Springing into Easter

The first signs of spring involve green grass and snow...at least in this part of the world. It has also been very noisy in my neighborhood.  The sounds of birds have been quite loud in the trees above the driveway.  Signs of life, rejuvenation, and hope are imbedded into the season of spring.

Easter is full of so many memories. Decorating blown eggs, Bordeaux eggs from See's, sleeping bags and sunrise service at Red Rocks, and the little chicks that chirp when you hold them on your palm are just a few of the highlights.  So, in honor of spring and Easter, here are my grade level picks.

Kindergarten and first grade will love "John the Rabbit". This is a good song for solo singing, late practice rest, and 2/4 meter.  Multipurpose songs that can be used for assessment and games are fabulous gems. My new favorite podcast Music Teacher Coffee Talk has included this song in episode #10.

Second grade will enjoy "Two Little Rabbits".  This cute little song is a great setting for mi-re-do, including so. The collected notation from the Lomax's has various sixteenth note combinations, simplified, this song can be used for syn-co-pa in third grade.  This could easily be made into a chase game, especially for the coming spring weather. Why not take a few classes outside to enjoy the weather.

Speaking of the beautiful outdoors, "Gwan Roun' Rabbit" is fun song for low la,. This gem is included in Jill Trinka's collection "John the Rabbit: and Other Folk Songs, Singing Games, and Play Parties".  While I see this as a fabulous picture of country life, I also see it as an opportunity for improvisation and rhyming.

Literacy is a big part of music and learning.  "Velveteen Rabbit" may not be appropriate for the classroom, there are plenty of books for spring. "Sing" is good for any time, but the birds seem just right for this Easter season.

Musically - Jennifer

#RememberTheJoy

St. Patrick's Day and Irish Folk music

When one thinks of Irish folk music, they may think of the Dubliners or the Chieftains. Both fabulous bands that flourished during the folk music revival of the 60s and beyond. Irish folk bands are not a short list, nor are they in small demand.  From songs such as "Danny Boy" and "Irish Eyes are Smiling", to "Molly Malone" and "The Wild Rover", Irish folk tunes and ballads are a part of folk music history from Ireland to California.

The influence of the Irish folk traditions in American folk music, is most present in the fiddle. As Irish immigrants entered the country, they brought their traditions with them. If you tune into the Rural TV Network, you may hear the fiddle being played with the band, whether it be a soloist, or accompanying dancers. More of this thread can be found here: https://londoncelticpunks.wordpress.com/2016/02/28/how-the-irish-and-the-scots-influenced-american-music/

My personal favorites as a musician and educator are "Danny Boy" performed by James Galway and "the Sick Note" from the Dubliners.  Enjoy!