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!