A place for Mr. G's P.S./I.S.78Q students to get materials.
When I teach students how to put their hands on the keys of the keyboard I refer to in as “Finding First Position” because first position is a term used in ballet to indicate the starting body position.
I introduce the process in a set of steps outlined on the pdf below. Please feel free to print it or allow your child to refer to it when practicing.
Folk songs provide a unique opportunity for students to experience the art of songwriting. The simple, repetitive nature of folk music makes it the perfect platform to explore.
Kumbaya is a song that originated in the Congo and the word ‘kumbaya‘ means ‘come by here‘ or ‘come over here‘. Think of it as what a friend might say when they are inviting you over for a play date. The rest of the song is different based on who is singing it and what they are singing about.
Some example lyrics are as follows:
Kumbaya, ya Kumbaya (3x)
Ah, ah, KumbayaWe can play here, Kumbaya (3x)
Ah, ah, KumbayaWe’ll have fun now, Kumbaya (3x)
Ah, ah, KumbayaSing a song with me, Kumbaya (3x)
Ah, ah, Kumbaya
As you can see, there is a pattern to the verses. Simply follow it, and you can write your own version of this classic folk song. All you have to do is pick a topic, and think of some things to sing about that topic. In my example, my topic could have been Things To Do During A Playdate.
Use the player below to sing along with!
Use this worksheet to organize your thoughts. You don’t need to fill the whole thing up, either. Just use your imagination and have fun! For extra excitement, change the speed and style of the song. It doesn’t have to be slow and simple. You could rock it out, or recite it as poetry or rap or strum a ukulele, or any number of other possibilities. Be creative!
This is a video I show in class to introduce the students to the melody of Ode To Joy, by Beethoven. The performance builds, one section at a time until the end, when the chorus joins in with the words. The video is so full of JOY, it is a great introduction to what the piece is all about.
Here’s a great classic song from New Orleans.