the  Jaguars  D-­‐Line  members.    2011  –  “Drumline  Buddies”  FEMEA  Dorothy  Land  Past  President’s  Grant  –  $1,000  grant    Funds  were  used  to  provide  tubanos  and  hand  drums  for  Susie  Tolbert  Elementary,  a  public  school,  with  music  teacher  Kent  Staples.  The  grant  monies  were  also  used  to  provide  Tolbert’s  students  a  chance  to  interact  with  and  learn  from  members  of  the  Jacksonville  Jaguars  D-­‐Line  and  enjoy  a  pizza  lunch  with  the  Jazzy  J’s  from  JCDS.    The  project  culminated  with  a  collaborative  concert  by  the  JCDS  Jazzy  J’s,  Tolbert  students  and  the  Jaguars  D-­‐Line  members.      Benefits  to  Students,  Community,  State  and  Music  Education  This  program  is  an  excellent  example  of  collaboration  between  schools;  helping  a  school  with  fewer  resources  gain  interest  and  experience  in  drumming,  and  providing  them  with  enrichment  materials  and  instruments  to  continue  the  work.  The  collaboration  between  teachers  was  also  vital  as  it  assisted  the  music  teacher  at  School  B  with  the  development  and  implementation  of  the  lesson  planning  for  the  project  as  well  as  repertoire  selection  for  the  collaborative  concert.  It  encouraged  parent  participation  by  inviting  the  parents  of  School  B  to  the  culminating  concert,  and  emphasizing  the  importance  of  music  education  to  all  involved.  Students  from  both  schools  were  afforded  the  opportunity  to  interact  with  music  professionals  (i.e.  Jacksonville  Jaguars  D-­‐Line)  and  learn  from  strong,  male  role  models  in  schools  where  many  students  didn’t  have  a  father  in  the  home.  Membership  in  FEMEA  for  the  music  teacher  at  School  B  was  encouraged  and  mentoring  occurred  while  at  the  Professional  Development  Conference  in  Tampa.                  

Virginia Dickert 11948 Amber Leaf Ct., Jacksonville, FL 32223 H: 904-262-4839 C: 904-333-8733

orfffan2@comcast.net  ________________________________________________________________________  

 EMPLOYMENT  HISTORY    Music  Specialist  ,  PK3-­‐6   08/1995  -­‐  Current  Jacksonville  Country  Day  School,  Jacksonville,  FL    Choral  Conductor   08/2004  -­‐  06/2012*  Jacksonville  Children’s  Chorus,  Jacksonville,  FL    *Currently  working  for  the  JCC  as  a  substitute  rehearsal  conductor    Music  Resource  Teacher,  K-­‐5   08/1992  –  06/1995  Windy  Hill  Elementary  (Duval  County),  Jacksonville,  FL    Music  Resource  Teacher,  K-­‐5   08/1991  –  07/1992  San  Mateo  Elementary  &  Parkwood  Heights  Elementary  (Duval  County)    Music  Resource  Teacher,  PK-­‐5   10/1990  –  07/1991  Brookview  Elementary  (Duval  County),  Jacksonville,  FL    Children’s  Choir  Coordinator   01/1985  –  07/2007  Mandarin  Baptist  Church,  Jacksonville,  FL      Music  Specialist,  K-­‐6   08/1979  –  06/1985  St.  Marks  Episcopal  Day  School,  Jacksonville,  FL      HONORS,  AWARDS  AND  OTHER  RECOGNITIONS    

• Invited   to   conduct   the   sight-­‐reading   session   for   the  FEMEA   teachers   as   part   of   the  2011  FMEA  Clinic-­‐Conference.  

• Awarded  the  FEMEA  Dorothy  Land  Past  President’s  Grant,  2011  for  the  project,  “Drumline  Buddies”  which  provided  tubanos  and  hand  drums  for  Susie  Tolbert  Elementary,  a  public  school.  

• Awarded   a   Jacksonville   Symphony   Harmony   Grant,   2009   for   “Buddy   Drummers”   which  provided  tubanos  and  hand  drums  for  Brookview  Elementary,  a  Title  I  public  school.  

• Awarded  the  FEMEA  Dorothy  Land  Past  President’s  Grant,  2007  for  the  project,  “Each  One,  Reach  One,  Teach  One”  which  provided   recorders   and  hand  drums   for  West   Jacksonville  Elementary,  a  Title  I  public  school.      

• Filled  in  for  Jim  Taylor,  the  former  conductor  of  the  Jacksonville  Children’s  Chorus  and  took  the  JCC  to  perform  at  Carnegie  Hall  in  2000  as  part  of  the  National  Children’s  Chorus,  under  the  direction  of  Henry  Leck.  

• Named  Teacher  of  the  Year  –  Windy  Hill  Elementary,  1995  

COMMUNITY  AND/OR  PROFESSIONAL  ACTIVITIES    

• NFOC  –  North  Florida  Orff  Chapter  –  current  President  and  Site  Coordinator,  hosting  the  workshops  at  my  school  

• NAfME  -­‐  National  Association  for  Music  Education  • FMEA  –  Florida  Music  Educators  Association  • FEMEA  –  Florida  Elementary  Music  Educators  Association  • AOSA  –  American  Orff  Schulwerk  Association  • ACDA  –  American  Choral  Directors  Association  • Member  of  Mandarin  Baptist  Church  

 DISTRICT  OR  STATE  RECOGNITION/RATINGS  OF  STUDENTS    

• Have  had  JCDS  students  accepted  into  the  Florida  All-­‐State  Elementary  Chorus  for  several  years.  

• The  JCDS  Chorus  was  invited  and  performed  for  the  FMEA  Clinic-­‐Conference  in  2004.      • Selected   students   have   participated   in   the   First   Coast   Honors   Choir   every   year   since   its  

inception.  • The  JCDS  Chorus  has  performed  annually  for  the  Music  USA  Festival  in  Orlando  for  12  years  

and  has  won  first  place  and  received  a  superior  rating  every  year.    The  Chorus  has  also  won  the  Grand  Champion  Award  five  times.  

• Twenty-­‐seven  members  of  the  JCDS  Chorus  performed  at  Carnegie  Hall  in  New  York  City  in  2008  as  part  of  the  National  Treble  Choir,  under  the  direction  of  Darren  Dailey.  

• The   JCDS   Chorus   has   been   invited   and   has   performed   for   special   events   around  Jacksonville,   such  as   the  Empty  Bowls  Luncheon,  First  Coast  Triathlon,  Shands  Hospital’s  Veteran’s   Celebration,   the   Jacksonville   Jazz   Festival,   the   Beaches   Chamber   of   Commerce,  First   Coast   News,   the   Times   Union   Eve   Awards,   Deerwood   Country   Club’s   annual   tree-­‐lighting,   JU  basketball   games,   as  well   as   at   the   Jacksonville   International  Airport   and   the  Jacksonville  Landing  during  the  holidays.  

   

 

August  30,  2013  

To  Whom  It  May  Concern:  

I  am  pleased  to  write  a  letter  of  support  for  Virginia  Dickert’s  DRUMLINE  BUDDIES  as  a  nomination  in  the  2014  FMEA  Exemplary  Model  Program/Project.  

During  two  decades  of  leading  schools  as  Headmaster/Principal,  I  have  written  hundreds  of  recommendations  for  students,  teachers,  friends,  and  colleagues.  Never  in  all  those  years  have  I  recommended  anyone  who  had  better  credentials,  richer  experience,  deeper  integrity,  stronger  work  ethic  or  greater  commitment  to  excellence  than  Virginia  Dickert.  That  commitment  is  to  her  music  students  both  at  Jacksonville  Country  Day  School  and  throughout  the  City  of  Jacksonville  and  the  State  of  Florida.  My  challenge  in  describing  one  of  the  first  teachers  I’ve  ever  known  is  not  what  to  say,  but  rather  what  not  to  say.  Faced  with  a  professional  file  bulging  with  her  accomplishments  and  brimming  with  glorious  recollections,  I  will  attempt  to  provide  support  for  Virginia's  Drumline  Buddies  project.  

An  important  facet  of  Virginia’s  dedication  to  music  education  is  her  strong  commitment  to  providing  music  for  children  in  disadvantaged  educational  settings.  Through  her  leadership,  Jacksonville  Country  Day  School  has  partnered  with  several  public  schools  in  the  city.  She  and  her  public  school  music  teachers  meet,  choose  music,  and  rehearse  separately  throughout  the  year.  In  the  spring  Virginia’s  students  meet  the  public  school  students,  enjoy  a  lunch  together,  and  perform  a  collaborative  concert.    

Additionally,  the  sister  school  receives  brand  new  musical  instruments  which  are  presented  by  Virginia’s  students.  Grant  monies  awarded  to  Mrs.  Dickert  have  covered  the  entire  cost  of  this  project,  including  music,  lunch  and  instruments.    This  is  the  third  time  Mrs.  Dickert  has  engaged  in  this  partnership  over  the  last  five  years,  and  during  that  time,  she  has  obtained  $3,500  in  grant  monies.  

There  is  an  old  saying,  “think  globally,  and  act  locally.”  Virginia  Dickert  is  a  brilliant  musician,  a  brilliant  teacher,  and  a  true  humanitarian  who  consistently  acts  locally  to  make  our  world  a  better  place.  I  strongly  support  her  nomination  for  the  2014  FMEA  Exemplary  Model  Program/Project  Award.  Thank  you  for  your  consideration.  

Sincerely,  

Terry  Bartow  Head  of  School  Jacksonville  Country  Day  School    904-­‐641-­‐6644  

   August  29,  2013    To  Whom  It  May  Concern:      I  am  delighted  to  write  a  letter  of  recommendation  for  Mrs.  Virginia  Dickert  whose  “Drumline  Buddies”  has  been  nominated  for  the  2014  FMEA  Exemplary  Model  Program/Project.    As  Mrs.  Dickert’s  department  head  over  the  last  ten  years,  I  can  see  the  difference  she  and  her  drum  line  projects  make  in  our  school  and  community.        Virginia  Dickert  passionately  encourages  not  only  the  students  at  Jacksonville  Country  Day  but  also  students  throughout  Jacksonville  with  her  Drumline  Buddies  Projects.    Virginia  worked  with  students  at  West  Jacksonville  Elementary  in  2011  where  she  helped  the  school  purchase  instruments  and  taught  the  children  how  to  play  them.    The  following  year  she  bought  drums  with  grant  money  for  Susie  B.  Tolbert  Elementary  and  organized  a  joint  concert  with  the  music  teacher  at  that  school.    I  happened  to  attend  this  field  trip  and  saw  firsthand  the  excitement  of  children  from  both  schools  as  they  learned  songs  together,  performed  a  concert  in  front  of  the  Tolbert  student  body,  and  then  sat  down  at  round  tables  and  happily  munched  on  pizza  the  grant  provided.  In  2013  Brookview  Elementary,  as  in  the  other  schools,  Virginia  was  able  to  share  her  knowledge  and  love  of  music  as  she  taught  children  from  both  schools  how  to  perform  with  harmony  and  confidence.        Virginia’s  work  ethic  is  endless—she  stays  late  every  day  and  for  weeks  over  the  summer  working  on  new  plans.    Her  love  of  children  is  steadfast;  she  is  the  teacher  that  students  come  back  to  see  over  the  years.    Her  enthusiasm  for  every  single  endeavor  she  undertakes  shows  with  every  single  conversation,  lesson,  and  concert!    She  embraces  new  technologies,  global  studies,  and  the  integration  of  learning;  furthermore,  she  trains  new  teachers  who  participate  in  Shark  Academy,  our  faculty  professional  development  program.        I  lovingly  call  Virginia  the  Mother  Theresa  of  Service  Learning  as  she  transports  students  to  sing  at  nursing  homes,  collects  Halloween  candy  for  the  homeless,  and  travels  to  S.P.  Livingston  to  ensure  that  our  school  partnership  is  a  success!        Having  seen  the  Drumline  Buddies  project  in  action  and  knowing  its  effectiveness,  I  wholeheartedly  recommend  it  as  an  exemplary  project  that  has  made  a  huge  difference  in  the  lives  of  children!    As  we  know,    The  mediocre  teacher  tells.  The  good  teacher  explains.  The  superior  teacher  demonstrates.  The  great  teacher  inspires.    Virginia  Dickert  inspires.    Sincerely,    Ruthanne  Stabler  Director  of  Education  Curriculum  and  Specialists  

August  29,  2013    Dear  FMEA  Committee,    This  is  a  letter  of  recommendation  is  for  Virginia  Dickert,  Music  Specialist  at  Jacksonville  Country  Day  School.    I  am  the  Art  Specialist  at  JCDS  and  Virginia  Dickert  is  my  colleague.    We  work  together  as  the  Fine  Arts  team  here  at  school.  Over  the  years,  I  have  been  amazed  at  the  work  Virginia  does  with  the  students.  She  literally  teaches  every  child  from  the  3  year  olds  to  the  6th  graders  about  movement  and  music,  but  also  does  grade  level  productions  with  them  as  well.      In  addition  to  her  fantastic  work  here,  her  outreach  programs  have  touched  so  many  lives.    Her  partnerships  with  other  elementary  schools  in  Duval  County  have  involved  the  music  teachers  and  their  students.  The  result  of  their  collaboration  has  been  named  the  "The  Buddy  Drummers  Project".      Virginia  has  done  this  on  3  different  occasions  and  it  has  involved  meetings  with  the  teachers,  selection  of  the  music,  and  separate  rehearsals.  The  culminating  activity  occurred  when  JCDS  students  traveled  to  these  sister  schools.  Not  only  was  the  pizza  lunch  together  a  treat,  but  students  were  also  visited  by  members  of  the  Jacksonville  Jaguars  D-­‐line  who  interacted  with  the  students  and  performed  with  them  in  a  collaborative  concert.    The  monies  from  the  grant  provided  the  new  instruments,  the  pizza  lunch,  and  the  fee  for  the  D-­‐line  members.  JCDS  provides  the  funds  for  the  school  bus  for  our  travel  to  the  sister  school.  Needless  to  say,  the  students  really  enjoy  the  entire,  action  packed  day  of  making  new  friends  and  making  music  together.    I  would  highly  recommend  Virginia's  "Buddy  Drummer  Project".    Please  do  not  hesitate  to  contact  me  if  I  can  be  of  further  assistance,    Sincerely,  Shaw  Lane  Art  Specialist  Jacksonville  Country  Day  School      

August  28,  2013    Dear  Florida  Music  Educators  Association,    It  is  my  extreme  pleasure  to  bring  to  light  the  amazing  talent,  dedication  and  loving  character  of  my  dear  friend,  Virginia  Dickert.    She,  as  I  am  sure  most  everyone  who  knows  her  has  observed,  works  countless  hours  to  bring  forth  an  amazing  product  with  her  students  just  so  she  can  see  the  great  love  of  music  shine  through  their  collective  faces.    I  am  truly  honored  to  have  the  chance  to  work  alongside  Virginia  at  Jacksonville  Country  Day  School.    She  has  mentored  me  throughout  these  last  six  years  and  has  helped  me  bring  the  Band  Program  and  Drumline  to  great  successes  with  her  infinite  wisdom,  dedication  and  friendship.        Three  years  ago,  Virginia  came  to  me  with  her  idea  for  the  “Drumline  Buddies”  grant  project  in  hopes  of  helping  bring  talent,  instruments,  her  love  of  music,  and  some  fun  to  schools  located  in  less  affluent  areas  of  Jacksonville.    At  that  time,  my  husband,  Kent  Staples,  was  working  at  Tolbert  Elementary  School,  one  of  these  schools.    With  her  endless  energy  and  hard  work,  she  and  Kent  were  able  to  put  together  a  fantastic  program  that  I  am  proud  to  say  I  as  well  got  to  be  a  part  of  with  my  performing  group,  the  JCDS  Drumline.    The  Jacksonville  Jaguars  Drumline,  through  this  amazing  experience,  encouraged,  taught,  and  performed  for  the  children  and  teachers  alike.  The  students  and  educators  also  learned  from  each  other  while  making  new  friends  and  building  a  respect  for  our  differences.    I  truly  feel  that  Virginia  Dickert  goes  above  and  beyond  regularly  and  is  worthy  of  the  highest  honors  and  respect,  not  only  as  a  dedicated  music  educator,  but  also  as  an  exemplary  human  being!    Professionally  yours,    Chrystal  Staples  JCDS  Band  Director      

September  3,  2013    Dear  FMEA  Awards  Committee,    I  am  the  Music  Teacher  at  Brookview  Elementary  School  in  Duval  County,  Jacksonville,  Florida.  It  has  been  my  pleasure  to  know  and  work  with  Virginia  Dickert  on  several  occasions  for  various  events.  I  have  observed  her  as  a  clinician  at  Orff  Workshops,  as  a  clinician/choir  director  at  FMEA  while  performing  as  her  accompanist  and  have  worked  with  her  on  the  “Drumline  Buddies”  Project,  which  benefitted  my  school  tremendously.    The  “Drumline  Buddies”  provided  a  collaborative  and  social  musical  experience  for  participants  as  well  as  an  opportunity  to  interact  and  learn  from  male  role  models  who  are  respected  professional  musicians  in  the  community.  Through  this  project,  the  school  was  able  to  purchase  and  provide  instruments  for  our  students,  it  encouraged  parent  participation  and  support  of  the  project  which  demonstrated  the  benefits  of  music  education  to  all  involved,  and  last  but  not  least,  it  provided  an  opportunity  for  the  students  to  hear  professional  musicians  perform  in  a  comfortable,  familiar  environment  followed  by  a  time  of  question  and  answer  of  the  professional  musicians.  The  students  AND  teachers  said  they  really  enjoyed  the  program  and  that  this  was  the  best  program  we  had  done!!!  

 On  all  events,  Virginia  has  been  energetic,  excited,  and  encouraging  as  she  works  with  students  and  teachers  alike.  She  maintains  a  positive  and  professional  attitude  while  teaching  and  making  music  fun!    I  highly  recommend  Virginia  Dickert  and  the  “Drumline  Buddies”  for  the  2014  FMEA  Exemplary  Model  Program/Project!    Sincerely,    Aquila  Tamaseu  Brookview  Elementary,  Music  Specialist  10450  Theresa  Drive  Jacksonville,  Florida  32246  Phone:  (904)  565-­‐2720  X266      

August  24,  2013    Dear  FMEA  Awards  Committee,     For  all  who  have  served  and  taught,  for  all  that  have  enjoyed  performing  music,  and  for  all  who  have  found  insight  about  themselves  via  musical  expression,  I  commend  Virginia  Dickert.      

As  a  co-­‐worker  with  my  wife  Chrystal,  Mrs.  Dickert  has  been  a  faithful  friend  and  good  counsel.    She  unselfishly  sacrificed  her  time,  her  wisdom,  even  her  room  while  she  was  in  the  middle  of  so  many  other  projects.  She  helps  with  and  sacrifices  for  every  student  and  teacher  she  comes  in  contact  with.  She  has  been  observed  at  the  school  many  afternoons,  evenings,  and  even  many  days  throughout  the  summer.  

Mrs.  Dickert  makes  sure  each  person’s  needs  are  met  before  her  own.  Mrs.  Dickert  hosts  the  North  Florida  Orff  Association  meetings,  setting  up  and  tearing  down  

her  school’s  extensive  Orff  instrument  collection.  Virginia  puts  together  more  than  10  performances  a  year  at  her  school:  grade  levels,  vocal  

and  instrumental,  also  orchestrating  the  involvement  of  dance,  band,  and  drumline  from  JCDS.  Her  classroom  is  top  notch,  hosting  guitars,  a  plethora  of  hand  drums  and  rhythm  

instruments  and  an  entire  ensemble  of  Orff  mallet  instruments,  which  she  features  in  her  extraordinary  performing  group  the  Jazzy  J’s.  You  will  see  over  30  billboards  from  the  musicals  her  groups  have  performed  selections  from.  

Virginia’s  teaching  successes  include  her  JCDS  choruses,  which  have  regularly  received  Superior  ratings  at  Orlando’s  Music  USA  festivals  and  they  usually  return  with  the  Grand  Champion  trophy.    Annually  she  has  students  selected  to  All  State  and  Jacksonville  Children’s  Honor  Chorus.  Her  performing  groups  at  JCDS  and  JCC  have  always  strived  for  beautiful  tone  and  perfect  blend.  They  are  inspired  and  taught  to  enjoy  engaging  the  audience  in  their  performances.  No  matter  what  she  does,  Mrs.  Dickert  only  has  pleasant  encouraging  forward-­‐moving  comments  to  say.  

One  of  my  more  profound  encounters  with  Mrs.  Dickert  took  place  while  I  was  music  teacher  at  Tolbert  Elementary  in  Jacksonville.  She  put  together  the  FEMEA  grant  proposal  to  have  her  ensembles,  along  with  a  select  ensemble  from  Tolbert,  spend  a  Percussion  Day  at  Tolbert.  

After  the  grant  proposal  was  accepted,  she  organized  the  music,  writing  and  arranging  much  of  it,  set  the  travel  and  schedule,  as  well  as  the  budget.    We  had  the  Jaguar  Drumline  members  come  in  and  teach,  demonstrate,  and  later  perform  for  the  participants,  as  well  as  the  Tolbert  student  body,  staff,  and  community.  

To  conclude  all  of  this,  Mrs.  Dickert  used  the  remaining  grant  funds  to  contribute  to  Tolbert  a  generous  gift  of  a  large  group  of  new  hand  drums  and  rhythm  instruments.  

I  cannot  think  of  a  more  deserving  person  for  honor,  especially  in  the  music  education  community.  

 Very  sincerely,  Kent  D.  Staples  Loretto  Elementary/Mandarin  Oaks  Elementary  Music  Teacher