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!

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!

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.