Getting ready...

With only a few days left before the school year officially begins, I've been busy getting my room ready, which includes a major overhaul of my musical instrument shelves. 

Goodbye, messy clutter...hello, clean organization!

The end is near...

I can't believe we only have a few more days of school left! This year has flown by, and with it came lots of wonderful, musical learning experiences here at TCS. As we gear up for Country Stock, Field Day, Closing Ceremonies, Prize Day, and Graduation, I am connecting with different teachers about how to celebrate their students' learning through music. Here's a great song called "Apple Tree" by Justin Roberts that the Kindergarteners plan to sing at Closing Ceremonies on Monday:

This tune certainly encompasses the idea of growing up, and that's exactly what all our students do right before our eyes each year...and it's nothing short of amazing! 

Let's enjoy these final days together before summer begins!

BRAVO!!!

Congratulations to all students in grades 4-8 on a SPECTACULAR spring concert! 

I was so amazed and proud of everyone, and I think the audience really enjoyed the performances too.

Every time we have a concert here at TCS, I receive such kind comments and emails from teachers, parents, and students, and this time was no exception. Some even claimed that this was one of the "best concerts ever!" and I have to say that I agree. Choosing music that can connects with our theme of "Never Give Up" was really fun, and having the audience participate in sharing (or in one parent's case, singing!) our lyrics was certainly a risk worth taking! From the spontaneous clapping during "Lean On Me" to the thunderous applause and cheers for "You Make My Dreams," along with a lovely slideshow tribute to the 8th graders, I am so thrilled that the students went on this musical journey with me, and I look forward to many more!

Please check out the TCS Facebook page and the Little Hoot for links to the concert, or click below for photos and videos.

Concert Photos

Video of "You Make My Dreams" by Hall & Oates

 THANK YOU to everyone for making the concert such a powerful, energetic experience that won't soon be forgotten!

Theme Days: Bugs, Biomes, & Beyond!

Yesterday and today, TCS students in grades PreSchool through 3 took a break from their normal academic schedules for two fun-filled THEME DAYS of learning! This year's theme allowed teachers the freedom to explore many different ideas and create projects around "Bugs, Biomes, & Beyond!" 

We had a special author named Sarah Albee visit us to share her latest book called "Bugged: How Insects Changed History" (click here to learn more about Sarah and her fascinating research!). We also sang some fun bug songs together, took exploratory nature walks, and many teachers created STEAM projects to support our theme!

In my workshop, I shared time with MS English teacher Teresa Sullivan, who introduced some bug yoga poses to 2nd & 3rd graders. We were able to become ladybugs, butterflies, and even spiders!

Then, we watched a short video about David Rothenberg, a celebrated musician, philosopher, and author of the book "Bug Music: How Insects Gave Us Rhythm & Noise." Below is a video that details the music of cicadas, who come out from under the ground every 17 years to share their songs with the world. 

To learn more about the book click here and to hear previews of tracks from Rothenberg's Bug Music cd, click here.

As the Celebration of the Arts Concert approaches...

Hello Everyone!
Our Celebration of the Arts Concert is coming up on Wednesday, May 7th. The concert begins at 6pm, so students in grades 4 - 8 should arrive at 5:30pm. I will be sharing some of our songs with you here on the blog as the concert approaches. While we can't reveal all of our repertoire, I want to post a few of our songs because our theme for the spring is "Never Give Up!" so many of our songs connect with feelings of perseverance, acceptance, and encouragement. 
The first featured selection is called, "Nothing More" by Alternate Routes. This song will be sung by the 6th, 7th, & 8th grade chorus. Check out the lyrics and the youtube video below...enjoy!

NOTHING MORE (Alternate Routes)

To be humble, to be kind

It is the giving of the peace in your mind

To a stranger, to a friend

To give in such a way that has no end.

CHORUS:

We are love.

We are one.

We are how we treat each other when the day is done.

We are peace.

We are war.

We are how we treat each other and nothing more.

To be bold, to be brave

It is the thinking that the heart can still be saved

And the darkness can come quick

the danger’s in the anger and the hanging on to it.

CHORUS:

We are love.

We are one.

We are how we treat each other when the day is done.

We are peace.

We are war.

We are how we treat each other and nothing more.

Tell me what it is that you see

A world that’s filled with endless possibilities

Heroes don’t look like they used to. They look like you do.

CHORUS (vocals only):

We are love.

We are one.

We are how we treat each other when the day is done.

We are peace.

We are war.

We are how we treat each other and nothing more.

We are how we treat each other and nothing more.

We are how we treat each other.

HAPPY SPRING BREAK!

Here's a song to put you in a good mood as we all head off for two weeks. 

Enjoy the time and be safe!

CONGRATULATIONS, OKLAHOMA CAST!

Wow...I am still in awe of all that happened in the past week. Mrs. Barber and I are so impressed with what the students were able to accomplish to make the performances of "Oklahoma!" so spectacular. Even with the snow days and missed rehearsals, the cast and crew put on two AMAZING shows, and they should all be really proud!

THANK YOU to all the teachers for allowing us to take lots of extra practice time last week!

THANK YOU to parents for assisting with every part of the performance process from costumes and programs, to snacks and ticket sales, not to mention all the transportation to and from school and the fantastic cast party.

THANK YOU to the cast and crew for pouring your hearts and souls into what was truly a labor of love for myself and for Mrs. Barber. We really enjoy what we do, and we're so glad to share this experience with you!

"O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A, Oklahooooooooooooooma...YEOW!"