The Holly Grove Elementary School music teacher organizes what she calls "Music Share Days" twice a year for 875 students, and the instruments, books and CDs students use often find their way into her curriculum the following year.

Just before winter break and again at the end of the school year, Dickens asks the children to bring in anything musical to share with other students. Now in its third year, Music Share Days are some of the best parts of music class all year long.

Q: How did you get the idea for Music Share Day?

A: I modeled the concept after another teacher's idea and the fact that every year, students would ask to bring in something they got for Christmas. I wanted to include that concept in the curriculum. Students can bring in anything having to do with music, and I often learn a lot, too.

Last year, one of my kindergarteners brought in a cello and played it. I didn't even know they were taking cello.

It also gives them the opportunity to share their various cultures. I ask that the students keep it age appropriate and not use any pop music from the radio.

Q: What are some examples of things students might share?

A: Some sing songs in a group or solo or bring in a dance recital DVD, music box or snow globe. One student brought in a saxophone from 1910. One student brought in a book called "Jazz Fly" that had an accompanying CD with it. It taught all about jazz. Last year, one student brought "My First Book of Classical Music," and I purchased it and made it the core of a whole unit that combined literacy and music.

The younger ones come in with lots of different things like keyboards and recorders that belonged to older brothers and sisters. I try to tie those things into science by talking about covering the holes--how do we make higher and lower sounds?

Q: How much have you learned by offering Music Share Day?

A: It's been great. One child is from India and brought in a book called, "The Drum." It was a child's story about the different types of drums in India. I purchased that book. Another student mentioned that his dad was from Jamaica and that every time they got in the car, he would play reggae music. I told him to bring some in.

Music learning is much more alive when it comes from their peers. They get to learn about other cultures.

Q: What do you hope students learn from Music Share Day?

A: I want them to see how music touches them, how music is all around them and a part of who they are. I want to help them make wise choices and learn how to listen with a critical ear.

Q: What kinds of surprises have you had when students share?

A: Some of the children make up their own songs. Or in one case, we had been talking about rhythms in class, and one first-grader came in with rhythms written down - his own composition - and played his piece.

Some come up and say they want to take piano lessons because they hear their peers play something. I try to connect the parents with resources so that they can look into it.

I'm always surprised when a student who doesn't talk much will stand up and sing a song.

Q: What are the guidelines for performance?

A: There are rules. If they are not respectful when other people are performing, they might get passed over for performing for a while. I make sure to tell them about being prepared. If they have a question about whether something is appropriate, I ask that they run it by me first. I tell them to rehearse their performance so they aren't embarrassed in front of their peers.

Q: What are some other special music events you hold throughout the year?

A: We used to have "Informances," where students would take five to 10 minutes to share something, and the parents were invited. But now, during March, which is Music in Our Schools Month, I will hold floating "open house" days. Whenever their child has music class, the parents can come and sit in. It takes the pressure off the student and provides an open window into our classroom.

We have a fourth- and fifth-grade chorus that meets once a week and participates in all-state and all-county as well as the Raleigh Fine Arts Society Choral Festival.

Our school also works with the other schools in Holly Springs to organize a Holly Springs Cultural Arts Day at the high school. On the first day in February, we gather and share.

Holly Grove also has a small faculty ensemble - seven or eight staff members - that practices one afternoon a week. We perform novelty pieces and '50s and '60s music.

Q: What do you enjoy most about being a music teacher?

A: With music, it's easy to do lots of hands-on things. I can meet everyone's musical appetite.

Whether they connect most with instruments, folk dance or singing, there is something for everyone.