In Anticipation of Next Week's Jazz Show

This week all grade levels have been focusing on Jazz in anticipation of next Wednesday's concert with Maestro Delbert Taylor. That meant a significant discussion of a swing.

For example, in first grade students used the novelty song "Three Little Fishes," to help develop their understanding of syncopation and phrasing, whereas 4th graders developed their own words and moves to the cumulative game/song, "Head and Shoulders."

I am indebted Dr. Marvalene Moore, whose workshop I recently attended, and whose wonderful lesson ideas I used in several grade levels this week.

"Ungaresca" - B Section

And here's that "B" section. Note that it is a little longer -- six measure instead of 4. Remember -- a little practice every day pays off -- so get to it! :)

"Ungaresca" - A Section

Here is the A section of "Ungaresca." Remember to use the correct fingering on your F's. Remember you can also make the music bigger and/or print it out by clicking on it.

Recorder Ensemble -- "Ungaresca"

Hey Recorder Ensemble -- here is the new piece we are learning -- a 16th century Hungarian dance. In this recording I am playing the A and B section at normal speed, before breaking it into smaller (slower) sections. Enjoy!

Just For Fun -- Check Out I Nudge

I am so lucky to have teenaged daughters who can point me in the direction of all the cool stuff on the internet. For example check out this composition I made in five minutes at a site called I nudge. Want to try it yourself? Just click on the play button and then click above on the I Nudge trademark -- or you can access it through my links on the left hand column. It's really fun!

New Year and New Music Unit Begins!

Last week, after a nice three week break, general music began again. With the holiday show behind us we were free to begin focusing on a new unit -- American music. In this unit kids will continue develop their music skills, but will use American folk and popular music as source material. In the process we will have a chance to talk about the contribution from a variety of cultures.

First up, in anticipation of Black History Month and the concert with Maestro Delbert Taylor on February 2, we will some time focusing on the enormous contribution of African Americans to our musical vocabulary. The Third Graders pictured here, for example, are focusing on blues improvisation.