Showing posts with label Creativity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Creativity. Show all posts

Monday, July 21, 2014

All I Do Is Farm!

Peterson Farm Bros. has a new parody this summer, "All I Do Is Farm".  I always look forward to their blogs and new musical creations!  The kids love their videos as well, and can relate to much of what they sing about since we are a strong farming community!  Here's their blogpost and new video. http://petersonfarmblog.wordpress.com/


Friday, April 25, 2014

Indescribable!


How would you describe God?  Amazing! Unstoppable!  All-powerful!  Unchangeable!  Uncontainable!  Holy! All-Knowing!  Forgiving!  Life-Giving!  There's not a single word to proclaim the total awesomeness of our God!  
As I contemplate the gift of the Resurrection, it is both humbling and amazing to me the Love that God has for all of us, that He sent his Son to redeem us!  As I think about the apostles when Jesus appeared to them after His Resurrection...wow, their hearts must have been so totally overwhelmed with thanksgiving, love, praise!  The total joy they  must have felt!

This song by Chris Tomlin, "Indescribable", is a beautiful song of praise to our God...who is my Everything!

Saturday, April 5, 2014

It's a Slow Fade...


...when black and white turn to grey
...when you give yourself away
...when thoughts invade, choices made
...when you give yourself away
...when flatter leads to compromise
...when empty words and promises lead broken hearts away
...a price will be paid.

Written by Mark Hall and performed by Casting Crowns, Slow Fade makes the point that people, families do not "crumble in a day."  It's erosion over time of our core values that makes our foundation crumble.  Those "little" things that we do that "don't really matter." They matter.
Choices.  We all have choices...every hour of every day.  It DOES matter what we put into our minds.  Whether it's the television we watch, the music we listen to, or the sites we visit on the internet - it matters.

"The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking."

Just as we make choices, so Jesus, too, made choices throughout His life.  He ultimately chose death on a cross.  HE CHOSE.  Each event of His life was a choice.  Even His birth into this world was a choice by His Mother Mary!
Little choices, big choices...they all matter.  They all form who we are.  What choices have I made today? this week?  this year?  Do they reflect who I want to be? Who God wants me to be?  Are they shaping me into the person I want my children and grandchildren to remember after I am gone from this earth?  Do my choices make me a better partner in marriage?  Do my choices allow me to contribute to the well being of the community around me?
As we go through the day let's be aware of the choices before us...big or small.  What are they the wisest choices for your life?

Friday, March 28, 2014

Amazing America


Madison Rising has released the theme song for the new program "Amazing America" on the Sportsman Channel with Sarah Palin, premiering April 3. You might recall the awesome Star-Spangled Banner from Madison Rising.  This new release is another hit celebrating the American spirit and pride in our country.
As for the new show, Sarah Palin will be on the road, exploring the hunting and fishing lifestyles of Americans.  According to her press interview with USA Today:
 it's "not going to be some kind of fake scripted reality show" but will "showcase people, places and things in order to restore, fundamentally, what makes America great,"  


Sunday, March 23, 2014

You Are The Only One


Is Jesus your compass in life?  I believe that each person wants to be happy.  No one likes to be miserable, lost, rejected.  What/who guides your life?  Does your life show the fruits that come from a relationship with Jesus?  

 Jesus is truly the only one we can count on to be there for us ALWAYS!   He is everything to us!  You Are The Only One was written by Casting Crowns.  It's part of their new album THRIVE, released the end of January, 2014. Here's their own description of the album:
  THRIVE, the brand new studio record from Casting Crowns, is packed with the band's signature style of songs about real life that redefine our identity in Christ, pointing us to our purpose from Him so that we may carry it out through Him. It's time for us to more than survive. We were made to THRIVE!.  

Consider taking the THRIVE CHALLENGE by Casting Crowns!  Each month, 1 songs will be featured from the THRIVE album.  Mark Hall speaks in 3 accompanying videos, teaching the meaning behind the song, scripture references, lyrics and thoughts from the band.  This is a great way to re-focus your life to dig in and reach out.  Go HERE to begin!
You can find the THRIVE album on Spotify and iTunes!

Friday, March 14, 2014

Carnival of the Animals - Piano Carnival

I just discovered a new iPad app that will fit perfectly into my upcoming music lesson plans!  Piano Carnival is a narrative that accompanies Saint-Saen's Carnivalk of the Animals. Attached to each page of this story is a video of the appropriate piece of music as well as additional drawings AND a movie of those drawings being created in Photoshop!  SOOOO cool!
What really impressed me was the website for educators (http://www.pianotheatre.com/#!piano-carnival-lesson-plans/c2hs) that is linked in the "grown ups" area. This site has lesson plans and activities to accompany the book AND Common Core Standards are listed that apply to each lesson!  WOW!  I am so excited to begin this unit with my students!
There are many ways to use this app with your classroom. Project on a SmartBoard, just use your iPad to present the story, or put on a classroom set of iPads for individual use. Another great thing about this app is that it is FREE!  Check it out music educators!

Sunday, March 9, 2014

"Wash me, make me pure within!"

3Have mercy on me, God, in accord with your merciful love;
in your abundant compassion blot out my transgressions.
4Thoroughly wash away my guilt;
and from my sin cleanse me.
5For I know my transgressions;
my sin is always before me. -----Psalm 51: 3-5

"God Be Merciful To Me" by Jars of Clay, a Christian Rock Band from Nashville.  You can find them on Facebook and MANY of their albums are on Spotify as well.

Friday, March 7, 2014

Are you a Bee or a Squirrel? Maybe a Zebra or Giraffe??



"To make a prairie it takes a clover and one bee, One clover, and a bee, And revery. The revery alone will do, If bees are few." - Emily Dickinson
Crocus tomm II 086

In a class that several of our staff are taking, we watched the Video "Animal School" produced by Raising Small Souls (a great website to check out as well).  It prompted lots of discussion as we shared our thoughts about how this applies to us every day as educators  - what it means in connection with the children we teach, love, guide each day.  We are all unique - just like snowflakes, no two people are exactly alike.  That's what makes humanity so wonderful!  Variety - creativity - surprises!  One person's strength is another's weakness - that's how we compliment each other, and learn from each other.


What does that mean for our children?  As parents and educators, do we expect ALL of our children to be enthusiastic athletes or amazing musicians or perhaps outstanding academics?  Maybe we expect ALL of this from every child??  As educators, we want each child to be proficient at everything they do - Math, Science, English, Geography, Music, PE.  Are we expecting more of our children than we even expect from ourselves?  

I am an accomplished musician.  Science, however, is NOT my forte!  Once I hit chemistry in high school, I knew this was NOT my calling!  Is that bad?  Should I have stuck it out and taken all the science I could and attempted to build up my science knowledge?  Of course, my musicianship would have suffered.  I wouldn't have had as much time to practice or do the other "extra" musical activities that I loved.  My time would have probably been spent trying to figure out the allotropes of carbon instead!

How do we as educators celebrate the uniqueness and gifts of each of our students while at the same time prepared them with a "well-rounded" education?  How does this all connect with the state testing that is required of schools?  Lots of questions, lots of ideas.  

Watch for yourself, and ponder. Leave a comment, add to the discussion!  Which animal do you identify with in the video?  Which animal do you see your children identifying with?  

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Saturday, March 1, 2014

Celebrate MUSIC in our SCHOOL!



Since 1985, March has been filled with the sound as music in our schools thanks to this month being designated "Music In Our Schools Month." Sponsored by the National Association for Music Education, the event focuses the nation's attention on the need for and the benefits of quality music education programs.

Locally, MGS has a tradition of decorating grocery sacks so watch for some artwork with your purchases in March!  Some classes have started decorating their sacks!  Of course, they all hope that their parents will be given THEIR sack when they check out of the grocery store!

Students and educators appreciate the support they receive from their families year-round!  Thank you for supporting the arts in your child’s school by attending concerts, encouraging him/her to practice an instrument and sing in the choir!

Friday, February 28, 2014

Lord, We Praise You!

Psalm 62:1-2

It's been a sad week for us at school.  Earlier in the week, a beloved retired educator, Georgienne, passed away.  Then on Friday morning, a colleague of ours, Marlene, also passed away.  Our hearts are heavy with sorrow for the loss of these two women.  Our staff is a caring community. There will be a hole in our hearts as we mourn the loss of these souls that we were privileged to call friends.
Even though sadness prevails at times like this, as Christians we also know there is an incredible amount of joy.  When we pass from this world we are not really gone...we are transformed into new life!  No more pain, no more struggle.  We can rejoice that Georgienne and Marlene are celebrating their new life!
God truly is our Rock, our Salvation.  Things of this world are temporary, at best.  Only God is there for us always, forever.
So, even in our sorrow, we WILL praise you Lord!  We will praise You for being our Rock, our Salvation! As I listen and immerse myself in prayer while listening to the two videos below, I truly do praise God for everything...even the hard, sad times.
These two videos are original songs performed by Francesca LaRosa.  She has a voice of praise and thanksgiving!  I also very much enjoy the piano focus of the video! There is another video on the YouTube channel linked above that is an interview with her from four years ago.
She has another YouTube channel where I found the 2nd video, "Let It Shine."




Tuesday, February 18, 2014

LEGO MUSIC MAKER!


We tried out a new app in technology today - The Lego Music Maker!  The students LOVED creating their own music mixes!  Four characters - Emmet, Wyldstyle, Benny, and Batman - are available to dance to the style you create.  You can also choose from three different songs, and four types of sound blocks (legos)....percussion, guitar, synth, and voices.  One of the favorite voices to use was "I Am Freaking Out!"  The song loops in the background as the sound effects are layered on top.  The characters will do a dance moves that correspond to the type of effect chosen.  When a composition has been created, you can choose to save it and work on it later or even send to a friend to view.  Go to The Lego Music Maker and give it a try!!




Saturday, February 8, 2014


 

As you reflect about how you (and I) are salt and light to the world around us, listen to this selection by Jami Smith.  Salt and Light was released in 2002.  Her latest album, Verse, features songs derived entirely from Scripture.   Jami grew up in a small town in Oklahoma, and has been called to travel the country, serving as worship leader.  Her passion is to use her gift of music to help people connect with the Lord.




Salt and Light by Jami Smith
You make me want to be like You
Your holiness I will pursue 
I want the heart of Jesus 
Show me the meaning of Your grace 
I want to give the world a taste 
Of the love of Jesus 
Make me salt 
Make me light 
Let Your holy fire ignite 
Reveal Your glory in my life 
I am not ashamed 
To lift up Your holy name 
Make me salt 
Make me light 
Set me as a city on a hill 
A lamp on a stand 
Mold me in Your image 
The work of Your hand 

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

RECORDERS!

Third grade students have started to  learn to play the recorder this semester!  They are all very excited!  We have learned 3 notes so far, B-A-G.  We can play LOTS of songs with those three notes!  We have talked about the proper way to blow into a recorder (slow and with warm air), as well as how to properly care for our recorders.  (It's important to remember that the recorder is an instrument, not a weapon to hit little bro with!)  
The earliest use of the word "recorder" was in the household of the Earl of Derby in 1388: nomine Recordour.[1]   There are many sizes of recorder ranging from the Sopranino to the Bass.  We are playing the Soprano Recorder in class.  

Today we did an activity matching the "bumble bees" with letter names to the "trash cans" with the notation on them.  The students did pretty well!  There were a lot of bees that needed to find their can!  After things were matched up, students chose patterns of the melodies to practice with their partner.

Monday, January 20, 2014

We are BLOGGING at MGS!


Grades 3-4-5 have begun learning the ins and outs of blogging this semester.  This is an exciting time for them!  They are learning about blogging etiquette and applying it to their own classroom blog.  Grade 6 was blogging last year, so they are continuing on the journey of being even better bloggers!

Blogging and social networking have become huge forums for discussions and the sharing of knowledge. As I work to prepare your child for their future, I want to give them as many authentic writing experiences as possible.

Each classroom blog is totally private to the students and teachers in that particular classroom.  These blogs are NOT public.  Their classroom teachers, Miss Amie, and myself are the only people who can see the blog besides the students themselves.

Kidblog (at kidblog.org) is designed specifically for teachers and students, and is completely secure.  I have set up a class network of blogs, where each child has their own, and they are all connected through me. In this way, we can communicate amongst each other, but our work will not be visible or accessible to the public at large. Your child has their own specific password, which will give them access to edit their own blog, as well as the ability to comment on other studentsʼ blogs. However, each and every post and comment will come to me first for approval. In this way I can monitor the conversations and ensure that everything is positive and appropriate.

Ask your student to show you our classroom blog!  They can access it simply by going to www.kidblog.org or you can also find it through my wiki page at http://mgslyon.wikispaces.com/.  Students really LOVE to blog!!  



Martin Luther King Jr. and The Beatles!

Are you wondering, "What does Martin Luther King Jr. and The Beatles have in common?"  Did you know that Paul McCartney wrote the song "Blackbird" as a tribute to the 1963 march on Washington?  The song is credited to Lennon/McCartney.  While in Scotland in 1968, McCartney was inspired to write these lyrics.  The song was released Nov. 22, 1968.  As McCartney explained before his solo acoustic guitar set during the Driving USA Tour in 2002, the word "bird" is British slang for girl.  So, blackbird, becomes a synonym for "black girl."  
Enjoy listening to The Sessions Voices performance of "Blackbird."  The video incorporates Super 8mm footage and documentaries from the national archive. 

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Terje Isungset...Musician and Artist!


Norwegian Terje Isungset is an accomplished percussionist and composer.  He takes music beyond our traditional boundaries, crafting his own instruments from elements such as arctic birch, granite, slate, sheep bells, and ice.  Yes, you heard right.  Ice.  He has produced 9 solo CD's as well as writing for commissioned events such as jazz festivals, dance performances, film, theater etc.

He is a pioneer in ice music, a dream of his which seemed unachievable, but he proved that wrong!  In 1999 he was commissioned to create a concert held in a frozen waterfall.  This was for trumpet, vocals, nature percussion and ice.  His first ice music CD, "Iceman Is", was recorded at Ice Hotel Sweden in 2001.  The world's first ice music festival took place at Gello-Norway in 2006.  His first ice music tour, a total of 33 concerts, took him to Japan, Norway and Spitsbergen.

Some of the instruments he has created can be found HERE.  Below is a recording of one of Terje's concerts with The Trondheim soloists and Lena Nymark in Olavshallen, Trondheim, Norway on January 20, 2012.  The string arrangements are by Knut Anders Vestad.





Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Let All the Nations Be Blessed!

Take some time today to simply praise God for being God.  His Spirit is here and now, in us, through us, around us.  Feel His Spirit at work in your own life!

People from 19 locations around the world came together to create this video.  Enjoy!

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

What's a Parody?

In music this week, we've been learning about musical Parody.
  Musical parodies may imitate or refer to the peculiar style of a composer or artist, or even a general style of music. For example, The Ritz Roll and Rock, a song and dance number performed by Fred Astaire in the movie Silk Stockings, parodies the Rock and Roll genre. (Wikipedia)

Musical parodies are found all over YouTube these days!  We enjoyed a "farmer" theme this week and listened to the two parodies below.  I can see that creating some parodies of our own is written in the future....Enjoy!



Thursday, October 31, 2013

Blue Moon

There are a lot of Halloween videos to explore...lots of light shows!  I ran across this cute rendition of Blue Moon.  Have you heard any singing pumpkins lately?  If not, here you go!