Concert in the Park, Summer 2013 - "Peace Round Mash Up"

Our second to last song was this mash up of the folk song "Peace Round" with a second aeolian Orff/Keetman piece from MFK Vol. 5 -- another musical challenge that the kids were totally up to.

The final concert of the year is a little bittersweet as we say good bye to our fifth graders -- Louie, Cole, Alondra and Alyssa -- it's been a gas gigging with you.  You'll be missed.  Good luck on your musical journeys through middle school and beyond.

Concert in the Park, Summer 2013 - "Ten Short Pieces for Barred Instruments #9"

The kids and I used to joke about whether this was called ten short pieces #9 or nine short pieces #10.  Despite its unwieldy name, it is one of the most frequently used Orff pieces at conferences because of it's high drama.  Our kids performed it beautifully.

Concert in the Park, Summer 2013 - "Pretty Saro"

Playing Alto recorders is such a challenge that some years I don't get to them.  This year, however, I had so many recorder players that I was able to use this challenging version of one of my all time favorite songs.

Concert in the Park, Summer 2013 - "Obiswana"

We had an excellent final ensemble concert of the year last night.  Great job everybody!  It was perfect night that began with this Nina Stern arrangement of a wonderful West African folk tune,

5th Grade Culmination - "The World's Greatest"

Hi again, 5th grade - this R. Kelly song (which a number of you already know) will be our third song for culmination.  As you practice, remember what we talked about in class regarding runs or melismas at the ends of line (and that is, R. Kelly does them; we don't).  We'll talk more about this on Friday.

5th Grade Culmination -- "It's Time"

Hi 5th Graders -- It was a close call, but after some thought I have decided that this Imagine Dragons song is a better choice for the culmination show.  I like what the words have to say about personal integrity and I think it will sound better with our piano accompaniment.  Many of you may already know it, but here is a recording with the lyrics -- as we will be practicing in class today!

Fifth Grade Culmination - "Come So Far (Got So Far To Go)"

Hi Fifth Graders -- as promised here are the lyrics and a recording of our culmination song "Come So Far," from the musical "Hairspray." Give it a listen!

Concert in the Park - "Best of Stykz"

As a bonus here's the animation Mr. Riko put together from the best 4th and 5th grade work from the technology classes.  I thought I post it here for the benefit of the Orff Ensemble, who may have too busy providing accompaniment during the show to check it out.  Enjoy!

Concert in the Park - "La Volta"

Our finale was this Michael Praetorius piece which the ensemble has played before, but I don't recall it ever sounding so sweet.  Excellent work, ensemble!

Concert in the Park - "Bird Calls"

And here's something with an entirely different feeling - "Bird Calls" by Louie.  Didn't the ensemble do a nice job with the arrangement?

Concert in the Park -- "Adrift"

One of my favorite activities every year is to take the compositions by 5th graders completed in the general music class and have them performed by the Orff ensemble.  This first of two, "Adrift" is by Cole.  Well done!

Concert in the Park - "Alla Marcia"

Our own recorder and Orff groups did an outstanding job as you see here.  Enjoy this video -- there's more to come...

Concert in the Park - "Six Energy Folk Dance"

The Concert in the Park (in the auditorium) went very well Friday night.  We had outstanding contributions from a number of teacher and students, including Melanie Lindert who was good enough to contribute this lovely bit of choreography.  Our thanks to her and to Ms. Hong and Mr. Karchmer for helping arrange things.

Alla Marcia - Part 2 Practice Speed

And here is part two, again slower than we will play it in concert. Really pay attention to those rests!

Alla Marcia - Part 1 Practice Speed

Hi Recorder Ensemble Members -- as promised here is the first part of Alla Marcia that we will be playing in our concert next Friday. I've slowed it down so that you can learn to play it very precisely.

Making Melody from Rhythm - Fourth Grade Week 8 Tutorial

Hello again fourth graders -- for those of you who are ready for it here is a tutorial that explains how I want you to turn you rhythm into melody.

I am also reposting an online piano keyboard which will help you hear the melodies you are creating.  Click on:

Piano

Good luck!

Figuring out our Rhythm - Fourth Grade Week 7 Tutorial

Hey fourth graders -- a number of you seems a little confused about how to figure out the rhythm and meter of your songs.  Hopefully this short video will clarify this weeks homework.  You can watch as many times as you need to.  And feel free to leave a comment or a question.