Hello 2nd grade general music students!

Here is a wonderful version of Aaron Copland's "Appalachian Spring". These are musicians from the Toronto Symphony Orchestra who are each playing their part from home. It's a great way to see each of the four families of instruments playing together. Can you name the four families? How many instruments can you identify?? Have fun- and enjoy the music. You can Google all about the composer and the piece if you want to know more.

Your music teachers miss you!

Hello 2nd graders!

This is a recording of a song that was written in 1984 by a Canadian singer and songwriter, Leonard Cohen. When it was first recorded, it wasn't very popular. Now, it's been recorded by lots of people all over the world. This version is being sung by students from South Africa whose school is closed- just like ours. They are singing together, but they're doing it from each of their own homes. Isn't that cool?? It reminds us that singing or making music together is one way that we can connect with each other.

We miss you! Hugs!!!

Hello again general music students!

This is one of my favorite pieces of music. It was written by a French composer who lived from 1862 to 1918. The name: En bateau, means, In a boat. So, before you listen, pretend it's a warm, sunny day and you are relaxing while floating along in a rowboat. It can't be a powerboat! You have to imagine a boat without an engine. That way, you can listen to all the sounds around you while you float. Get comfortable, close your eyes and enjoy. Let us know what you think!! Have you ever floated in a boat? Have fun floating in your imagination!!

Still missing all of you!!!

Hello 2nd Graders!

When I was your age, this was one of my favorite pieces of music! Remember the four families of instruments? Well, this piece of music uses all four to play different characters in the story. It's called: "Peter and The Wolf". It was written by Sergei Prokofiev in 1936. He was a Russian composer and pianist. A children's theatre in Moscow, Russia asked Prokofiev to write this piece to help students learn about different instruments of the orchestra. It is the most popular piece written by Prokofiev and is one of the most performed pieces in the classical world! Enjoy!! Still missing you all!

Good Morning 2nd graders!

Today I want to share a video from a group called, Playing For Change. You will see musicians from Uganda, Los Angeles, France, Congo and New Orleans. The performer from New Orleans is called Grandpa Elliott who was born in 1944. He is a street performer who learned to tap dance, sing and play harmonica as a young boy. He has had a very difficult life but he loves to play music because it helps him to feel better when times are hard. Around 40 years ago, he lost the sight in one eye and has only a little vision in the other. In 2005, he was recorded by the Playing for Change project and since then he has become quite famous. One of his videos has had over 147 million views! Grandpa Elliott says that being able to play music for this project made him very proud. We hope you enjoy this video!!