Further explore the musical genre known as the “play-party” and its history while learning some of the most beloved examples for use in your classroom. This practical session traces the history and context of the play-party and demonstrates how to make them enjoyable and attainable for students. Join the merriment and wonder of these joyful examples of our culture’s history and come ready for fun!

In this session we will briefly outline the history of the play-party, its origins and place in history and society, learn and play several play-parties for use in the classroom and explore the pedagogy of effectively teaching play-parties to students.

Emily Maurek received a BS in Music Education and a minor in journalism from Ball State University in 1995 where she also was an Undergraduate Fellow in Music History. In 2004 she completed a Masters’ Degree in Music Technology from Indiana University and earned the Chancellor’s Scholar Award for the Department of Fine Arts. She has taught eighth grade general music in Michigan City, Indiana and, since 1998, has been teaching Kindergarten through fourth grade general music and choir with the Lake Central School Corporation in St. John, Indiana.

Emily has presented numerous sessions as well as research in conjunction with the Indiana Music Educators’ Association and recently served on the state of Indiana Fine Arts Standards in Music revision committee. In addition to hosting student teachers she has also presented lectures and collegiate folk dances to undergraduates at Valparaiso University and Indiana State University.

Emily is an endorsed FAME Teacher Trainer in First Steps in Music and Conversational Solfege both of which she completed with Dr. Feierabend at Silver Lake College. In 2016 she co-presented a First Steps in Music session at the Biennial FAME Conference at Gordon College. She also serves as the site chair for the 2018 Third Biennial FAME Conference in Chicago.

Emily teaches privately and resides in Valparaiso, Indiana with her husband, John and their son Max.