As Jason Noland explained the difference between half notes and full notes, one of his young students offered an explanation: “Music is like math,” she said.

 

Noland said she was absolutely right and added that music is also reading, writing, science, history, culture and geography.

 

“Music is everything,” he said.

 

And those who could observe Noland in the classroom at Simpson Elementary School would see that he puts everything into his teaching.

 

Last weekend, the young teacher was named West Virginia Music Educator of the Year by the West Virginia Music Educators Association. The award was presented during the WVMEA Conference. Noland attended the conference with three Simpson Elementary students – Luke Malenich, Gracie Courtney and Elizabeth Rhine – who had been selected for this year’s All-State Children’s Chorus. Immediately before the performance of that notable group, the president of the Society of General Music for West Virginia presented Noland with the award.

 

“I’m greatly honored and excited,” said Nolan, adding that he didn't expect the recognition because he considers himself "run of the mill." 

 

Noland was advised back in November he had been nominated and he thereafter completed the required packet of information, including a questionnaire, sample lesson plan, videotaped lesson and three letters of recommendation. A designated committee reviewed information supplied by all nominees - 23 from throughout the state – and determined a winner.

 

He is pleased with the recognition, but it’s the opportunity to teach that brings the biggest smile to Noland’s face. Music has always been an important part of his life and he’s passing that on to his young students. He had a reason for choosing elementary music education.

 

“I had a very good experience in middle school and high school, but my experience with music in elementary school wasn’t great,” he said, “so I’m making it a point to make elementary school a good experience.”

 

This is Noland’s third year at Simpson Elementary School. Before that, he taught two years at Lumberport Elementary and one year floating between several different Harrison County schools. He received his undergraduate in music education and master’s degree in online learning from Fairmont State University.

 

“I minored in piano and voice, but I had to have a working knowledge of all instruments,” he said.

 

He’s presently pursuing a doctorate in curriculum instruction through West Virginia University. His major research projects are music-related, he said.

 

Noland hopes – and believes – that he is building a strong musical foundation for the students to take on to Bridgeport Middle School and Bridgeport High School.

 

In building that foundation, he utilizes what he calls a multifaceted approach.

 

“It’s not just learning music, but it’s learning the cultural aspects – immersing them in different cultures and talking about the science of it,” he said. “We also incorporate math, reading, writing, history and geography.”

 

He is presently using the latter approach by incorporating a unit on Middle Eastern music, during which he introduces specialized instruments, musical style and even attire. 

 

From general music to strings, his classes are creative. 

 

“The students aren’t just learning how to read notes and play generic basic instruments,” he said.

 

Noland took it upon himself to learn about Middle Eastern music – and for a very good reason.

 

“In the doctoral course work I’m doing, one of the first articles I found compared a school with an illustrated storybook and that students look for themselves in the book – and not all of them see themselves,” he said.

 

African, Mexican and Chinese are often incorporated into music programs, but seldom is Middle Eastern music.

 

“Teachers are afraid of the different tonality of it,” he said. “They use half flats and it wasn’t until the 1930s that they started writing their music down. The Choir Congress decided it was a good idea.”

 

 

In addition to teaching at Simpson Elementary, Noland teaches voice through FSU’s Community Academy for the Arts. He is involved with community choir and makes guest appearances at churches and some events, mostly singing but also does some piano playing. He also shared some of his unique teaching approaches.

 

“Last weekend, I did a very successful clinic on Middle Eastern instruments while I was in Charleston and last month, I did one in Morgantown,” he said.

 

Another recent project has included the writing of a grant for using piano labs in the general music classroom.

 

And as if he weren’t busy enough, Noland sews.

 

“I’ve made it a small business,” he said.

 

In addition to making wedding gowns and quilts, he has made costumes for members of The Madrigals, for Bridgeport High School Theatre, FSU and Blennerhassett Island.  

 

Next year, Noland will serve as president of the Society of General Music for West Virginia. 

 

Editor's Note: See a sampling of Noland's unit on Middle Eastern music, as taught this week at Simpson Elementary School, in the video below.