My son Fin came in and played the trumpet for the students this week - as his school was out for the holidays. He talked about how to make a vibration with his lips and used the mouthpiece to make a sound like a "bumblebee." He then played a "mystery song" that the children correctly guessed as "Jingle Bells." He answered questions from the Gillen Brewer students and explained how he is taking lessons and practices at home to become a better trumpet player. He also showed how he plays his "part" within the orchestra setting by playing along to a piece from "The Nutcracker" that he had just performed with his school ensemble. During November, we sang a song called, "Bought me a cat" and the cat said, "fiddle I fee." Then sang a song about a turkey getting away from a hunter, and had the students accompany me on the fiddle. I once asked a fiddle player, "What's the difference between a fiddle and a violin?" She replied, "The fiddle stays up later." She was saying that there is no physical difference, just that the violin is referred to as a "fiddle" when used in folk, country or bluegrass music. Since I brought in my new upright bass for the Turkey Band, I was able to give the students a chance to play something really big. We correlated how bigger instruments make lower tones/sounds due to the vibrations being slower. Every year, we get volunteers from Regis High School. This year, Steve helped me in the music room on Tuesdays. I found out he was auditioning for music colleges with the bassoon. I asked if he would come in and show our students the instrument and play the pieces that he was practicing. We heard low notes, high notes, beautiful sounds and sometimes, annoying sounds. Thanks, Steve. Every year, Braque from Science and Kate from Art form a Turkey Band to play for visitors as they make their way up to the classrooms for the Thanksgiving Feast. This year, Doriana from the Dragons joined us. We get a set list together and practice during breaks in preparation for this event. During the feast, Braque and I sneak into the classrooms to sing a song or two with the students and share with the visitors. |
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September 2018
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