Ms. Von Wald's

5th Grade class

"It's the hard-knock life"

Students from Lewis and Clark Elementary School in Astoria sing

"It's the hard-knock life" from the musical, Annie.

Music by Charles Strouse, Lyrics by Martin Charnin

Music Teacher and Pianist, Dr. Vincent Centeno

Ukulele Play Along

Students are introduced to the basics of Ukulele playing by learning a few chords and playing along with YouTube videos made for educational use.

"Ho Hey" by the Lumineers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMpkqW5d2bc

"Roar" by Katy Perry

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y38hoG8m1iI

"Señorita" by Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ebBp5wrtnk

Ms. Von Wald's Class goes Christmas Caroling

Every class at Lewis and Clark Elementary in Astoria went caroling to each other's classrooms. Caroling has been a tradition in many countries. People young and old would gather, practice singing Christmas Carols, then sing for houses and stores during the night. It was an impromptu performance to brighten the season.

In keeping with this tradition, the idea was kept a secret from everyone – the Students, the Administrators and the Staff, including the Carolers themselves. It was fun to see the students with puzzled faces as we wondered down the hallway. It was just as fun to see the students in the classroom react with surprise as they heard the voices of their schoolmates!

For more interesting information about Caroling, visit the link below.

https://tinyurl.com/2s3rps9s

A Merry Christmas to all! - Dr. Centeno and the Students of Lewis and Clark Elem.

Habari Gani or Kwanzaa is Near

Music and Lyrics by James McBride

Piano accompaniment, Dr. Centeno

Deck the Halls

Traditional Christmas Carol of Welsh origin (16th century)

Arranged by John Riggio

Square Dancing

at Lewis and Clark Elementary

The Students did such a fine job performing the "Square Dance." Square dancing is a type of dance that originated in Europe. Through preservation and repetition, square dances have attained the status of "Folk Dance" in the United States.*

Traditionally, 4 couples are arranged in a square. Because there is not enough space in the Music Classroom, the students are in two lines, with each student facing their partner. The pattern of steps I put together for this class is a simplified version of the "Virginia Reel." Music for square dances are usually derived from Jigs (Irish) and Reels (Scottish).

Thank you, students, for your fine work and participation!

Dr. Centeno, Music Teacher

"Irish Jig Medley" is recorded by the New England Dancing Masters.

*https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Square_dance Accessed Nov 20, 2021.

"Brother John" or "Are You Sleeping" from the French folksong, "Frère Jacques"

Students learn how to sing a "Round."

Here are some student observations about the "Round."

1. We overlap the song.

2. We are singing the same song but not at the same time.

3. It's confusing at first because I start to follow the other group.

4. I have to ignore the other group. (Laughter)

5. Round forces you to think.

6. It's like "Row Row Row Your Boat" that I sing with my Dad in the car!

This French folksong and its English translation are in the public domain.

"Good Thinking"

Words and Music by Teresa Jennings

Instrumental Accompaniment & Vocal track

Dr. Centeno, Music Teacher

"Welcome"

Words and Music by Teresa Jennings

Dr. Centeno, Music Teacher and Pianist