Music

Welcome to Music! We are singing, singing, singing and getting used to singing solos in front of others as well as singing together as one chorus…not as easy as you’d think. All music takes practice. It begins with the idea that making music is normal, which is true. Singing and playing together triggers positive emotions, synchronizes group members and serves as a powerful way to express emotions, tell stories and define identity. Music is a universal and enduring language in every culture.

In second grade we sing songs about the seasons and accompany ourselves on drums and xylophones. We sing songs about our beautiful New York City neighborhoods and about the way we get around; walking, dancing, riding a train, flying through the air, literally and in our imaginations. We also sing songs from around the world, as taught to us by Musical Explorer artists. This semester we are learning folk songs from India, bomba and plena songs from Puerto Rico, and freedom songs from Texas.

Mostly we are learning how to play together in peace and harmony. Even walking in a circle at the same tempo while holding hands can be a challenge for the demure or rugged individual, so we practice in the most fun way possible…while singing!