PS 58 Lower Grade Music

The Anvil Chorus

2011-03-09T19:16:00.000-08:00

Vedi! le fosche notturne spoglie
de' cieli sveste l'immensa volta;
sembra una vedova che alfin si toglie
i bruni panni ond'era involta.
All'opra! all'opra!
Dagli, martella!
Chi del gitano i giorni abbella?
La zingarella!

Versami un tratto; lena e coraggio
il corpo e l'anima traggon dal bere.
Oh guarda, guarda! del sole un raggio
brilla piu vivido nel tuo bicchiere.
All'opra! all'opra!
Chi del gitano i giorni abbella?
La zingarella!

February Newsletter

2011-02-09T18:19:00.001-08:00

Lower Grade Music Newsletter: January, 2011

Dear P.S. 58 Families,

Throughout the month of February, students in grades Pre-K through 2 will be working on the following:

Pre-K cycle: Students will continue to identify individual tones and dynamics

Students will continue to identify dynamic and pitch contrasts

Introduction to improvisation through movement and percussive instrumental play.

Kindergarten: Kindergarten students are expressing and discussing how music makes them feel through song, dance and visual art. Throughout February, students will be exposed to a variety of vocal and dance pieces by African-American composers, and begin discuss how music is created, and the motivation behind the musical composition.

First Grade: To compliment Black History Month, this month’s focus will be on famous African American musicians. We will be listening to and learning songs from various musical genres, including jazz, hip-hop and rap. The emphasis of this month will be on the value of lyrics in songs. Students will also brainstorm ideas for songs in groups, and begin a song-writing project.

Second Grade: Second grade students will also be learning about famous African American musicians, and were introduced to this unit through the story “When Marian Sang,” the story of Metropolitan Opera star Marian Anderson, by author Pam Nuñoz Ryan and illustrator Brian Selznick. We will use this story as an opportunity to begin our opera unit, during which time we will learn about opera from every angle, including production. More information about a very special collaboration will be forthcoming.

Isabella singing "Moon River"

2010-11-15T03:24:00.000-08:00

Tornado hits Brooklyn!

2010-11-04T10:53:00.001-07:00

In the days that followed that CRAZY storm, students used their bodies to re-create sounds they heard as the tornado approached, hit, and left Brooklyn. Hit play, close your eyes, and listen carefully. Then play it again and see just how we did it!

Sadie singing "Moon River"

2010-11-04T10:38:00.000-07:00

Check out our first attempt at creating "home-made" music videos of our in-class rehearsals. This is Sadie singing "Moon River" with 2-233. The camera's a little shaky, but our beautiful voices make up for it!!

Met HD Live in Schools!

2010-09-28T19:22:00.000-07:00

The Metropolitan Opera has just released the schedule for their MET HD Live in Schools series These operas a screened LIVE from the Met for free at a number of NYC public schools across all five boroughs! For information regarding locations and free ticket reservations, click here.

Don Pasquale - Donizetti

Saturday, November 13, 2010 @ 1pm

Don Carlo - Verdi

Saturday, December 11, 2010 @ 1pm

La Fanciulla - Puccini

Saturday, January 8, 2011 @ 1pm

Lucia di Lammermoor - Donizetti

Saturday, March 19, 2011 @ 1pm

Le Comte Ory - Rossini

Saturday, April 9, 2011 @ 1pm

Il Trovatore - Verdi

Saturday, April 30, 2011 @ 1pm

"Speed of Sound" by Coldplay

2010-09-27T16:50:00.000-07:00

Students in Second Grade are learning "Speed of Sound" by Coldplay. Such an amazing song. To see the original music video (which I was not able to embed due to copyright restrictions, click here

"Circle Game" by Joni Mitchell

2010-09-19T20:00:00.000-07:00

First and second grade students have been learning "Circle Game" by Canadian folk singer Joni Mitchell. To learn more about Joni Mitchell, click here. We used this song as an opportunity to discuss the "refrain" (or chorus) in a piece of music, and learned how to identify it. Take a listen to the YouTube video below, and see if you can sing along!

-Mr. C

Circle Game by Joni Mitchell

Yesterday a child came out to wonder
Caught a dragonfly inside a jar
Fearful when the sky was full of thunder
And tearful at the falling of a star

And the seasons they go round and round
And the painted ponies go up and down
We're captive on the carousel of time
We can't return we can only look
Behind from where we came
And go round and round and round
In the circle game

Then the child moved ten times round the seasons
Skated over ten clear frozen streams
Words like when you're older must appease him
And promises of someday make his dreams

And the seasons they go round and round
And the painted ponies go up and down
We're captive on the carousel of time
We can't return we can only look
Behind from where we came
And go round and round and round
In the circle game *

Sixteen springs and sixteen summers gone now
Cartwheels turn to car wheels thru the town
And they tell him take your time it won't be long now
Till you drag your feet to slow the circles down

And the seasons they go round and round
And the painted ponies go up and down
We're captive on the carousel of time
We can't return we can only look
Behind from where we came
And go round and round and round
In the circle game

So the years spin by and now the boy is twenty
Though his dreams have lost some grandeur coming true
There'll be new dreams maybe better dreams and plenty
Before the last revolving year is through

And the seasons they go round and round
And the painted ponies go up and down
We're captive on the carousel of time
We can't return we can only look
Behind from where we came
And go round and round and round
In the circle game

Welcome Back!

2010-09-09T09:19:00.000-07:00

Lower Grade Music - September Newsletter

Dear 58 Families,

Welcome back! I hope you had a fantastic summer and are as excited about the new school year as I am! For those of you new to P.S. 58, my name is Stephen Cedermark, the lower grade music teacher here at P.S. 58. This year, I’m so excited to be working with Pre-K students (in monthly cycles) for the first time, in addition to Kindergarten, First, and Second graders. During the month of September, we’ll be getting to know each other through song and dance and begin to build musical communities within our classrooms while focusing on learning the following musical concepts:

Pre-K
• Identifying individual tones and dynamics
• Identifying dynamic and pitch contrasts
• Understanding improvisation through movement

Kindergarten:
• Identifying individual tones and dynamics
• Identifying dynamic and pitch contrast
• Understanding improvisation through movement
• Understanding call and response through song and movement

First Grade:
• Understanding pitch matching and tuning
• Understanding the relationship between music and visual art
• Beginning to understand the different parts of a song

Second Grade:
• Listening to and identifying multiple instruments in songs
• Identifying musical timbres and the instruments that create them
• Tuning individually and with an ensemble

Throughout the year and within each unit, students will begin to make connections between what music sounds like and what music looks like. An emphasis on developing a foundation in musical literacy will prepare students for our 3-5 strings program, with upper grade music teacher Sarah James. To facilitate this, students in Pre-K through 2 will use the Kodaly syllabic system to identify different musical patterns that will differ in complexity based on their level and prior knowledge. In addition, students will learn the appropriate vocabulary terms associated with note-value and dynamic symbols.

Please visit my blog at www.ps58makesmusic.blogspot.com for regular updates on what is happening in your child’s music class, and feel free to contact me at ps58makesmusic@gmail.com. I’m looking forward to an amazing year with your kids!

Mr. C

Metropolitan Opera Summer HD Festival

2010-08-27T05:39:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to pass along some information I received concerning the free Summer HD Festival that begins next week at the Metropolitan Opera. Click here to see the entire schedule, which begins this Saturday.

Ten of the Met's most popular Live in HD presentations will be screened for free on the front of the Met as part of the second annual Summer HD Festival. The series begins this Saturday, August 28, at 8pm with Tosca, starring Karita Mattila and Marcelo Álvarez, and continues through Monday, September 6. Three thousand seats will be available each night on a first-come, first-served basis; no tickets are required—and all screenings are free!

One Month Away!

2010-08-16T10:28:00.001-07:00

I hope you've all been having a GREAT summer! I just wanted to inform everyone of two after-school groups that I'll be working with during the fall semester as part of the PTA's After School Program. Information about early morning extended-day programs will go home in backpack mail during the first full week of school.

Percussive Improvisation
Mondays 3:00-4:30pm (starting 10/4)
For students in grades 3,4,5.
8 student maximum

We will explore the musical timbres of traditional and non-traditional percussive instruments, including but not limited to Congas, Djembes, Bongos, Tambourines, Shakers, and Woodblocks, as well as tonal Orff Instruments, to create original musical compositions using various rhythmic structures. A performance of these pieces will take place at the end of the session (tentative date for performance is Monday, December 20th @ 4:30pm.

Théâtre de Marionettes with Olivia Ramsey
Tuesdays 3:00-4:30pm (starting 10/5)
For students in grades 1 and 2 with some experience in French
14 student maximum

Théâtre de Marionettes, or French Puppet Theater, will begin with dramatic games and songs in French. Over the course of the semester, children will create an original puppet show in French, which will be performed for an audience at the end of the session. We will create characters, props, and "block" the performance, letting the students have as much creative control as possible.

Registration for these courses will begin in September.

Again, I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer. Looking forward to seeing you in September!!

Mr. C

Simon Shaheen Concert!

2010-05-12T05:30:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone can come! This will be an amazing event!

May Newsletter

2010-05-10T05:21:00.000-07:00

Lower Grade Music Newsletter: May, 2010

Dear P.S. 58 Families,

Throughout the next few weeks, students in lower grade music will be preparing for upcoming spring concerts, which will be taking place on the following dates:

After School:

Théâtre pour Enfants Performance
Thursday, May 20, 2010
3:30pm in the Library
(limited seating due to space restrictions)

Extended Day:

4/5 Chorus Performance
in collaboration with 2nd grade FDL students and 2/3 chorus members
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
8:00am in the Auditorium

2/3 Chorus – see second grade*
Kindergarten:

Pederson, Lippo, DiMassa & Leopoldi
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
9:00 am in the Auditorium, as part of K stepping-up ceremony.

Bouteillon, Ramsey, Richmond & Morano
Thursday, June 17, 2010
9:00 am in the Auditorium, as part of K stepping-up ceremony

First Grade:

Entire First Grade
Friday, June 18, 2010
9:15 am in the schoolyard, as part of end of year celebration

Second Grade:

Entire Second Grade
featuring a performance by the 2/3 choir in collaboration with the 4/5 choir.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
9:15 am in the Auditorium

April Newsletter

2010-04-12T02:58:00.000-07:00

Dear P.S. 58 Families,

I hope everyone had a wonderful and restful break! Now through the end of the year, Kindergarten, First, and Second grade students will be preparing for a number of performances, the most upcoming being Earth Day which will take place on Thursday, April 22nd at 3:00pm in the school yard. Please note that all K, 1, and 2 students, as well as any 3-5 students that are in my extended day choirs, will be invited to participate in an “open-sing” that will begin the Earth Day celebration. Students have been preparing “Colors of the Wind” and Seasons of Love.” If you and your child would like to rehearse these songs at home, song lyrics and embedded YouTube videos can be found here on the blog.

Here’s a look at what’s happening throughout the month of April.

Kindergarten: On April 12th, Kindergarten students will be treated to a Bulgarian drumming and dancing performance. In addition to preparing for Earth Day, students will be learning a Bulgarian children’s song and a traditional Bulgarian dance. Remember that updates and information about this program can be found here on the blog.

First Grade: In addition to preparing for the Earth Day celebration, students will be learning about the musical “Nate the Great” through song study in preparation for their visit to see the musical in May.

Second Grade: In addition to preparing for the Earth Day celebration, students are being introduced to the concept of two-part singing through canon exercises, in preparation for several two-part vocal songs they will be rehearsing for the end of the year. Students are also being introduced to the concept of vocal harmony, using Kodàly hand signals corresponding with Solfège.

Please remember to check www.ps58makesmusic.blogspot.com for up-to-date information regarding what’s happening in your child’s music classroom, and that you can always feel free to contact me with questions or concerns at ps58makesmusic@gmail.com.
-Mr. C

Kindergarten Drumming Update!

2010-03-25T08:22:00.000-07:00

On Friday, March 12, Kindergarten students were treated to a live Taiko drumming performance by Taiko Masala of Brooklyn, and many students drummed with the three performers as well!

Japanese taiko drums have been developed into a wide range of percussion instruments that are used in both Japanese folk and classical musical traditions.

Taiko, in general, are stick percussion instruments. With the exception of the kotsuzumi and ootsuzumi, all taiko are struck with bachi. They have heads on both sides of the drum body, and a sealed resonating cavity. Taiko are also characterized by a high amount of tension on the drums heads, with a correspondingly high pitch relative to body size.

Our last drumming unit will focus on Balkan and Bulgarian drumming and musical practices, with a performance for students on April 12!

Théâtre pour Enfants - "Douce France"

2010-03-22T17:54:00.000-07:00

Here are the lyrics to "Douce France," performed by Charles Trenet in recording below. You'll notice the lyrics that follow are those of the chorus, the section of the song that we will be singing. Enjoy!

Douce France

Cher pays de mon enfance

Bercée de tendre insouciance

Je t'ai gardée dans mon cœur!

Mon village au clocher aux maisons sages

Où les enfants de mon âge

Ont partagé mon bonheur

Oui je t'aime

Et je te donne ce poème

Oui je t'aime

Dans la joie ou la douleur

Douce France

Cher pays de mon enfance

Bercée de tendre insouciance

Je t'ai gardée dans mon cœur

Vois sur ton chemin

2010-03-21T05:11:00.001-07:00

Students in the 2/3 and 4/5 choruses, as well as those in the second grade French dual-language program have been learning "Vois sur ton chemin," composed by Bruno Coulais and featured in the film Les Choristes. Below you will find a recording of the song, as well as lyrics. Enjoy!

Vois sur ton chemin

Gamins oubliés égarés

Donne leur la main

Pour les mener

Vers d'autres lendemains

Sens au coeur de la nuit

L'onde d'espoir

Ardeur de la vie

Sentier de gloire

Bonheurs enfantins

Trop vite oubliés effacés

Une lumière dorée brille sans fin

Tout au bout du chemin

Sens au coeur de la nuit

L'onde d'espoir

Ardeur de la vie

Sentier de la gloire

K DRUMMING UPDATE!

2010-03-08T06:27:00.000-08:00

Although the primary purpose of the K Drumming Unit has been to expose Kindergarten students to the various percussive instruments, rhythms, and songs that exist within the three cultural spectrums we have been studying, it has also served as an opportunity to introduce visual musical concepts, that is, an ability to make a connection between what the student hears, what the student plays, and what the student sees.

In order to do so, we use the Kodály method of basic rhythmic instruction, a syllabic system in which note values are assigned specific syllables that help students differentiate between shorter and longer note values. Below are examples of student compositions created in "beat boxes" which help emphasize the ways in which rhythm and beat correspond. Each line of four boxes represent one four beat measure (in 4/4), in which students are asked to place their choice of the quarter note (ta), the quarter rest (sh), two eighth notes (ti-ti), four sixteenth notes (ti-ka ti-ka), and most recently, the half note (two-oo), which they learn must be written on the line in between two beats that can contain no other note value, as one half note fills up two beats.

These compositions are then performed through song and percussive instrumental play as solos and as small ensembles. Here's a look at some of what we create in our "beat boxes"!

This student's composition is an example of the beginning activity, in which students use only quarter notes (ta) and quarter rests (sh).

Here, students learn to "cut" their ta box in half or into four, resulting in either two eighth notes or four sixteenth notes. For the time being, we refer to them as only "ti-ti" and "tika-tika".

In the next step, the concept of the half note is introduced as a note value that lasts for two beats, placed on the line that joins two beats in the measure. We learn that no other note value can be placed in those boxes, because they are already "full."

March Newsletter

2010-03-04T13:33:00.000-08:00

Lower Grade Music Newsletter: March, 2010

Dear P.S. 58 Families,

February has been quite the busy month in Lower Grade Music, as well as in both extended day choruses. I hope everyone enjoyed the snow days! On Friday, February 12th, Kindergarten students we treated to an Afro/Brazilian drumming performance, during which time students participated in song and movement as audience members, and some on stage as drummers with the performance artists! Thanks again to all of the parents who assisted with this project.

Here’s a look at what’s happening throughout the month of March.

Kindergarten: As mentioned above, the Afro/Brazilian performance marked the end of the Afro/Brazilian section of the K Drumming unit, which means we are now studying Japan! Through March 12^th, Kindergarten students will be studying the art of Japanese Taiko Drumming as well as Japanese culture through song, movement, and literature. On Friday, March 12^th, Kindergarten students will be treated to a Taiko Drumming performance by the Taiko Masala Troupe of Brooklyn. Remember that updates and information about this program can be found right here on the blog.

First Grade: First grade students have been making connections between what music sounds like and what music looks like, expanding their knowledge of music theory using the Kodaly system. Using “beat boxes,” students create, perform and interpret their own compositions, with special focus on the quarter note (ta), eighth note (ti-ti), sixteenth note (ti-ka ti-ka), quarter rest (shh), and most recently, the half note (too, pronounced toowoo to emphasize the two beats). These compositions are then performed individually and in ensembles on percussive instruments in class.

Second Grade: Students in second grade have also been studying the connections between aural and visual music, with an emphasis on understanding the difference between beat and rhythm. Students will use percussion instruments in groups in order to do so, with the goal being to understand the concept of polyrhythms, which will help prepare us as we begin to experiment with two-part vocal lines in upcoming songs.

Please remember to check www.ps58makesmusic.blogspot.com for up-to-date information regarding what’s happening in your child’s music classroom, and that you can always feel free to contact me with questions or concerns at ps58makesmusic@gmail.com.

-Mr. C

Kindergarten Drumming Week Four

2010-02-26T07:23:00.000-08:00

Before we left for break, kindergarten students were treated to an African drumming performance by two exciting performers from the Ivory Coast, which marked the end of the Afro/Brazilian drumming section of the K Drumming unit.

In addition to participating as singing and clapping audience members, some students even had the opportunity to participate in a drum circle with the performers on stage!

Over the course of the next several weeks, students will shift from Afro/Brazilian drumming to Japanese Taiko drumming, during which time they will not only study the differences between the instruments and rhythmic structures used in this musical genre, but learn about Japanese culture through song, dance and literature as well. Check back here for updates!

After School: "Théâtre pour Enfants" Songs for Home Practice!

2010-02-10T07:41:00.000-08:00

French dual-language students in the after-school program with Olivia Ramsey and I have been preparing for their "comédie musicale," which they will be performing in May. While creating the play as a group, students have begun learning several famous French songs. Ms. Ramsey and I will be using the lower grade music blog as the source where you and your child will be able to find recordings of these songs, as well as lyrics, for practice at home.

Below you will find the first two songs students have been learning: "Je ne regrette rien" by Edith Piaf, and "Un petit poisson, un petit oiseau" by Juliette Greco (the recording below is actually a cover version we've been listening to in class).

Je ne regrette rien

Non, rien de rien,

Non, je ne regrette rien,

Ni le bien qu'on m'a fait,

Ni le mal, tout ça m'est bien égal.

Non, rien de rien,

Non, je ne regrette rien,

C'est payé, balayé, oublié,

Je me fiche du passé.

Avec mes souvenirs, j'ai allumé le feu,

Mes chagrins, mes plaisirs, je n'ai plus besoin d'eux,

Balayées les amours, avec leurs trémolos,

Balayées pour toujours, je repars à zéro

Non, rien de rien,

Non, je ne regrette rien,

Ni le bien qu'on m'a fait,

Ni le mal, tout ça m'est bien égal.

Non, rien de rien,

Non, je ne regrette rien,

Car ma vie car mes joies,

Aujourd'hui, ça commence avec toi.

Un petit poisson, un petit oiseau

Un petit poisson, un petit oiseau

S'aimaient d'amour tendre

Mais comment s'y prendre

Quand on est dans l'eau

Un petit poisson, un petit oiseau

S'aimaient d'amour tendre

Mais comment s'y prendre

Quand on est là-haut

Perdu aux creux des nuages

On regarde en bas pour voir

Son amour qui nage

Et l'on voudrait bien changer

Ses ailes en nageoires

Les arbres en plongeoir

Le ciel en baignoire

Un petit poisson, un petit oiseau

S'aimaient d'amour tendre

Mais comment s'y prendre

Quand on est là-haut

Un petit poisson, un petit oiseau

S'aimaient d'amour tendre

Mais comment s'y prendre

Quand on est dans l'eau

On veut que vienne l'orage

Qui apporterait du ciel

Bien plus qu'un message

Qui pourrait d'un coup

Changer au cours du voyage

Des plumes en écailles

Des ailes en chandail

Des algues en paille.

Kindergarten Drumming Week Three

2010-02-07T11:37:00.000-08:00

We used week three of the Afro/Brazilian component of the Kindergarten Drumming unit as an opportunity to move beyond learning the technicalities of playing the instrument, and began exploring the various ways drums are used to create soundscapes. After reading the story "Jungle Drums" by Graeme Base,

students were asked to close their eyes and listen to the Djembe I was playing. Using the tips of my fingers, I gently tapped the head of the drum. A few moments later, students were asked to keep their eyes closed but to raise their hands if the sounds reminded them of something. Students responded that they heard horses galloping, raindrops, tumbling rocks, and even popcorn popping!

After each student shared, students were divided into groups of five and given a drum, and told that they'd have to decide as a group what kind of sound they wanted to create. After they rehearsed, we would play a game and try to figure out what sounds the other groups were trying to create.

Students used their hands in patting, tapping and sweeping motions, and together produced incredibly creative soundscapes resembling the wind, mice running on the floor and earthquakes to name a few!

February Newsletter

2010-02-06T06:29:00.000-08:00

Dear P.S. 58 Families,

We have had quite the busy month in K, 1, and 2 music classes this January! In Kindergarten, we’ve been having a wonderful time learning all about African and Brazilian drumming, and are preparing for two Afro/Brazilian drummers that will be performing for us next Friday, February 12^th. Thank you to all of the parents who have been lending us percussion instruments for use in class.

First graders were treated to a very special visit by Broadway star Judy Kuhn, the original singing voice of Pocahontas, on Friday, January 29^th. Judy shared with us some of the original sketches of the film, and also taught us some warm-ups that we can do to prepare our voices before we sing. We then surprised her with a performance of “Colors of the Wind,” and finally she sang with us while we recorded live in GarageBand! Thank you to everyone who assisted with this!

Finally, the extended day 2/3 chorus was invited to perform at a legislative breakfast on Friday, February 5^th. Over 30 of us made our way to the Crooked Tail Restaurant to perform for legislators and state senators. Thanks again to everyone who assisted as chaperones and to those who helped organize!

Here’s a look at what’s happening in the next couple of weeks!

Kindergarten: As stated above, Kindergartners are finishing up the Afro/Brazilian component of the drumming unit, which will culminate in a live performance by a drumming ensemble on Friday, February 12^th. When we return from the break, students will begin the Japanese Taiko component, during which time we will explore Japanese culture through song, dance, drumming and literature. Remember that updates and information about this program can be found here on the lower grade music blog.

First Grade: To compliment Black History Month, this month’s focus will be on famous African American musicians. We will be listening to and learning songs from various musical genres, including jazz and hip hop. The emphasis of this month will be on the value of lyrics in songs, something we began talking about when we started learning “Colors of the Wind.” Student will also brainstorm ideas for songs in groups, and begin a song-writing project.

Second Grade: Second grade students have also begun learning about famous African American musicians, and were introduced to this unit through the story “When Marian Sang,” the story of Metropolitan Opera star Marian Anderson, by author Pam Nuñoz Ryan and illustrator Brian Selznick. We used this story as an opportunity to begin a unit on opera, during which time we will learn about opera from every angle, including production.

-Mr. C

Kindergarten Drumming, Week 2!

2010-02-02T17:14:00.000-08:00

Hi Kindergarten Families! Week 2 of the Kindergarten Drumming unit was very exciting! I would like to thank all of you for very generously lending us your instruments to explore and play in music class. Students have brought in everything from Djembes and Congas to small Ethiopian hand drums!

We have had a lot of fun exploring the various timbres of these instruments, as well as discovering how when combined, these instruments can be used to express how we feel.

This week, we used the very rhythmic Dr. Seuss short-story, "Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb" in drum lines. Using the text of the story, students repeated the vocal rhythms on either the Djembe or the Conga, and listened carefully to the reader, showing how they were able to use the drum to reflect the reader's vocal tone while repeating the rhythm of the text at the same time. Students then explored the various ways in which hand percussion instruments can be played, and how hitting different parts of the drum caused the drums to produce different sounds. We discovered that hitting the center of a drum resulted in a deeper, more resonant sound, and how hitting the edge of the head of the drum resulted in somewhat of a higher pitched sound.

Introduction to African Drumming!

2010-01-21T15:41:00.001-08:00

Students in my Kindergarten classes have begun their two-month long drumming unit, which this year will focus on three specific cultural genres, including Afro/Brazilian, Japanese Taiko and Balkan/Bulgarian. As mentioned in the letter sent home with Kindergarten students, I will use the blog to regularly update you with what's going on in class, as well as provide as many at-home resources as I can so that families can extend what we're working on beyond the classroom.

This week, students were introduced to two specific African drums (one with African antecedents), the Djembe

and the Conga,

using the story Toot and Puddle Get with the Beat.

(To read more about the Djembe, click here, and to read more about the Conga, click here.) Kindergarten students compared and contrasted Congas and Djembes of various sizes, and discussed their specific shapes. Students also discussed why drums are made to be certain shapes, and how the specific sound of each drum (or timbre) is affected by the shape. During an in class experiment, students determined that larger drums produced lower (pitched) sounds, and that smaller drums produce higher (pitched) sounds. Students also participated in an in-class "drum-circle" that included a small inner drum circle, with outer-circle dancers moving with shakers and scarves, following the beat provided by the small-group drum circle.

NEW! EXTENDED DAY CHOIR SESSIONS!

2010-01-12T18:35:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone! I'm so excited to announce that beginning next week, I will be offering two new Extended Day sessions for students in grades 2-5. If your child is not currently participating in extended day, he or she may be able to attend!

Grade 4 & 5 Choir will take place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8-8:37am.

Grade 2 & 3 Choir will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8-8:37am.

Because of the nature of the extended day program, and because of the limited amount of time we have each morning, it is incredibly important that your child arrive PROMPTLY at 8:00am. That said, all students must commit to being on time and ready to sing!

If your child is interested in attending, is not already committed to another extended day program and has not received a permission slip to attend, please have him/her request one from me as soon as possible. Please note that if your child is currently in an extended day program that will be ending soon, he or she may be able to join at a later time.

Broadway Star Coming to 58!

2010-01-11T14:49:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited to announce that on Friday, January 29, 2009, Broadway star Judy Kuhn, the original voice of Pocahontas, will be coming to share her musical expertise with my incredibly talented first graders at P.S. 58. To read Judy Kuhn's professional bio, click here. To read more about her on Wikipedia, click here.

In preparation for her visit, first graders have begun learning "Colors of the Wind" in class. Below is the original recording by Ms. Kuhn, with the lyrics underneath. I hope you'll take a few moments to sing them together at home, and discuss the significance of the (incredibly beautiful) lyrics. To learn more about the story of Pocahontas, click here.

Furthermore, students will also be singing "Seasons of Love," from Rent, whose recording and lyrics can be found a post below. Enjoy! -Mr. C

Colors of the Wind

You think you own whatever land you land on
The Earth is just a dead thing you can claim
But I know every rock and tree and creature
Has a life, has a spirit, has a name

You think the only people who are people
Are the people who look and think like you
But if you walk the footsteps of a stranger
You'll learn things you never knew you never knew

Have you ever heard the wolf cry to the blue corn moon
Or asked the grinning bobcat why he grinned?
Can you sing with all the voices of the mountains?
Can you paint with all the colors of the wind?
Can you paint with all the colors of the wind?

Come run the hidden pine trails of the forest
Come taste the sunsweet berries of the Earth
Come roll in all the riches all around you
And for once, never wonder what they're worth

The rainstorm and the river are my brothers
The heron and the otter are my friends
And we are all connected to each other
In a circle, in a hoop that never ends

How high will the sycamore grow?
If you cut it down, then you'll never know
And you'll never hear the wolf cry to the blue corn moon

For whether we are white or copper skinned
We need to sing with all the voices of the mountains
We need to paint with all the colors of the wind

You can own the Earth and still
All you'll own is Earth until
You can paint with all the colors of the wind

After-School Registration

2010-01-08T03:14:00.001-08:00

I'm so excited to announce that in just a few weeks, Kindergarten French Dual-Language teacher Olivia Ramsey and I will be beginning our After-School Program, "Théatre pour enfants." The program will begin with dramatic games and songs in French. Over the course of the semester, the children will create and original play, which will be performed as a musical at the end of the term. We will create props, scenery, and choreograph the performance, letting the children have as music creative control as possible.

This will take place on Mondays, 3:00-4:30pm, Grades 1-3. Some French Language experience will be required.

WELCOME BACK!

2010-01-05T13:27:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful winter break. Now that we're back, I'm so excited to begin working on one of my favorite songs of all time, "Seasons of Love" from the Tony Award winning broadway musical, RENT... the perfect song to help us transition from 2009 to 2010. Below you will find the lyrics, as well as the original soundtrack recording. Enjoy!

Five hundrend twenty-five thousand
six hundred minutes
Five hundrend twenty-five thousand
moments so dear
Five hundrend twenty-five thousand
six hundred minutes
How do you measure, measure a year

In daylight, in sunsets, in midnights,
in cups of coffee, In inches, in miles
in laughter in strife,

In Five hundrend twenty-five thousand
six hundred minutes
How do you measure a year in the life

How about Love
how about love
how about love
measure in love
seasons of love
seasons of love

Five hundrend twenty-five thousand
six hundred minutes
Five hundrend twenty-five thousand
journeys to plan
Five hundrend twenty-five thousand
six hundred minutes
how do you measure the life of a woman
or a man

In truth that she learned
or in times that he cried
In the bridges he burned
or the way that she

Its time now to sing out
though the story never ends
lets celebrate remember a year
in the life of friends

How about Love
how about love
how about love
measure in love
seasons of love
seasons of love

Link to YouTube Post

2009-12-26T06:13:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday - very quickly, a few people have asked me for the YouTube link to our recording of Don't Stop Believin'. The site link is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvQgYVYNOY0. You can access it by clicking here.

Enjoy the break!

-Mr. C

It's Finally Here!

2009-12-13T05:56:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited to be able to share with you the recording of Don't Stop Believin' by Journey, performed by our first and second graders, as well as members of the after-school chorus. One of our parents is still working to make the resolution a bit clearer, but I just couldn't wait to share it with you! Please feel free to comment, and share with friends and family! Enjoy!
-Mr.C

2009-12-12T05:35:00.000-08:00

UPDATE: Don't Stop Believing

2009-12-12T05:28:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone ! Just an update - the recording is ALMOST ready to post! One of our very talented parents is finalizing it, so it should be ready to go up soon. Once it's up, you'll be able to access it as a YouTube file through my blog.

"Don't Stop Believing" Recording

2009-12-02T18:02:00.001-08:00

Reminder!!

First and Second Grade Students

Friday, December 4, 09

8:00am in the auditorium (prompt)

Students will be dismissed to their classrooms at 8:40am.

Video release forms went home via backpack mail this week and should be handed in as your child enters the auditorium on Friday morning. Additional release forms will be available at the door if need be!

Looking forward to seeing you there!

-Mr. C

UPDATE: Winter's Carol

2009-12-01T18:15:00.001-08:00

For all of Second Graders who have asked me about a recording of "Winter's Carol" by Tori Amos, you can now listen to it by clicking here! (The lyrics to the song can also be found in the original post) -Mr. C

UPDATE: WINTER CONCERT DATES

2009-12-01T10:35:00.000-08:00

Just an update: The Second Grade Winter Concert will take place on Tuesday, December 22, 09 @ 9:00 am in the auditorium. Please see below for all dates:

Entire First Grade
Thursday, December 17, 09
9:15am in the Auditorium

Kindergarten: Pederson & Lippo
Friday, December 18, 09
9:00am in the Auditorium

Kindergarten: Bouteillon & Ramsey
Friday, December 18, 09
10:00am in the Auditorium

Kindergarten: Richmond/Morano & DiMassa
Monday, December 21, 09
9:00am in the Auditorium

Entire Second Grade
Tuesday, December 22, 09
9:00am in the Auditorium

Lower Grade Winter Concert Dates!

2009-11-26T05:45:00.000-08:00

Dear Families and Friends,

I'm so excited to announce the following holiday concert dates for grades K, 1, & 2.

Entire First Grade
Thursday, December 17, 09
9:15am in the Auditorium

Kindergarten: Pederson & Lippo
Friday, December 18, 09
9:00am in the Auditorium

Kindergarten: Bouteillon & Ramsey
Friday, December 18, 09
10:00am in the Auditorium

Kindergarten: Richmond/Morano & DiMassa
Monday, December 21, 09
9:00am in the Auditorium

PLEASE NOTE: We are finalizing the Second Grade Concert date. I'll post is as soon as possible!
Hope to see you there!

-Mr. C

P.S. 58 After School Chorus Concert!

2009-11-24T12:58:00.000-08:00

Mark your calendars! The P.S. 58 After School Chorus is excited to perform it's first concert with the After School Orchestra on Wednesday, December 16, 2009 @ 4:30pm in the Auditorium! We will be performing choral arrangements of pieces by Lady Gaga, Journey, Tori Amos, Greg Laswell, and more !! Hope to see you there. -Mr. C

"A Winter's Carol" by Tori Amos

2009-11-24T10:28:00.001-08:00

Second Grade students have started rehearsing this BEAUTIFUL new song by Tori Amos. To listen to it, click here! Remember, we are not singing the middle section of the song, so you won't find the lyrics below.

A winter's carol
First song of the robin
A winter's carol
I go through the land
And I can hear it
Ringing out
Ringing out
From pine to oak
Bringing out with the December snow
Ringing out
A gift of old
Wrapped in ribbons of gold
For the whole world
For the whole world

Through a midwinter clearing
a forest greets the snowy evening
Year after year, the holly king
passes the torch as it was intended
through a midwinter clearing
a final kiss and a new beginning
kiss on queen wearing his wreath
soon with the sun she will reascend
through a midwinter clearing
the forest greets a snowy evening
with wands of yew, the holly king
passes the torch as it was intended
passes the torch as it was intended

A winter's carol
the song of the robin
the sun is reborn
from the starry heavens
A winter's carol
echoes the sound of wonder
and I can hear it
ringing out
Ringing out,
From pine to oak
Bringing out, with the December snow
Ringing out
A gift of old
Wrapped in ribbons of gold
For the whole world
For the whole world
For the whole world

Ringing out,
winter's carol
Ringing out,
winter's carol
Ringing out,
winter's

Un éléphant se balançait

2009-11-19T17:03:00.000-08:00

"Un éléphant" was introduced to French Dual-Language Kindergarten students in the beginning on the year. Not only is fun to sing, it helps us remember our numbers in French as well! To listen to an mp3 recording of this song (the lyrics are a bit different, but hopefully the melody will help) click here.

Un éléphant se balançait
Sur une toile, toile, toile
Toile d’araignée
Il a trouvé ce jeu
Tellement amusant
Que bientôt
Que bientôt

Deux éléphants se balançaient
Sur une toile, toile, toile,
Toile d’araignée
Ils ont trouvé ce jeu
Tellement amusant
Que bientôt
Que bientôt

(and continue counting!)
(et continuez de compter!)

Une Souris Verte

2009-11-12T16:39:00.000-08:00

French dual-language kindergarten students sang the song "Une Souris Verte" (A Green Mouse). Below you'll find the lyrics to the song. To view a line by line translation in English, as well as listen to an mp3 recording of this song, click here

Une souris verte

Une souris verte
Qui courait dans l'herbe.
Je l'attrape par la queue,
Je la montre à ces messieurs.
Ces messieurs me disent :
Trempez-la dans l'huile,
Trempez-la dans l'eau,
Ça fera un escargot
Tout chaud.
Je la mets dans un tiroir,
Elle me dit : Il fait trop noir.
Je la mets dans mon chapeau,
Elle me dit : Il fait trop chaud.

Seussical the Musical!

2009-11-11T08:07:00.001-08:00

In October, Kindergartners and First graders read two of the most famous stories of all time: "Green Eggs and Ham" & "The Cat in the Hat" by Dr. Seuss. We learned two VERY fun songs (about these two stories) from the Broadway Musical, as well as some choreography! Some families have asked me about the original cast album, which can be found on iTunes as well as on Amazon.com.

Winter by Tori Amos

2009-11-11T07:17:00.000-08:00

Second graders have been working on an incredibly beautiful song by one of my favorite musicians of all time, Winter by Tori Amos. Here's a LIVE performance of this BEAUTIFUL song.

Listen closely, - what do you hear? Think about what it sounds like when we sing this song in class, and what Tori Amos sounds like. How are we singing it like her? What things does she do differently in this video?

Here are the lyrics. I hope you enjoy ! - Mr. C

"Winter"

Snow can wait
I forgot my mittens
Wipe my nose
Get my new boots on
I get a little warm in my heart
When I think of winter
I put my hand in my father's glove
I run off
Where the drifts get deeper
Sleeping beauty trips me with a frown
I hear a voice
"Your must learn to stand up for yourself
Cause I can't always be around"
He says
When you gonna make up your mind
When you gonna love you as much as I do
When you gonna make up your mind
Cause things are gonna change so fast
All the white horses are still in bed
I tell you that I'll always want you near
You say that things change my dear

Boys get discovered as winter melts
Flowers competing for the sun
Years go by and I'm here still waiting

Withering where some snowman was
Mirror mirror where's the crystal palace
But I only can see myself
Skating around the truth who I am
But I know dad the ice is getting thin

When you gonna make up your mind
When you gonna love you as much as I do
When you gonna make up your mind
Cause things are gonna change so fast
All the white horses are still in bed
I tell you that I'll always want you near
You say that things change my dear

Hair is grey
And the fires are burning
So many dreams
On the shelf
You say I wanted you to be proud of me
I always wanted that myself

He says
When you gonna make up your mind
When you gonna love you as much as I do
When you gonna make up your mind
Cause things are gonna change so fast
All the white horses have gone ahead
I tell you that I'll always want you near
You say that things change
My dear

Les Poèmes de Michelle by Teri Moïse

2009-11-11T06:50:00.000-08:00

Discovered by one of our 2nd grade French students after listening to Je Serai Là, here are the lyrics to Les Poèmes de Michelle, one more song by Haitian-American artist Teri Moïse. Hopefully you've had the opportunity read a little bit about the singer in our last post.

To continue to learn about this artist, click here. Pour en savoir plus sur cette artiste en français, cliquez ici.

Check out the video

I can't wait to hear what you think! -Mr. C

Les Poèmes de Michelle
Michelle veut croire
En l'innocence que sa vie ne permet pas
Si jeune trop mûre
Elle connaît déjà la faim les nuits dures

Elle s'écrit une vie
Pour pouvoir tout changer, changer

{Refrain :}
Dans les poèmes de Michelle
Les enfants ont des ailes
Pour voler
C'est quand la nuit tombe
Qu'ils deviennent colombes
Pour rêver, rêver

S'enfuir de tout
Le crayon sera sa clef
Les feuilles son issue
Un vers une rime les mots s'unissent pour
Protéger la victime

Il lui faut ces mots
Pour pouvoir tout changer, changer

{Refrain}

Avec ces mots si beaux
Elle voudrait tout changer, changer

{Refrain}

Je Serai là by Teri Moïse

2009-11-11T06:29:00.000-08:00

Here are the lyrics to the song we've been working on in the 2nd Grade French classes, (one of my all-time favorites), "Je serai là" by Haitian-American chanteuse Teri Moïse. For information about the artist, click here. Check out the music video of this song performed by the artist herself!

You'll notice that we've changed just a few of the words in the refrain, which repeats a few times. Enjoy!
- Mr. C

Oublie tes erreurs et tes peurs
Je les efface
Et chaque faux pas que tu feras
Je tomberai à ta place
Mon seul plaisir sera de t'offrir une vie idéale
Sans peine et sans mal

{Refrain:}
J'ai découvert qui je suis
Tout a changé le jour où nous sommes devenus amis
Et si jamais le monde t'es trop cruel
Je serai là toujours pour toi

Que tous tes amours soient sûrs
Tes amis sincères
Pour toi un domaine
Où la haine est la seule étrangère

Je ferai un monde où tout ira bien
Tu seras jamais seul tu manqueras de rien

{Refrain}

Je voudrais pouvoir tout savoir
Pour te donner une vision plus claire
De ce mystère que l'on appelle la vie

Mon seul désir sera de t'offrir une vie idéale
Sans peine et sans mal

Dans la jungle

2009-11-11T06:25:00.000-08:00

Le lion s'endort ce soir

Dans la jungle terrible jungle
Le lion s'endort ce soir
Et les hommes tranquilles s'endorment
Le lion s'endort ce soir

Wimboe wimboe wimboe

Tout est sage dans le Village
Le lion s'endort ce soir
Plus de rage plus de carnage
Le lion s'endort ce soir

wimboe wimboe wimboe

L'indomptable le redoutable
Le lion s'endort ce soir
Viens ma belle viens ma gazelle
Le lion s'endort ce soir

Don't Stop Believin' by Journey

2009-11-11T06:23:00.001-08:00

Don't Stop Believin'
Just a small town girl
Livin' in a lonely world
She took the midnight train goin' anywhere

Just a city boy
Born and raised in south Detroit
He took the midnight train goin' anywhere

Strangers waiting
Up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searching in the night
Streetlight people
Living just to find emotion
Hiding somewhere in the night

Working hard to get my fill
Everybody wants a thrill
Payin' anything to roll the dice just one more time

Some will win, some will lose
Some were born to sing the blues
Oh, the movie never ends
It goes on and on and on and on

Strangers waiting
Up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searching in the night
Streetlight people
Living just to find emotion
Hiding somewhere in the night

Don't stop believin'
Hold on to that feelin'
Streetlight people (x3)

Welcome!

2009-11-11T06:07:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the new PS 58 lower grade music BLOG, your resource for song lyrics, links to recordings you can listen to at home, recordings of ourselves making music together, updates on what's happening in class, in the program, around town and much more! I hope you will find this blog helpful!

-Mr. C.