Hello folks,

My first graders at Libby learned all about Nina Simone this week. We listened to her music from the 60's and 70's and then we listened to a few remixes by DJ's. So, they learned what a remix is.

Yesterday, I only had 3 afterschool students so I had a chance to teach a few technical rudiments to them. They learned the double stroke roll and the 5 stroke roll. They enjoyed it when I played fast. Seems like they were catching on pretty well. We had…

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The first Herzl Community Choir rehearsal was this past Wednesday and I had about 10 kids who showed up. None of the 23 adults came that signed up, but I was shocked and so happy that kids came. They didn't know about the choir at all- they just appeared. It was great!



Also, the school's bus attendant came prepared with his bass guitar. He's recruited 2 guitarists from his church who are coming next week. Yesterday, I UPS dropped off the guitar, the bass, and cymbals. Hopefully,… Continue

Eh, another improv session with my kiddies at Libby Elementary. Typically, I'll play minor chords on the piano in a very rhythmic style. Some kids sing but most will rap. I figured since the prinipal wants me to expose them to different styles of music, I decided to play a couple major 7th chords on piano just to jazz it up a bit. I chose Tamia to start us off for the day. She's really special. She's really good at rhyming and getting the class really hype.



Well, after about 45… Continue

11-17-09



This week my 1st graders at Libby made up a song called “I Can Do It”. I came up with the hook of the song:



I Can Do It

We Can Do It

She Can Do It

He Can Do It



I Can Do It

We Can Do It

There’s Nothing To It

Sit Down and Do It



So, the kids start off the song with the hook. For the verse, I let them take turns (two at a time) improvising while the rest of the students participate. Some kids are good at it… Continue

Went to meet with Rachel Culich, the resource coordinator at Hertzl Elementary this morning. It was a very informal meeting, but I was able to meet Tammy, the Parent Coordinator at the school as well. We talked about starting a school choir. Tammy said they used to have one before. When I was waiting in the office for my guest pass, a very young woman walked in saying that she was there to volunteer. It seems like there is a good amount of parental support/ volunteers at this… Continue