Check This Out!

Pretty sure I've gushed about these guys before on my blog, but if you don't know about the genius that is the band Ok Go, then pause your life and check them out now. Below is their latest video, and it's mindblowing.

Not only do they write some great music, but they also challenge themselves to constantly invent new ways to share their music with the world, and that is really inspiring. Enjoy! Also check out their other videos too...each one is a masterpiece!

Fun Music App to Try: Arpie

I previewed a fun and FREE musical app called Arpie recently, and decided to share it with a few of my classes. The kids had a blast "composing" their own songs as a group, and many of them requested that I share the app here on the blog so they can download it and play at home. 

The app features colorful bouncing balls that can be placed along a simplistic "keyboard" of pitches. The tempo of each repeated pitch (aka the speed of each bounce) depends on where you tap the screen. The possibilities are endless, and the students had a blast. Go ahead and give it a try...let me know what you think!

Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr.

Below is a video of the song "Martin Luther King" composed by music educator Barbara Ames. Watch and listen the song, with a heartfelt introduction by Lin-Manuel Miranda!

TCS students have been rocking out to this tune all week, and we'll be sharing our voices together on Friday morning during our All-School Meeting to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Feel free to join us!

What are YOU listening to???

As we begin 2017, what are you listening to? What is the soundtrack to your life these days? For me, it's a balance between what I choose and what my 3 year old chooses. Right now that means:

1) The band Joseph's "I'm Alone, No You're Not" album (click HERE or below to listen to one of my new favorite tunes, "White Flag")

2) The Hamilton Mixtape (click HERE or below to watch and listen to Kelly Clarkson sing "It's Quiet Uptown" and just be warned: it's tragically beautiful and may cause some tears!)

3) The Moana soundtrack (click HERE or below for Fiona's current favorite: "Where You Are")

Works for me!

Congratulations, & Happy New Year!

Welcome back, everyone!

Congratulations to all the students who performed at our Holiday Program before we left for winter break. It was a spectacular event full of music, fun, and holiday spirit, and it was a wonderful way to end the year!

I hope we are all ready to dive into 2017 with energy and enthusiasm for musical learning! There are lots of exciting things happening over the next several months here at TCS (MacLane Poetry, Into the Woods, etc) so check back soon for updates!