Culmination 2011 - "Come So Far"

This last song, I thought, was our strongest. but all three were really great. 5th graders, you should be very proud of yourselves.

It's been a pleasure being you teacher. Good luck in middle school and have a great summer everybody!

Culmination 2011 - "Imagine"

The band did such a nice job on Imagine -- thank you, India, Max, Luca and Amaka. I just wish you could see everyone, but rumor has it that there will be a DVD of the entire culmination ceremony and much better camera work available shortly. Stay tuned for details.

Culmination 2011 - "Sir Duke"

Amazing job from the culminating 5th grade class today. I managed to get some video captures of all three songs. First up "Sir Duke" -- not an easy song to sing or play, but you guys nailed it!

The Right Biomes - "You Want To Be Grass"

One more, this time from the bottom of the food chain.

It was great fun collaborating with Jane and Sarah. I hope we get to do it again next year.

Great job everybody!

The Right Biomes - "Fungi Are Our Friends"

Best song title, maybe ever. :)

The Right Biomes - "Food Chain"

As great as the singing was, I think my favorite part of the show was the costumes.

The Right Biomes - "Forests"

The Right Biomes - "Close to Shore"

The other part of our show yesterday, was a production of "The Right Biome," a musical play put up by Jane Raphael's class. Here is the first of several songs, all of which have to do with animals and plants and the environments they need to survive.

Recorders and Choir combined on "Zemir Atik"

One of our more challenging efforts was to have the combined ensembles learn this Hebrew folk tune and dance and have the kids perform it while accompanying themselves. The piece presents all kinds of challenges -- multiple components, unusual scales, words in a foreign language -- but the kids did an excellent job. Well done, ensembles!

Recorder Ensemble -- "LaVolta"

Our recorder players are all in their first year and they are doing excellent work. The song is one of the one;s we performed at the Renaissance Faire. The funny exchange about drumming an example of the contrasting musical visions we try to encourage...up to a point.

Yesterday's Performance a great success!

Yesterday our choir and recorder ensemble joined forces with Jane Raphael's K-1-2 class for perform what I hope is the first of many collaborative shows. Putting together a variety by combining several smaller productions that classes at the school makes, I think, for some very interesting creative synergy.