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MS. KUPSER'S MUSIC CLASS
About North Plains Elementary Music-Ms. Kupser
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My goal is to instill in students, a life-long love of learning and enjoying music. I strive to help students be the best version of themselves, whether it's emotionally, personally, academically, or musically. While teaching to the standards of NAFME (National Association For Music Educators) and the state of North Dakota, I create lesson plans that are creative and hands-on for all learners. I have taught in public schools since 1994, and have taught private saxophone lessons since 1989. I also have also performed professionally on saxophone, vocals, and keyboard since 1986. My favorite music to perform is probably Blues/Funk/Soul. However, country music paid my way through college, and jazz standards also fill my heart with huge joy. I have two adult daughters, who are both incredible musicians, and are both in college far from Minot.
Concerts
Second and Fifth Grade
SPRING CONCERT DATES WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON!
Our second and fifth graders perform an evening concert each year. We have a different presentation each year. This year's theme is "ON THE RADIO"!
LEARNING BY DOING
I believe that whoever is "doing" in class is learning. Therefore, when you walk into my classroom, you will see the students "doing" many different things: Singing, dancing, playing instruments, reading, composing, creating, playing music games, and so many other things.  Participation and cooperation are "musts" in my classroom for learning to occur.
BEING THEIR BEST-SELVES!
Beyond the music room, I also hold a degree in School Counseling, which I try to pull ideas from to help our students grow. I design some of my lessons to not only teach musical concepts, but to enhance the social-emotional curriculum we use at North Plains, called Second Step. Topics often include: Trying your hardest, never giving up, being a good citizen, being a good friend, and accepting who you are and loving it!
STAR STUDENT ASSEMBLIES
North Plains Elementary School has a Star Student Assembly, which I organize for each Friday. The Assembly includes recognition of students who go above and beyond, students who are leaving, and students who are new to our school. In addition, we include the weekly message from Second Step, our social/emotional program. Students lead all of our songs for the assembly and parents are WELCOME!
The assembly proceeds as follows:
Opening
Star Spangled Banner-Student-Lead
Pledge of Allegiance-Student-Lead
Second Step message-Mrs. Theis
Announcements/Introduction of parents-Ms. Kupser
Star Student Recognition/Cheer-Ms. Kupser or student/guest
Students Leaving our School-song-"Count On Me"
New Students to our school-song-"Home"
Music/PE Awards
Dismissal
ABOUT MS. KUPSER
Ms. Kupser in a native of North Dakota, and graduated from Minot State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education in 1994, and a Master's Degree in Music Education in 2003. Her main instrument is the alto saxophone, but also plays many other instruments and sings. She sings, plays keyboard, and saxophone in a wide variety of groups from jazz to funk, R n B, Country-Rock,  and Blues. Ms. Kupser received her Master's Degree in School Counseling from Northern State University in South Dakota in 2015.
Find out what your child will learn by the end of their school-year here.
GRADES
Grades are based upon the standards designated by our district for music, and the 2014 NAFME Standards for Music Education. (see the standards below) Students will receive an S (satisfactory) or a U (unsatisfactory) based upon their performance of standards-based skills. In addition, grades may be given for progress and participation. An "S" translates to 76%. Please ignore the percentage. It is simply what the computer program needs to do to equate it to an S.