In March, West Liberty students will travel to Italy for a study tour of the schools. Students will focus on public, private and parochial schools. The tour is being led by Dr. Ann Gaudino, Founder and Director of the International Center for Excellence in Education at WLU. The goal of the center is to promote study and exchange of best practices in education around the world.
While in Italy, students will observe and teach in schools and meet with faculty in Rome, Florence, and Venice. Students will also be studying the Yakkey Method from Prof. Joan Yakkey at the Music Conservatory in Florence. Students will study how the method incorporates a variety of curricular areas—Music, English, Art, and Social Studies. They will interview Prof. Joan Yakkey, who created the method, observe and teach in her classroom. The students are also planning to write a grant to supply the method books to the schools in West Virginia.
“I first met Prof. Yakkey in the fall of 2000 when I received a grant from the National Education Association and Rotary International to study and teach at the Music Conservatory in Florence. Her method of teaching music reading is very effective and it incorporates curriculum in several subject areas. It is being used throughout Europe and in some Asian countries with great success,” stated Gaudino. “I hope we can acquire funding to bring this outstanding method and materials to schools in West Virginia.”
Prof. Joan Yakkey is a native of New York City. She has been teaching at Music Conservatories in Italy for over 30 years. Her students have recorded numerous operas and have sung for the Pope and Italian presidents. She serves as a consultant, presenter, and conductor for institutions around the world. She is a composer of over 300 works for voice, choir, piano, and instruments. More information on Prof. Yakkey can be found at www.musicmethod.blogspot.com. Recordings of her choirs are available on ITunes and on major recording labels.
WLU students attending the study tour are:
Sara Cunningham is a 2005 graduate of WLU. She is studying at WLU to obtain certification as an art teacher. A native of Steubenville, Sara also holds an associate’s degree in Sign Language.
Elizabeth Francis is a sophomore English Education Major minoring in Spanish. Betsy is a Wheeling native and 2009 graduate of Central Catholic High School. Betsy states, “I chose to attend West Liberty because I was very impressed with the education program as well as the personable atmosphere. I have enjoyed my two years at WLU so far… I especially appreciate the opportunities the school has offered me such as the Italy Study Tour.”
Alexandra Jebbia is a sophomore Social Studies Education Major and graduate of Wheeling Park High School. Mr. Rusty Jebbia, father, is Public Works Director for the City of Wheeling is also attending. They will be WLU’s first father-daughter team to attend a study tour abroad.
Jessica Safreed is a freshman English and Math Education major. She graduated as Valedictorian from St. Alban’s High School. Jessica states, “I chose West Liberty because it was the perfect fit for me, my personality, and my goals. I couldn’t be happier with my experiences here and am excited to see what the next few years will bring!”
“It is thanks to President Capehart that our students will have this great opportunity. He is our number one supporter and we can’t thank him enough for all that he is doing to make this a reality,” said Gaudino.
Dr. Ann Gaudino holds a doctorate in Education Administration and Policy Studies from The University of Pittsburgh and master’s and bachelor’s degrees from The University of Michigan in Organ Performance and Music Education. She did post-graduate study at the Eastman School of Music studying organ with David Craighead and conducting with Don Neuen. She served as a school district assistant superintendent, principal, and teacher prior to teaching at WLU. Her high school choirs consistently received Division 1/Superior Ratings at district, state, and national choral competitions. The Concert Choir and Chamber Singers toured annually and had memorable performances at The Kennedy Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral (NYC), The United Nations, The Detroit Symphony and Disney World.
With sponsorship from the National Education Association and Rotary International, in 2000 Dr. Gaudino was the first school music director from The United States invited to teach at the Music Conservatory in Florence, Italy.
For more information about the International Center for Excellence in Education, contact Dr. Ann Gaudino at agaudino@westliberty.edu or 304-336-8306.