Due to the last two week's Miscellany columns being rather long, this week's will be relatively short! Lots to do, so, will just share a few thoughts and info with you!
A member wrote to MENC in response to the November question of the Month, regarding boys in middle and high school choir.....this member has elementary choirs, and the survey hadn't asked about elementary level....so, in the December Question of the Month, we WILL ask about boys' participation in elementary level ensembles and music classes (as well as about the Sacred music/holiday issue!). This very active and dedicated member shared all about his music program - see THIS LINK,
and check out The Eagle Orff Ensemble (scroll down the page for photo!), 4th and 5th graders who practice and perform songs on xylophones, metalophones, glockenspiels, and other non-pitched percussion instruments!
A colleague at MENC found this question in a blog..... If you could save only 7 pieces of music from any time on any level, what 7 pieces would you choose?
As one comment said, "if you ask me again in 5 minutes, the list will change!" Read the short article and see what pieces some people have listed! What would YOU list?
Recently, MENC announced the results of a Harris poll, and mentioned that Steven Van Zandt had created a Rock 'n Roll curriculum - read more about it, below. Curriculum will be available for the school year 08!
Little Steven (Van Zandt) Rock and Roll High school curriculum-
and check out The Eagle Orff Ensemble (scroll down the page for photo!), 4th and 5th graders who practice and perform songs on xylophones, metalophones, glockenspiels, and other non-pitched percussion instruments!
A colleague at MENC found this question in a blog..... If you could save only 7 pieces of music from any time on any level, what 7 pieces would you choose?As one comment said, "if you ask me again in 5 minutes, the list will change!" Read the short article and see what pieces some people have listed! What would YOU list?
Recently, MENC announced the results of a Harris poll, and mentioned that Steven Van Zandt had created a Rock 'n Roll curriculum - read more about it, below. Curriculum will be available for the school year 08!Little Steven (Van Zandt) Rock and Roll High school curriculum-
and MORE INFO.....and the MENC Press Release
Finally, just for fun.....
In several of the Wednesday blogs, I've mentioned "El Sistema", the Venezuelan Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra. One graduate of that program, Gustavo Dudamel, (who currently leads the Youth Orchestra) has been chosen to be the conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic starting in 2009/2010. See his bio/story HERE
On his website, in his(click this link: "personal/FAQ") section you can find:
Marcel Proust's questionnaire
Bernard Pivot's questionnaire
If you're interested in a LISTENING LIST suggested by teachers back in August (i.e. pieces/artists recommended music students listen to), please write info@menc.org and we'll send the list of input!
Have a good week, and see you next Wednesday! SR
Finally, just for fun.....In several of the Wednesday blogs, I've mentioned "El Sistema", the Venezuelan Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra. One graduate of that program, Gustavo Dudamel, (who currently leads the Youth Orchestra) has been chosen to be the conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic starting in 2009/2010. See his bio/story HERE
On his website, in his(click this link: "personal/FAQ") section you can find:
Marcel Proust's questionnaire
Bernard Pivot's questionnaire
If you've ever watched James Lipton's Inside the Actors Studio on Bravo, you will be familiar with Bernard Pivot's short survey. Try it, if you need a break from the stress!
The last question always asked in the Pivot questionnaire is: If God exists, what would you like to hear him say to you after your death?
And Dudamel answers he'd like to hear God saying: "Wake up, you have to assist the annual composers' and conductors' reunion, headed by Mozart and Mahler... and by the way, hurry up, your grandpa is waiting for you! "
Read just a bit more below.....
Read just a bit more below.....
If you're interested in a LISTENING LIST suggested by teachers back in August (i.e. pieces/artists recommended music students listen to), please write info@menc.org and we'll send the list of input!Have a good week, and see you next Wednesday! SR
