Hey everyone, and welcome back to the show!

Today, we’re diving into a topic that will get your students moving—literally! We’re joined by the incredible Leanna O’Brien, a curriculum designer, movement specialist, and professional development expert who has made it her mission to bring music to life in classrooms around the world.

Leanna’s lessons are used in over 500 schools, and she’s known for integrating meaningful movement—think scarf dancing, movement breaks, and activities that teach tempo, pitch, texture, and more—in ways that are joyful, accessible, and deeply effective.

She’s the founder of The Soaring Scarves Academy, where she empowers educators to weave music and movement into their teaching so students can engage, remember, and thrive. Whether you’re looking to boost behavior management, deepen understanding, or just bring more fun into your music room, Leanna has a way of making it all feel possible—and exciting.

Resources Mentioned:

• In the Hall of the Mountain Kin
• Flight of the Bumblebee
• Strega Nona Read Aloud

Connect with Leanna:

• YouTube
• Facebook Group
• Website: https://soaringscarvesacademy.com/

Where to find me:

Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity
Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb

Music Resource Journey: 5 Day Fun Fest!

Over five days, I’ll introduce you to five key resources from the Crescendo Music Education Membership, sharing practical tips and interactive activities that will bring your teaching to life.

Click HERE to Learn More!

Hey there, and welcome back to the show! I’m so glad you’re here—especially today—because this episode is something a little different and very close to my heart.

I’ll walk you through the five key parts of the book:

• The power of small steps in personal growth
• Helping others grow
• Redefining productivity and success
• Embracing diverse, colourful paths
• And designing your own journey

And yes—each chapter ends with reflection questions, because I want this to be about your journey, not just mine.

If you’re ready to dig deeper, The Stalagmite Effect is available now on Balboa Press and Amazon. I’d love for you to grab a copy, reflect on your own journey, and maybe even share it with someone who needs a little encouragement to grow in their own quiet, steady way.

Where to find me:

Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity
Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb

Music Resource Journey: 5 Day Fun Fest!

Over five days, I’ll introduce you to five key resources from the Crescendo Music Education Membership, sharing practical tips and interactive activities that will bring your teaching to life.

Click HERE to Learn More!

Welcome back to Part Two of our inspiring chat with the wonderful Kate Schirmer—musician, singing teacher, conductor, and vocal pedagogy powerhouse.

If you caught Part One, you already know Kate brings so much wisdom, warmth, and depth to the world of singing and music education. Today, we’re shifting gears just a little to talk about the music that moves her.

In this episode, Kate shares some of her all-time favorite choral pieces and composers—the ones that speak to her soul, challenge her as an artist, and remind her why she fell in love with music in the first place. From classical gems to contemporary treasures, this conversation is full of inspiration, nostalgia, and a few musical surprises.

Whether you’re a choir director, singer, or just someone who loves great music, you’ll come away with fresh ideas for your own playlists, rehearsals, or maybe even repertoire planning.

So let’s dive into Part Two with Kate Schirmer—and explore the songs and sounds that have shaped her journey.

Songs Mentioned in This Episode:

• Hope - Jason Robert Brown/ Mark Brymer
• Beautiful City - Stephen Schwartz/Mack Huff
• From the Start - Laufey
• Diamonds and Crystals - Pete Churchill
• Anyone Can Whistle - Stephen Sondheim

Kate's Favorite Composers:

• MT: Stephen Sondheim, Leonard Bernstein, Yve Blake, Kate Miller-Heidke & Keir Nuttall, Eddie Perfect, Tim Minchin
• Classical: Reynaldo Hahn, Samuel Barber, Richard Strauss
• CCM: Paul Simon, Ben Folds, Tim Freedman, Fiona Apple, Tori Amos, Regina Spektor

Where to find me:

Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity
Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CrescendoMusicEd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/crescendomusic
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb

Music Resource Journey: 5 Day Fun Fest!

Over five days, I’ll introduce you to five key resources from the Crescendo Music Education Membership, sharing practical tips and interactive activities that will bring your teaching to life.

Click HERE to Learn More!