My Arms, They Hurt

This weekend I went to Brown University's graduation. I was not, obviously, graduating, nor was anyone I know. But anyone who was ever in the Brown band is eligible to return and play at graduation, and so most years, I and a few of my friends go back. I march down the hill, I play my cymbals for four or five hours in the sun, I lie on the grass and drink frozen lemonade (state drink of Rhode Island!) and then I go home.

Which is why my arms hurt. YOU try carrying cymbals for 5 hours. They're heavier than they look.

I do not expect that any of my students will grow up to the music teachers. Nor do I hang my hat on the idea of one of you growing up to be a famous professional musician. Whatever you grow up to do or be, if you are happy and good at it, I will be thrilled.

But this I will admit: I will be really, really, really excited if someday a student of mine grows up to join the Brown University band. For whatever reason, that's my happy place. In fact, every class I teach and ensemble I direct is modeled on the Brown Band ethos: that a group of nerdy people hanging out and playing music for fun while making a lot of silly jokes is pretty much the most fun you can have.

Hope you all had wonderful weekends!

6th Grade Homework

Comment on this post with an intro to one of the 3 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!

7th Grade Homework

Comment on this post with an intro to one of the 3 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!

8th Grade Homework

Comment on this post with an intro to one of the 3 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!

Sixth Grade Soloists

As it turns out, I had just enough solos for everyone. That worked out well. See me Monday or Tuesday 1st lunch 4th block or after school to rehearse your solo.
The Newt- Sofia
The Carp- Katy
The Plaice- Liana
The Bass-Fin
The Chub-Ali
The Fluke- Everyone
The Ray- Grace
The Lings- Camila
The Trout-Tamara
The Blackfish-Natalie
The Smelt- Lauren
Blowfish- Everyone
The Trumpet- Annabelle

Troubadors!

Remember those hot singers we heard on Friday? Wish you had such a sexy blue polo shirt to wear?
Well, being a Troubador just got a little bit easier, because guess who just got appointed the new director of Troubadors?

No, not Spongebob. Try again.

No, not Mr. Livingston- he's already busy Wednesdays with All City Orchestra.

Ah, 3rd try's the charm! 'Tis I! Indeed! So clear your Wednesdays, because TROUBADORS IS COMING TO BIGELOW!

Under the Sea

Due to technical difficulties, the mp3 for Under the Sea auditions is here:
http://www2.newton.k12.ma.us/~christine_langlois/FOV1-000392CB/

A Former Bigelow Student's Video

Jonny is now a junior at North, a musician and an actor (you may have seen him playing a woolly mammoth in Skin of Our Teeth). He wrote this song about his experience with Asperger's Syndrome for biology class, and it's really neat!

Never has a commercial been so effective

in encouraging me to build a giant wooden xylophone. Too bad it's supposed to be making me want a new cell phone (which also looks cool.) Bach's never sounded better:




Thanks to Ms. Daly for the link!