A Crystal Glass Virtuoso
I should make a list of all the interesting things I’ve seen people play. I think this is really interesting and a good example of how we can make everyday items into instruments.
Watch the video and enjoy some classical music played on crystal drinking glasses. It’s pretty amazing. Do you think you could do this?
http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=25698554
Music Re-Arranged
When I was growing up, being in a vocal ensemble often meant singing classical songs that I didn’t recognize or melodies that just weren’t fun to me. The group I’m going to share with you has helped re-invent my idea vocal groups.
I introduce to you: On the Rocks, an all male acapella group from the University of Oregon in Eugene!
They have a fun, humorous take on music and often remake hit songs by current popular artists, major artists from the past or “one hit wonders”.
Above you can see one of their renditions of “Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga (who seems to be all over the place these days, doesn’t she?).
On the Rocks has a whole battery of material available on YouTube. Here are a few more gems:
On the Rocks performing “For the Longest Time” by Billy Joel.
On the Rocks performing “Superstitious” by Stevie Wonder.
This one has a slightly lower quality video, I had to turn the volume up a little to really enjoy this one! I am a pretty big Stevie Wonder fan, so this especially appeals to me.
While looking at all these videos by On the Rocks I found that they have female counterparts: Divisi. Why don’t you try to find some vocal groups singing modern songs in new arrangements and let me know what you find? Finding new groups (and a new way to look at music) is such fun!!
Kids Helping Kids: Minnesota MusicLink Program
Along Came Music is a member of the Minnesota Music Teachers’ Association (MMTA). We’re proud to be part of this community that fosters a love for music and supports music educators. Both aspects are so important to ensuring that music education remains strong and accessible!
Through our membership with the MMTA we learned of a program called MusicLink. MusicLink, the MMTA and Schmitt Music will be sponsoring a Play-A-Thon where students gather pledges similar to sponsored races or walks. Pledges are made per song, so if a student’s family pledges $5 and the student plays two songs the family donates $10.
All donations are tax deductable and a receipt will be offered. Students of all instruments can play up to two songs apiece, in any style. They can even play in duets! Pledges gathered will be pooled together and used to help disadvantaged children get music lessons, access to instruments and printed music, etc.
We have asked our students to participate in the Play-A-Thon and are hopeful that many will choose to perform. The performance will be held at the Mall of America on May 1st and 2nd. We are so excited to make donations to MusicLink and their very important program through the participation of our students! If you are interested in participating, please fill out the application to participate. To pledge donations for a student’s performance, fill out the pledge form and follow the instructions on how to submit the form and your donation.
For information directly from MMTA about the MusicLink Play-a-thon, click here.