Music Theory for Every Child

Got this comment written from a parent on a homework assignment that was turned in this week.  For the assignment, the student had to transcribe a song they already knew how to sing under the rhythm of the song that was already given to them on the worksheet.  Then they had to put the song onto the staff. 

"Not EVERY child is cut out to even learn music theory!" 

This from the parent of a student who habitually refuses to participate in any activity in music.  Priceless

Pardon my Dust

I'm making some changes to the blog...hang tight while I work out the stuff.  I will be back soon. 

The Deafening of America

Last sunday was our Church Sunday School Christmas Pageant.  Normally this is a pretty innocuous event where the children put on a small play, sing a few songs (usually out of tune), and the bells play their Christmas music.  This year, however, the program was an exercise in "how loud can you scream" when you"sing".  Now, I'll be the first to admit that I am a music snob, but the mere fact that the Sunday School teachers kept shouting "sing louder, sing louder" and "oh that was beautiful" proves to me that America is going deaf.  These kids were even mic'd so there was no reason to scream.  If there is one thing that I have learned this year from watching other master music teachers and watching my own classes with my student teacher it is that kids need to sing SOFTLY in order to produce a healthy and age-appropriate sound.  My 1st graders at school were having so much trouble matching pitch and finding their singing voices until I asked them to sing softly.  Bam! Problem fixed.  I have now transferred this to all my classes.  Whether it's singing, playing recorders or xylophones, or even just saying a poem and clapping a rhythm...when it's done softly and gently it become musical.  Now if only I had time to work with the Sunday School Kids.  ;) 

Prop 8 Video brilliance

See more Jack Black videos at Funny or Die

One for the BLog

THis note written on an assignment handed back to me today from a parent:

"I'm deaf so I'm having a hard time hearing him, so I just watch him and follow the dots"

Classic. 

Bye Bye Betty Crocker

Growing up, the go-to standard cookbook was the good old Betty Crocker cookbook.  So when I began my obsession with cookbooks I naturally purchased it as the centerpiece of my collection.  It became my bible for everything from cakes to how to cook an egg.  I have always been a fan of America's Test Kitchen on PBS so about 6 months ago I purchased their Family Cookbook.  In the past 6 months we have made many recipies out of this cook book: chicken enchiladas, lasagne, soup, stew, corn bread, quiche, fried eggs, etc.  Each and every recipie was sheer perfection.  I am totally in love with this cookbook.  It's true that I'm a cooking geek, but if you are looking for THE cookbook either as a novice cook or more experience one like myself, this one is AMAZING!!

Happy Anniversary

I can't believe that it's been a year already since I married this wonderful lady. Our time together this past year has been better than ever and I love her more every day. It has been an adventure and continues to be one that we travel together with great success.

Happy Anniversary Elissa!