Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Tonal Tuesday - Unstuck Your Rut with I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker

The quieter times of summer are made for listening to music.  I don't know about you but I sometimes get stuck listening to the same music over and over again.  That in itself isn't' a bad thing.  However, I find that when I open myself to something new, I hear totally different things and my whole person goes to a different place.

As a teacher, I used to tell my students that they weren't allowed to use the word "LIKE" unless they were committing money to purchasing music.  Until then, they were to stay open and let the music play and find something about it to appreciate.

Early on, I dismissed rock music as unworthy of study.  I sure changed my mind when I started to actually learn about the music.  The historical roots and chord progressions were amazing and the changes brought about in recording and playing by technology changed everything.  Do I LOVE it all?  NO!  But I am not buying it all so it doesn't matter.  I do however, appreciate it all.

Listen to this and vow to appreciate something really unique about it.  Click on Comment below and tell us what you think.


Friday, July 26, 2013

Fun Friday - Only Boys Aloud - Calon Lân

In a discussion on Choral Net, original lyrics were said to have been changed substantially over the years and drifted away from the intended meanings.  Once a lyric is translated, it does tend over time to have changes made whether for a particular concert or sound etc.

Once while touring with a choir, we sang with a Welsh choir who sang their half completely in Welsh.  The first few songs were lovely but they might just have sung everything to "lah" as we didn't have a clue as to the meanings.

The song these young men are singing in Welsh.  The English translation is Crystal River.  Do you need to know the words to enjoy this song?  You tell us.  Click on Comment below.


Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Tonal Tuesday - Call Me Maybe Jimmy Fallon & Carly Rae Jepsen with Classroom Instruments.

Remember when you used margarine containers as drums or blew on grass to make a great sound?  Remember that we are growing and exploring something new this summer.

We had a wonderful set of musical instruments that stored in the little plastic drum.  There were maracas, harmonica, bells and of course the drum worn over the shoulder like a snare drum.  We had many "parades" with our kids and then our grandboys. 

We sang, we marched, we played, we created.  We made up our own music or played along with a recording.

Who says we can't do that minus the little people?  I challenge you to make a tissue box guitar, or tin drum or comb and tissue paper harmonica.  Then play along with something fun.  Yes, you can march if you want or just sit there and have a ball.  Rediscover music just for fun.

Here is some inspiration.  Don't they look like they are having a whole lot of fun?  These are professionals.  If they can do it, so can YOU!!

Friday, July 19, 2013

Fun Friday - Where Do You Hide Bagpipes?

I wonder how many of these pipers had ever done a flash mob before.  They certainly made a lot of people happier by the look of the crowd. 

So where do you hide bagpipes.  So how did no one know?  And some just kept shopping.  Eegads.


Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Tonal Tuesday - Listen to the Music

On our growth quest for this summer, I challenge you to find the music around you. 
 listening skills
 Is there music in the tree beside the driveway?

Is there music in the refrigerator?

Is there music you are missing because you haven't stopped long enough to notice?

I will make the effort to find some new sounds.  Will you?

Friday, July 12, 2013

Fun Friday - Don't Stop Believin' in 3D

Remember we are working on growing and being the best we can be this summer.  You absolutely can't stop believing in yourself and your goals.  Maybe this will help remind you.
Now this is what I want to see at a 3-D movie?  Very cool.  These are volunteers not professionals. 


Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Tonal Tuesday - Grow This Summer

During the summer we watch the crops grow.  We watch as children play and by September seem like new people.

Just because we are adults doesn't mean we cannot grow.  No, I didn't say GROW UP.  Just plain GROW.  Don't lose you ability to find joy in the small things as well as the large.

We are dedicating our summer to fun, thoughtful or engaging ideas to help you do some growing and thinking.  Enjoy.

Friday, July 5, 2013

Fun Friday - Who Said the "Pipes" Are Old Fashioned?

These young men want to win "fair maiden".  I can't imagine doing all this and playing too no matter what instrument.  What do you think?


Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Embro Highland Games July 1

Here we are singing at the Embro Highland Games.  Thanks Beth for snapping this photo.  the clans are in front and the dignitaries behind.  What a privilege to be a part of such a great day.

Tonal Tuesday - The Bagpipes and Paul McCartney

The Embro Thistle Singers spent a lovely morning at the Embro Highland Games (the longest continuously running games in Ontario) today.  As we mentioned before, we got to sing God Save the Queen and Oh Canada at the official opening ceremonies.

All day long there were pipe bands playing individually and en masse.  A piper played for each of the Highland dance competitions.  There were pipers and drummers in every corner practising and warming up.  For someone like me who has piping in her blood, it was absolutely yummy.

As I listened I wondered at the history of the bagpipes.  There are pictures of pipes as far back as 1581.  There are many types of bagpipes in many countries ranging from a simple bag with a chanter to the smaller Swedish pipes.

The Mudmen who are performing at the Embro Highland Games this evening, are a modern group bringing a new sound to the bagpipes for sure.  Paul McCartney used the pipes in "Mull of Kintyre".  Here is a young McCartney singing with Wings. 



You can find many modern pieces using the bagpipes to great effect.  What is your favourite?

Monday, July 1, 2013

Happy Birthday Canada!!

We are singing Oh Canada and God Save the Queen at the Embro Highland Games today.  With any luck we will post to You Tube.  Until then, happy birthday Canada.  We love this version.