PLN Week 7 "Virtual Choir"

I found this YouTube video from a twitter message.  As far as I can tell it is legit.  It claims to have 2052 performers from 58 different countries.  The possibilities this video demonstrates are truly thought provoking.

Virtual Choir

Eric Whitacre's webpage:

Eric Whitacre Home Page

PLN Week 7 "Paperless"

This is a link to an Inspired Classroom blog about going paperless.  I try very had to be 'green' in everything I do.  I have spend the last four years converting just about everything to paperless PDF files.  It took some getting used to, but is just as easy to scan a document as it is to photocopy.

Going Paperless

PLN Week 6 Extreme Flute

I found this video of a different style of flute composition and performance than the standard classical repertoire.  I think it is good for our students to hear instruments played using different techniques and influences.  This clip could also be used to start a conversation about different styles from around the world.  When the man speaks at the end of the video, his accent leads me to think he is not American.  Different parts of the world perform much differently with the same given instruments.

Funky Flute Video

Ronald Snijders is actually from the Netherlands according to his homepage.

Ronald Snijders Homepage

PLN Week 6 Cello Beatbox

I was made aware of this from a twitter message.  It is neat to see this performer mix classical playing and a more hip-hop style vocal rhythmic part.  I think string students would like this example.

Cello Beatbox

PLN Week 5 Sibelius Turorial

I found this online video and tutorial about Sibelius notation software.  I use this software and find it to be the most important music software that I use.  I know there are many different notation software systems available, but for my money Sibelius is the best.  Follow the link to the tutorial.  The information seems useful to new and current users alike.  I am always learning how to do something new with Sibelius.

Sibelius Tutorial Videos

PLN Week 5 Online Refrigerator Words

This is a simple online site that uses "magnetic words".  I got this from a twitter post I read.  Those of us that teach in an Orff classroom do this type of activity all the time.  Have students place magnets on the refrigerator.  After stringing these into a group or sentence decode the rhythm they create from the syllables.  This can be played on pitched instruments or percussion.

Refrigerator Magnets

PLN Week 4 Jazz and Poetry

Found this idea on in my reader.  Jazz and poetry for the month of April.  As a general music teacher, I like the idea of combining active listening and literature. 

Jazz and Poetry