Preparing for a Gig

Tonight Lynn and I went to see what it was all about at the Folk Music Center's Open Mike Night. We have been practicing our Celtic cello/violin duets and want to perform somewhere, besides busking. After watching a number of the performers (the vast majority on guitar, most with singer/s), we decided that although our act is quite different, we will fit right in and not be the worst performers there. We also decided that we could probably have a short stand and not have to rely on our memories to make it through our songs. Also, we might have to shorten our set, but perhaps we should time it to make sure. The time limit is 5 minutes.

New Uses for What You Already Have

Today in an Orff workshop given by Kay Lehto, we worked with bean bags. I have used my own bean bags (handmade and actually filled with rice, not beans) for passing games and throwing on the large staff in a game to name the note it lands on.

Today we used the bags to keep a steady beat while the teacher reads a story in meter. Passing the bags back and forth from hand to hand makes a great sound!

Garden Song - Inch by Inch

In second grade, we have been singing The Garden Song along with the recording of it by Peter, Paul and Mary on this album. This particular version makes me so happy and relaxed when I hear it and sing along, and the kids really like it, too. They actively participate with the hand motions and singing along.

Bach Cello Suites for Viola

Time to get practicing on the viola again. Orchestra rehearsals start next week. I am totally uninspired to play Tchaikovsky's 5th and Schumann's Spring Symphony (and hoping that as we rehearse them they grow on me), so I have decided to start thinking about this fall's orchestra audition and what I'll chose to play as a solo piece.

The Bach Suites for Cello (transcribed for viola in this case) are what many would consider "Desert Island Music". So, I'm reading through them, and I think I will try the Gigue from the Suite #3 in C Major. It's got some good frog action and variety within the movement, and today it felt like a good enough challenge for me.

Yeah.

Button You Must Wander

Today was the first day back for 1st grade music after Winter Break. I like to play a version of Hot/Cold with them as it is fun and easy. Or so I think it should be. As we sing "Button you must wander," we pass a button around the circle while one child stands away from us, facing away with eyes closed. When the song ends one person has the button while everyone pretends to hide the button in their hands. The one child comes over and we start singing. The louder we sing, the closer the seeker is to the person with the button. They get three guesses, and when they pick the correct person, they trade places and play begins again.

I was surprised last year at how difficult that concept was for some children who wander around the circle looking lost no matter how loud or quiet we sing. No different this year. I encourage the teachers to play this game in the classroom for reinforcement.