The gentleman Christoph Eschenbach is the conductor for this week's song named "Bolero". It was written by Maurice Ravel. This is one of my all-time favorite melodies. There is something about the snare drum throughout the song keeping the beat and the sweeping melodies that play from instrument to instrument.
I believe the first time I heard this music was in 1984. It was the routine for the famous ice dancers Torvel and Dean. They won the gold that day and I fell in love with the music.
This actual performance can be found on YouTube, (after I move the video bar) and it is in two parts. It is 16 minutes long. You can either relax and close your eyes or watch the humor in the conductor using only his face and brow.
Enjoy!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Opera anyone?
Okay, my beat-boxing blog did not post till today. I saved it in draft somehow. ??? Do not understand, but I put another video bar on so you can see either one this week.
If you have never listened to opera before PLEASE do not judge it merely by listening. It is a sensory experience that should be watched from a theater. It should have surround sound with a live orchestra and voices, and you should know what the story is before you sit down to watch it.
One of my favorites is "The Magic Flute" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. He wrote this in German which was the vernacular of that day. Usually it is performed in English for talking and sung in German. You have probably heard at least one of the songs on a commercial or cartoon before, but here are a couple interesting clips.
The Queen of the Night sings a song or aria which goes very high. When done well it is amazing!
Enjoy!
If you have never listened to opera before PLEASE do not judge it merely by listening. It is a sensory experience that should be watched from a theater. It should have surround sound with a live orchestra and voices, and you should know what the story is before you sit down to watch it.
One of my favorites is "The Magic Flute" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. He wrote this in German which was the vernacular of that day. Usually it is performed in English for talking and sung in German. You have probably heard at least one of the songs on a commercial or cartoon before, but here are a couple interesting clips.
The Queen of the Night sings a song or aria which goes very high. When done well it is amazing!
Enjoy!
Beatboxing anyone?
I came across this flute player this past year looking for my students to see different woodwind instrument players. His name is Greg Patillo and he is a beat-boxing flutist. He just amazes me and two questions come to mind. First, how does he get his tongue to move so fast and second, how much spit is going into the flute?
My students got a kick out of it because they recognized the songs and they like beat-boxing but they also got to see a man play a flute. It is a predominantly "female" instrument, as well as many of the woodwind family. Enjoy watching a different way to play!
My students got a kick out of it because they recognized the songs and they like beat-boxing but they also got to see a man play a flute. It is a predominantly "female" instrument, as well as many of the woodwind family. Enjoy watching a different way to play!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Glee-ful summer vacation
This week I thought we would show a little "Glee". It is definitely an adult show but I do let my kids,(not students) see or hear some of the songs. I have not figured out this video setting well enough to get the exact songs I want you to listen to. If you get a chance to listen on You Tube, my suggestion would be Kurt singing "Blackbird", "Don't Stop Believin'" by the cast, or any Warbler tune. I love the a cappella boys choir. They are amazing and make it look so easy to sing.
I do not know many Glee clubs that have classes like this but I think they have started a movement. There have been many tv shows that have taken off after Glee started. One of my favorites was called "Sing Off". I think we will dive into that show next time.
If you have never seen Glee before, you may want to start at the beginning or call someone who can fill you in. There is a lot going on but you can just watch it for the music. I love You tube for that reason. You have to be careful what is out there, but it certainly adds to my classes if I need a certain snip of a song or video to emphasize a point.
Enjoy!
I do not know many Glee clubs that have classes like this but I think they have started a movement. There have been many tv shows that have taken off after Glee started. One of my favorites was called "Sing Off". I think we will dive into that show next time.
If you have never seen Glee before, you may want to start at the beginning or call someone who can fill you in. There is a lot going on but you can just watch it for the music. I love You tube for that reason. You have to be careful what is out there, but it certainly adds to my classes if I need a certain snip of a song or video to emphasize a point.
Enjoy!
Friday, June 3, 2011
Summer and Chopin
I thought I had already wrote this blog and obviously did not post it. Ugh! I was thinking of summer vacation and the relaxing music of Frederic Chopin. There is something to be said for the piano sound. I love all instruments and orchestra sounds but a simple piano going up and down the keys is very refreshing. The way Chopin wrote is kind of how I feel if I could play the piano. Does that make sense? I am not blessed with the gift of piano but the feeling you get through Chopin's playing, I can see myself moving up and down the piano. This may sound corny but summertime is made for enjoyment, and Frederic fits the bill musically.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
The Informed Tech Shopper: In Search of a New-Improved Television
The Informed Tech Shopper: In Search of a New-Improved Television: "Less than four years ago I purchased a Toshiba Regza 42' LCD TV that has capabilities of HD 1080p picture quality. At that time, I did not ..."
Very informative since we are looking to buy a new tv. We have a 20 and 25 year old tv right now and a tiny one without cable.
Very informative since we are looking to buy a new tv. We have a 20 and 25 year old tv right now and a tiny one without cable.
It's blog time!
This week my third graders have been working hard playing their soprano recorders. I have been taping them with my new Sony "Bloggie". It is a flip cam. It has been quite the challenge to figure all this out but I hope it will get easier. I am in the process of putting their videos on SchoolTube and hope to have their access site on here. This is the students last week of school so I wanted them to see how far they have come in learning their instrument. I am very proud of them. The youtube post is on Vilvadi videos. I love this gadget! I may have to have a "Glee" week on here. Love Glee music!!!!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Classical music for kids is one of my favorite websites. This month they are portraying the composer Antonio Vivaldi.
Vivaldi is known for the "Four Seasons". The most popular of the four is "Spring". Most people have heard that season. I actually like "Summer" and then "Winter". Each one of these has its own charm.
If you have a chance to listen to the podcast, I have the link here on this blog.
Take a moment and listen to Vivaldi. I wish I knew how to put music on this blog. Can that be done?
Enjoy your week!
Vivaldi is known for the "Four Seasons". The most popular of the four is "Spring". Most people have heard that season. I actually like "Summer" and then "Winter". Each one of these has its own charm.
If you have a chance to listen to the podcast, I have the link here on this blog.
Take a moment and listen to Vivaldi. I wish I knew how to put music on this blog. Can that be done?
Enjoy your week!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Summer's coming...New beginning
Today it was 90° outside and tomorrow we are in a heat index warning for 93° in Kansas City, in May. Crazy weather! I think summer is coming.
The last Blog I wrote was right before Thanksgiving when it was cold. Time has sure marched on.
I did not finish my class and took some time off from my Master's degree.
This class is at a great time to think about next year and how to implement all this technology information. I am getting new music books with interactive texts and programs. Hopefully I can combine everything together.
The last Blog I wrote was right before Thanksgiving when it was cold. Time has sure marched on.
I did not finish my class and took some time off from my Master's degree.
This class is at a great time to think about next year and how to implement all this technology information. I am getting new music books with interactive texts and programs. Hopefully I can combine everything together.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Sir Joshua and the monster in the closet
Sir Joshua, the lion-hearted, clad in his warrior garb, reached his Spiderman gloved hand to the closet door; as he saw a line of greenish yellow gas oozing from the opening beneath the door. Using his crimson Superman cape to cover his nose from the hideous vapors and grabbing his long, gray plastic sword encrusted with the finest faux emeralds, he opened the door to see an oversized green foot with long, yellow toe-nails and a hint of fuchsia pink polish wearing off. Josh backed up quickly holding up his sword and said, “Come out of there you closet coward!”
The door continued to open and another warty foot took a large step crushing the Matchbox cars as it moved. This leg, the size of a tree stump, was blue with short toenails. Joshua looked up and standing right in front of him was a two headed, two armed monster taller than his ceiling fan.
The left side of this double noggin monster was royal blue with scarlet furry stripes. Its head had short yellow noodle hair and a Royal’s baseball cap on top. The eyes were almost hidden by the cap but seemed to be brown. The ears were long and pointed with brownish wax inside. On the same side of this head was a pudgy arm, lighter blue than the body with thinner red stripes running up and down. Its long bluish fingers wrapped around a mahogany wood baseball bat. It had a couple signatures that were smudged from use. Hopefully it was from a baseball and not for beating super heroes.
The right side of this strange looking beast looked oddly like a female. It had grass green skin with pink polka dots. The head had brownish leafy hair with a yellow and pink bow on the top of its head. A long sparkly gold earring dangled from the oval ear. Its lips looked really pink and very wet and the eyes were bright blue. The thick green arm was jeweled with bracelets of gold and silver and the wrinkled bumpy hand was clad in huge rings with diamonds, sapphires, and rubies. Hanging from its arm was a purple plastic leather purse with a gold clasp.
“Excuse me,” said the female side in a high pitched voice, “could you lead us to the powder room?” “Why ya got to go there again! I am tired of you always putting on your make-up and looking at yourself in the mirror!” retorted the male, “I want to go play baseball.” Looking at Josh he continued, “Hey, would you like to put down your sword and play baseball with us instead? I saw some kids next door that could join us.”
Josh didn’t know what to think. He was expecting to see a mean, vicious monster in his closet, not this being that wants to play baseball and likes wearing lip gloss. “Sure!” Josh finally replied. Why don’t you go to the restroom around the corner while I get my bat and glove.”
“Thank you,” the female said, “By the way, my name is Hilga. This is my brother Harpo.” “Nice to meet you,” responded Joshua “You may call me Sir Joshua."
And they left to get ready to go play ball.
The door continued to open and another warty foot took a large step crushing the Matchbox cars as it moved. This leg, the size of a tree stump, was blue with short toenails. Joshua looked up and standing right in front of him was a two headed, two armed monster taller than his ceiling fan.
The left side of this double noggin monster was royal blue with scarlet furry stripes. Its head had short yellow noodle hair and a Royal’s baseball cap on top. The eyes were almost hidden by the cap but seemed to be brown. The ears were long and pointed with brownish wax inside. On the same side of this head was a pudgy arm, lighter blue than the body with thinner red stripes running up and down. Its long bluish fingers wrapped around a mahogany wood baseball bat. It had a couple signatures that were smudged from use. Hopefully it was from a baseball and not for beating super heroes.
The right side of this strange looking beast looked oddly like a female. It had grass green skin with pink polka dots. The head had brownish leafy hair with a yellow and pink bow on the top of its head. A long sparkly gold earring dangled from the oval ear. Its lips looked really pink and very wet and the eyes were bright blue. The thick green arm was jeweled with bracelets of gold and silver and the wrinkled bumpy hand was clad in huge rings with diamonds, sapphires, and rubies. Hanging from its arm was a purple plastic leather purse with a gold clasp.
“Excuse me,” said the female side in a high pitched voice, “could you lead us to the powder room?” “Why ya got to go there again! I am tired of you always putting on your make-up and looking at yourself in the mirror!” retorted the male, “I want to go play baseball.” Looking at Josh he continued, “Hey, would you like to put down your sword and play baseball with us instead? I saw some kids next door that could join us.”
Josh didn’t know what to think. He was expecting to see a mean, vicious monster in his closet, not this being that wants to play baseball and likes wearing lip gloss. “Sure!” Josh finally replied. Why don’t you go to the restroom around the corner while I get my bat and glove.”
“Thank you,” the female said, “By the way, my name is Hilga. This is my brother Harpo.” “Nice to meet you,” responded Joshua “You may call me Sir Joshua."
And they left to get ready to go play ball.
Friday, May 28, 2010
New year, finished year, new class, finished classes
It's been quite awhile since my last post and many classes have been completed, concerts have been performed and winding down our last week of school after Memorial day. This class we are in now is really working my creative side. I am dusting off my drawing board and mind. The next post is about a monster in a closet. There is no beginning or end....just the middle.
I can't wait to see the monster! Enjoy.
I can't wait to see the monster! Enjoy.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
a little overwhelmed!!!
It's been awhile since the last post! Ugh! For some reason I couldn't post at school, and would forget at home....excuses, excuses!
Well I am on my THIRD webquest now. Yes, you saw it right! I would get so far with one quest and then would have a road block of some sort. I think I am on the right track now. It is what it is and I have done my best.
My second grade concert is coming up in a couple weeks. Working hard on getting that organized, and our new class is beginning. I forgot how much I do NOT know about the structure of a computer. This will be an interesting class, since I am starting from the beginning!
Hope to talk soon! See you on the web!
Well I am on my THIRD webquest now. Yes, you saw it right! I would get so far with one quest and then would have a road block of some sort. I think I am on the right track now. It is what it is and I have done my best.
My second grade concert is coming up in a couple weeks. Working hard on getting that organized, and our new class is beginning. I forgot how much I do NOT know about the structure of a computer. This will be an interesting class, since I am starting from the beginning!
Hope to talk soon! See you on the web!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
It's that time again...
Well, school is up and running and progress reports are already due. It is amazing how the time runs. I was asked today to be on a technology committee for our district. I am pretty excited about that! I am using the Smart Board almost daily. I absolutely love it! (unless it doesn't work right)
I have noticed that the more I work on the computer the more confident I become to try new things. Of course I still have a long way to go but it is fun trying to get there! Until next time....
I have noticed that the more I work on the computer the more confident I become to try new things. Of course I still have a long way to go but it is fun trying to get there! Until next time....
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Websites everywhere!
Guess who has a website for school! Me! Yayyyy! I am so excited to be "on the web". It is not exactly how I want it but I ran out of time. I know for those who know me that is a SHOCK but I hate making decisions and I love to "play" and make things pretty. This is a short blog today because my kids are on the way to my class. I am very jealous of Leah for getting her webquest done. Good job Leah! I bet that is a weight lifted!
I will "blog" later...
I will "blog" later...
Friday, August 28, 2009
These dogs are barking....
Thank goodness it's Friday! I forgot how much standing we do in a day. I have seen over 560 children this week, grades one through three. They were so excited it made me even more excited...until the day was over and I was wiped! My throat was not used to singing that much. It needs to get trained over again.
I am still wondering what I can do for my WebQuest. I have some ideas but I just need to get it organized and how I will go about implementing it.
Looking forward to seeing my classmates tomorrow. Wish we had more of those opportunities. I learn so much from there experiences and how they use technology.
I am still wondering what I can do for my WebQuest. I have some ideas but I just need to get it organized and how I will go about implementing it.
Looking forward to seeing my classmates tomorrow. Wish we had more of those opportunities. I learn so much from there experiences and how they use technology.
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