Tuesday, January 17, 2012

8th Grade Chorus Homework

Comment on this post with an intro to one of the 4 songs we're singing at the concert. Good intros TELL THE AUDIENCE SOMETHING INTERESTING, such as the background of the artist/composer, a story about the song, insight into our process of learning the song, or something interesting to listen for when we sing the song.

Alternate Homework option: Draw a beautiful cover for the program.

Good luck!

8 comments:

  1. Sarah B:
    The next song is "Just What I Needed" by the Cars. This was their first single, and it was the one that made them famous. In fact, it was written right here in Newton, in the home of the band's lead singer and guitarist Ric Ocasek. It was fun to do parts with the kazoos, and fun to learn a song our parents rocked out to when they were in high school! We hope you enjoy "Just What I Needed."

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  2. Our next song, Just What I Needed, was written and performed by the Cars. It was written in the basement of a commune in the small but...exciting...town of Newton, Massachusetts! The song started out pretty unpopular, but was soon many radio stations' most requested song. We've changed a few things in the song, though. The Cars didn't have our awesome kazoos for some reason! This is definitely my favorite song of our concert, and it was super fun to learn. So sit back, relax, and enjoy one of Newton's own songs, Just What I Needed.

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  3. Our next song’s official name is MTA, which stood for Massachusetts Transit Authority. But, this song is more commonly know as Charlie on the MTA. This was written in 1949 as a campaign song for Walter O’Brien who was running for mayor of Boston. But O’Brien was labeled a communist when song became popular so the line “Vote for Walter O’Brien” was changed. This song displays O’Brien’s plan to simplify the fare system on the MTA (now called the MBTA) because when this song was first recorded it was very complicated. When riding the trains you had to pay a fee when you got on, and when you got off the train. If right now you’re asking yourself “Doesn’t that mean if you didn’t have enough money to get off you’d have to stay on the train forever?” the answer to that is…well we’ll let this song answer that. It tells the story of a man named Charlie who boarded a train with only enough money to get on. We hope you enjoy listening to this story just as much as we do telling it.

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  4. Our next song,"Dry Your Tears, Afrika", was originally from the film, Amistad, written by John Williams. The story of Amistad began in 1839 when trade was illegal in many parts of the world. Africans often kidnapped their own slaves to sell to foreigners. The film shows the Africans' journey to freedom. This song, "Dry Your Tears, Afrika", has a beautiful melody and we hope you enjoy it!

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  5. Alexis L.
    Our next song "Just What I Needed" is actually is one of my favorite songs in tonight's concert. I know this song is a favorite of many because we get to play kazoos in this song. This song was written right here in Newton. I will always remember singing/kazooing to this song not only because Mr.Hayes played it in Science Class one day.Well I hope you enjoy this song!

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  6. Our next (first) song was written in Massachusetts! To be more specific, in some weird city called "Neeeewwwwtooon?" That's right, here in Newton, MA! It was written by the famous band, Cars. Not only will you hear our delightful voices, but you will also hear a little surprise from us! Something the Cars didn't use in their original single, but you will enjoy it a lot, I guarantee it! Enjoy!

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  7. Izzy L.:
    Our next song "Charlie on the MTA" is a parody of the song "The Ship That Never Returned." This song was written after the fares increased on the MTA and you had to pay two fees. It was written by Jaqueline Steiner and Bess Hawes and became famous from the Kingston Trio. Enjoy!

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  8. Next up in our amazing repertoire is "L'Eyla". This fun piece was arranged by Boston's own, Nick Page! Mr. Page did not fail to impress us with the smooth yet energetic flow of the music. Pay close attention to us; you will catch onto a pattern in the lyrics. Now, I'll get out of the way so we can continue to entertain. Enjoy!

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