
I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy. This is so hard. It's hard to be away from school and away from all of the people, places, and activities that we are used to doing. Hang in there - this won't last forever!
Last week, we watched a video on John Williams, a famous film composer. This week, I have a challenge for you. Can you name the kids movie by listening to a piece of music from that movie? Here is the video!
URL - https://safeYouTube.net/w/FO64
We also looked at the instruments in the Percussion and String families. This week, I thought we could look at the Woodwind Family. Which one is your favorite? What do they all have in common? Did anyone in your family play a woodwind instrument growing up? Check out the video here!
URL - https://safeyoutube.net/w/caS2
On April 1, the world celebrated the birthday of an amazing singer, Alberta Hunter, who was born all the way back in 1895 and became a very famous blues and cabaret singer! Here is a video of her singing back in 1982 when she was 87 years old!! Do you like her style of music? How is it different than the music that you listen to today?
URL - https://safeyoutube.net/w/MoS2
Check out this video of a children’s honor choir performing a song called “Jambo!” in 2019. What language do you think you hear? What do you think “Jambo” means? Why do you think that? Are there any words that you recognize (perhaps from a Disney movie)?
URL - https://safeyoutube.net/w/ohS2
In another completely different style of music, here is a piece of piano music written by Clara Schumann. She was sometimes known as the “Queen of the piano.” What do you think of it? What activity might this music fit well with? Exercising? Doing homework? Reading? Studying? I found a really cool video that gives you a little history of Clara – it's not too boring, I promise!
URL - https://safeyoutube.net/w/tqS2
URL - https://safeyoutube.net/w/QqS2
I really love the group called The Piano Guys. I linked a video of theirs last week and I wanted to share another one this week. Check out Steve’s awesome white electric cello in this video – it has 5 strings! Most cellos only have 4. Why do you think it has 5? What possible reason would there be? Check out the video here!
URL - https://safeyoutube.net/w/sp74
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What do you remember from last week?
Can you remember the names of 6 instruments from the Percussion Family and 6 instruments from the String Family?
What was the Elvis Presley song that I showed to you last week?
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Did you get to do this activity last week? If not, I would love for you to do it this week!
Finally, one of the things I love most about music is that it can help bring you joy and provide me with a sense of hope and optimism that everything is going to be ok. In fact, one of the songs that I have been listening to a lot recently is “It’s Gonna be Okay” by The Piano Guys. Do you have a favorite song that you like to listen to that makes you feel happy? What about an adult that you live with? Ask them what their favorite song to listen to when they need cheering up. See if they will listen to it with you! I would love to know what your and your parent’s favorite feel good/cheer you up song is. If you feel like sharing, please send me an email ([email protected]) and include the name of both your and your parents’ feel good song and even a YouTube link if you have it. I would love to listen to them! Click here for The Piano Guys’ - “It's Gonna Be Okay”
URL - https://watchkin.com/5efc0aeb51
I know we weren’t planning on working this week – but then again, none of us planned for anything that we have experienced in the last month. Take time to breathe. Go outside and enjoy the fresh air – the weather is really starting to get nice.
Ah, music," he said, wiping his eyes. "A magic beyond all we do here!” - JK Rowling
Stay healthy,
Mr. Baur :)