Movement is FUNdamental!

The link between musical skill development and movement is clear - movement is a child’s first natural response to music. A structured approach to movement leads children to age-appropriate skill development and creates an engaging classroom experience. This interactive session will explore the sequential stages of movement while participants engage in activities that support, solidify and prompt children’s future musical excellence.

Dr. Patricia Gingras 

Florida Gulf Coast University
Head of Music Education

Patricia Gingras is an award-winning educator, researcher, and composer. She completed her B.M.E and M.M. degrees at the University of New Mexico and her Ph.D. at the Eastman School of Music. She holds both Orff and Kodaly Certification and has studied with John Feierabend, Donna Brink Fox and leaders of the Gordon Institute for Music Learning Theory. Dr. Gingras' teaching experience includes early childhood, K-12 and collegiate venues. Prior to her current position as Head of Music Education at Florida Gulf Coast University, Dr. Gingras wrote curriculum for the Rochester City School District (NY) and served as the coordinator of the Eastman Early Childhood Music Program. She is passionate about making music with children.

The FMEA Professional Development Conference and All-State Ensembles receive support in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.