Our latest group class was a blast! What a treat to meet face to face in a group format again! We started by playing an ice
breaker game to review music terms & symbols, then went on to do some group improvisation - a little chaotic, but fun and musical!! Students were shown how they could do some Celtic sounding improvisation on their own at home to liven their St. Patrick's Day celebrations!
Next we played a scale card game...each student had to create a different scale (and were introduced to the concept of scale notes having specific names regardless of the scale...tonic, dominant, leading tone, etc.) and it was a free for all trading war as they raced to finish first and win a little St. Patrick's Day "gold" for their trouble.
And last but not least, we played Rhythm Bingo, where each student was given a bingo card appropriate to their level and had to roll dice to scratch off all the beats on their cards before 10 rolls of the dice! They got to ring the old cow bell when they finished and earned a little more leprechaun 'gold'.
They went on their way with a smile on their face and a clover sugar cookie in hand. Sad that this was the last group class of the year and looking forward to more next year!
First Jam Session a Success!
Tuesday, March 29, 2016 by Sharon Hale | Jam Session
Thank you to all who participated in The Music Room's first Jam Session! What fun we had!
We started the evening playing a couple of games (did the kids realize they were learning while playing??) - Rhythm Cups and Music Bingo. Then we shared some amazing cupcakes provided by piano mom Asi Vellekat (the woman is a secret baker!!). Next we spent some time taking turns trying to play simple songs by ear with another student accompanying with easy chord patterns. Finally, we had a free for all where each student took a turn playing a favorite piece, including a duet or two. Ben added to the fun by bringing his Ableton Push and putting down a little rhythm to go along with some of the songs.
My favorite part of the night? When kids were packing up to go and a student said, "This was fun. When can we do it again?"
Easy answer. April 25! Kids 11 and under from 7-8, 12 and older 8-9. I must have an RSVP (you can register directly on the website), though, because I learned from experience that 5-6 is about the max that will work in my small studio until I get the basement set up, so it will be first come, first served. There is no charge for this event....this is the FUN of music!
Sharon
