Pics of the MS Choir Room - finally all painted!

 After 9 years with me, the nasty brown bar stool finally got a makeover too!

 Pinterest granted me the cool storage bench under the chalkboard...I made it by zip-tying milk crates together and slapping on some plywood and cushion. (with help from Andy!) I love how it doubles as storage for our sight-singing books. With milk crates from behind our shed, leftover plywood on hand, and clearance fabric from Walmart, it was only about a $9.00 project!

A few things are moved here and there, but it's still the same old room with the same old stuff. It's amazing how just a couple of tweaks can refresh the place. Unfortunately, it's still 15 degrees warmer than the rest of the school, terribly humid, and has a funny smell. I will continue to be addicted to febreze and other air fresheners! :0) See you all Wednesday!

Are You Ready...?

Another school year is upon us...can you believe the summer was so short?-- and that's not just an exaggeration like previous years! So here's where you'll find our Fab Friday "schtuff" and other interesting things. This year, I'll also be posting things that may benefit the newly-formed General Music class: theory help, unit-related items, and (hopefully) some guitar help.
If you are checking back in as a Freshman, my best wishes come your way! I may still see you on occasion in the choir room - good luck this year! Eighth graders: I'll see YOU in the great big HS choir room...PLEEEEEAAAAAASSSEE don't drive me nuts by staring at yourself in the mirrors all period, primping and such! You'll be happy to know I did finish painting the entire MS choir room...it looks awesome, so come back and visit sometime! Can't wait to see my returning choir students and am looking forward to having the 6th graders back in my "talons" again :0).

I always told you that last year being my first at the MS was a year of keeping afloat and that I would be studying up to find new and creative ideas for this year. I have been! I've added a ton of new warm-ups to our repertoire, ISSMA Solo & Ensemble WILL NOT kick my behind, and I have some ideas for getting our numbers up in the choirs - "Bring a Friend to Choir Day" anyone? Well, here's to a super year...hang on tight! See you shortly!  -Mrs. Walton

We've had a good year MSers....have a fantastic (and restful) summer and I'll see you again next year! A favorite piece of mine to leave you with.... :0)

Why Do We Teach Music?

Not because we expect you to major in music...

Not only because we expect you to play or sing all your life...

Not only so you can relax...

Not just so you can have fun...

But...

so you will be more human

so you will recognize beauty

so you will be sensitive

so you will be closer to an infinite beyond this world

so you will have something to cling to

so you will have more compassion,

more gentleness, more good, in short, ...more life...

Of what value will it be to make a prosperous living unless you know how to live?

-Unknown Author

Fab Friday 4/27

His name is Brian Regan. He is funny. I will link, but not post the video screen. Check with your parents before you explore Brian's other clips on YouTube. You know why... he's pretty mild, but about every other clip includes "h--l". Totally giggle-worthy, though!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkrMsPiqG6M
(Stupid in School)

Little League is pretty funny also...
Totally random stuff gang. No musical merit whatsoever. Maybe he needs to come up with one about school music, band/choir, or something!

Fab Friday 4/20

A while back, there was a neat show called America's Best Dance Crew, in which troupes competed for the big prize. These were top-notch teams that lived and breathed cool choreography...mostly hip-hop styles. One of my favorites (and apparently America's) was the Jabbawockeez. Check them out!

Fab Friday 4/13

An extremely talented group, The Piano Guys have put out some creative covers of popular tunes, parodies, and just plain cool work. Funny though, most of them feature a cellist! Great music that most kids enjoy... Here are a few of my faves:

Okay, I should probably include at least ONE featuring the piano talents!!!

Interactive Solfege Sight

http://www2.hoover.k12.al.us/schools/hhs/faculty/cshelton/Pages/IntrotoSolfege.aspx
This site will sound tones for any key signature while you click on the curwen hand signs and see the solfege syllable. Cool way to practice and train those ears!