Friday, December 31, 2010

A Quote From the Great Greek Philosopher, Plato

"I would teach children music, physics, and philosophy;

but most importantly music, for in the patterns of music

and all the arts are the keys of learning."

-Plato

Bridgeport Chorus Presents "My Marvelous Magical Sleigh"

I am so proud of our chorus and the performance of "My Marvelous Magical Sleigh".  There were wonderful harmonies, great choreography, fantastic solos, marvelous speaking parts...I could go on and on. These kids should feel very proud of the way they worked together for a common goal. Being in musical performing group makes coming to school more meaningful. We will resume 8:15 rehearsals on Thursday, Jan. 6.

The Bridgeport Chorus on Tour

The Bridgeport Chorus presented their program "My Marvelous Magical Sleigh" at Berkely Square, Partners in Prime, and Sunrise Extended Care.  They did a fantastic job, but I'm sure they were exhausted by the end of the day.  Their classmates back at school probably did not work as hard as they did that day!

Yankee Doodle Slide Show - Dec. 9, 2010

Monday, December 27, 2010

5B plays holiday music on recorders


The 5th graders spent the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas reviewing what they learned last year on recorder.  This song uses the notes G, A, B and C.

6 Grade (Beasties) play Joyous Instruments

The 6th Grade (Beasties and band students) spent 3 music classes learning the many percussion parts for this joyous piece of music.  You can hear boomwhackers, hand drums, toy cymbals, wood blocks, sand blocks, and sleigh bells.  While not performance ready, we wanted to share what we had.  Another class time or two would have made a big difference!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Bridgeport Chorus Video on You Tube

Click the link to view the video taken by an employee at Partners in Prime of the chorus singing "Jingle Bell Boogie"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHBtGDzEdzo

Sunday, December 19, 2010

3a Plays and Sings "Up On the Housetop"

The third grade classes learned a jazzy arrangement of "Up On the Housetop" with Boomwhacker accompaniment.  Unfortunately the setting on my camera was not correct, which accounts for the poor picture quality.  Here is 3A's (Mrs. Burns' homeroom) rendition.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Music Education is Critical

“In every successful business…there is one budget line that never gets cut. It’s called ‘Product Development’ – and it’s the key to any company’s future growth. Music education is critical to the product development of this nation’s most important resource – our children.”


- John Sykes — President, VH1

Friday, December 10, 2010

YANKEE DOODLE'S DANDY CHRISTMAS Is a Huge Success

The 2nd grade performance of Yankee Doodle's Dandy Christmas was a great success.  The students sang beautifully, said their lines wonderfully, danced tremendously, acted brilliantly, and played very rhythmically.

I have many photos which I would love to post on this site.  However, I am still waiting on several students to return the photo permission sheet which gives me permission to post a child's picture on the web, newspaper, etc. I gave those children another copy of the permission sheet.  If your child brought one home, please sign and return so I know if I can include your child's picture.

DVDs of the program (both performances) may be purchased for $10.00. 

Sunday, December 5, 2010

A Message From Dan Rather on the Importance of Music Education

“Music is exciting. It is thrilling to be sitting in a group of musicians playing (more or less) the same piece of music. You are part of a great, powerful, vibrant entity. And nothing beats the feeling you get when you've practiced a difficult section over and over and finally get it right. (yes, even on the wood block.) Music is important. It says things your heart can't say any other way, and in a language everyone speaks. Music crosses borders, turns smiles into frowns, and vice versa. These observations are shared with a hope: that, when schools cut back on music classes, they really think about what they're doing - and don't take music for granted.”


- Dan Rather — CBS News

Singing Around the Christmas Tree





A great group of singers stopped by the music room to sing around the Christmas tree as part of Bridgeport's
  "Night of Giving" event. A big thanks to the high school volunteers who helped keep the singing going strong from 6:30 - 8:00!





3B Plays C,D,and E on keyboards

A


Students in grades 3-6 have recently begun work on our small keyboards. They are doing a great job of reading the music and playing.  The group featured here is 3B.