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March 31, 2020: Week 3, Volume 2

3/31/2020

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Current Assignment(s):

Students should be working on the Extended Learning Assignment for March 30 (due Friday, 4/3).
​Details can be found in Google Classroom.

Updates:

- Click here for a parent update about the current Extended Learning Assignment (sent 3/30/2020).

- Click 
here for the most recent update about the Virginia Trip (sent 3/23/2020).

Inspiring Conductors:

In honor of the conducting video I made of My Very Own, this week I will feature a daily conducting video.

Gustavo Dudamel

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Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel is perhaps the most well-known conductor making music today. He is the Music & Artistic Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and a frequent conductor with orchestras around the world. He has been one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people and in 2019 received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Quoted from his website,
"Gustavo Dudamel is driven by the belief that music has the power to transform lives, to inspire, and to change the world. Through his dynamic presence on the podium and his tireless advocacy for arts education, Dudamel has introduced classical music to new audiences around the world and has helped to provide access to the arts for countless people in underserved communities."

Click here to learn more about Dudamel.
Dudamel's dynamic presence on the podium contribute to his popularity with audiences. Here, he conducts Beethoven's iconic 5th Symphony.
Here, Dudamel conducts Bernstein's "Mambo" from the musical West Side Story. You never saw an audience or the musicians get so rowdy at an orchestra concert!

Surprising Collaborations:

Like Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus' "Old Town Road," some of the world’s most famous musicians — including Michael Jackson, Taylor Swift and Elton John — have taken part in unexpected musical alliances.

Watch this truly strange duet between Miss Piggy and Ozzy Osbourne that you never knew you needed, and then click here for a list of 25 of the most out-there collaborations. 
Submit

Photo Challenge:

It's your turn to share your strange and amusing photos! 
​

​Visit Monday's blog to learn about Ms. Simmonds' animal hat collection. And then share your collection, weird costumes, odd habits ... or whatever else you think might make us laugh!

Have you taken up a new crafting activity to help pass the time (I know some of you have!)?
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For example, I recently started an indoor kitchen-herb garden. As of this morning, I have a tiny cilantro sprout! I couldn't be prouder ... which says a lot about my current level of boredom. The 3D puzzle of Hogwarts that I ordered on Amazon should be arriving next week.
I know I'm not the only one digging deep to keep myself occupied these days! Share pictures and stories of how you're spending your time, and maybe inspire others to take up a new hobby. 

Click 
here for a google form or email Ms. Simmonds 
to respond to this challenge and/or submit any other content for the Daily Chorus News​.
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March 30, 2020: Week 3, Volume 1

3/30/2020

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Current Assignment(s):

Students should be working on the Extended Learning Assignment for March 30 (due Friday, 4/3).
​Details can be found in Google Classroom.

​​Updates:

- Click here for a parent update about the current Extended Learning Assignment (sent 3/30/2020).

- Click 
here for the most recent update about the Virginia Trip (sent 3/23/2020).

Inspiring Conductors:

In honor of the conducting video I made of My Very Own, this week I will feature a daily conducting video.

Please enjoy "Maestro Cirque Du Soleil," the original Mad Conductor:

Featured Resource: BSO at Home

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Each week, Boston Symphony Orchestra will be sharing a new playlist, featuring performances from the orchestra's archive of recordings of concerts given in Symphony Hall and at the orchestra's summer home, Tanglewood. Click here for the Week 1 playlist (Week 2 should be available soon!). 

Photo Challenge:

It may surprise you to learn that I collect weird hats. Specifically, animal hats. And I have quite a varied collection.
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​Here's a sample:
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Flying Duck, acquired 2003
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Knit Monkey,
acquired 2010

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Fuzzy Lobster,
​acquired 2018
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Cow with Brim,
acquired 2019
*please note that while the monkey hat selfie was taken for this post, the other 3 pictures were taken previously, and are not all selfies, thus proving that I occasionally wear these hats out in public.

​So now that you know I'm slightly weirder than you thought (or maybe you always suspected?), it's your turn! 
​Share your collection, weird costumes, odd habits ... or whatever else you think might make us laugh! Have you taken up a new crafting activity to help pass the time (I know some of you have!)? Write up a short post or just send some pictures. 

​
Click here for a google form or email Ms. Simmonds 
to respond to this challenge and/or submit any other content for the Daily Chorus News​.

(And if you ever come across a crazy animal hat - tell me where I can find it!)
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March 27, 2020: Week 2, Volume 5

3/27/2020

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Current Assignment(s):

Students should be working on the Extended Learning Assignment for March 23 (due Friday, 3/27).
​Details can be found in Google Classroom.

​Updates:

- Click here for a new update about the Virginia Trip (sent 3/23/2020).
​

- Click here for a parent update about the current Extended Learning Assignment (sent 3/23/2020).

Practice Tips:

As we focus on individual rehearsal this week, I will share out practice tips and suggestions. If you have any recommendations for your fellow singers, please share them in the comments!
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Don't be lazy with the vowels!
Proper vowel production is essential to good tone and blend. Work to build the habit of constant vowel-awareness -- for any given word, know what vowel sound to listen for and how you need to shape your mouth in order to produce the appropriate sound.
Click here to read more about vowel production for singers. 


Friday Stress Relief:

Actor and comedian Steve Martin has been tweeting short videos of himself playing chill banjo music in the woods. I'll admit, banjo is not my go-to instrument to listen to when I'm looking to calm down ... but weirdly, this works. 
​

​"Banjo Balm" by Steve Martin.

​"20 Happy Songs to Play When You Just Want to Feel Good"

Check out this playlist, guaranteed to brighten your day. Don't agree with the rankings? Put together your own list of feel-good songs, and share it with us!
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Nipmuc Singers & Their Pets:

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Morgann and Hope

​Email Ms. Simmonds 
with a picture of you and your pet (and their name!) so we can continue to feature Nipmuc singers and the pets keeping us sane during social distancing.
​
​Don't have a pet? Send a picture of whatever else you may be doing these days that's helping you relieve stress and stay grounded!

Contribute to the Daily Chorus News!

What kinds of things do you want to see here moving forward? More pet pictures? Fewer youtube videos? Send me your feedback - what you like, what you don't, what this blog should be moving forward.
Click here for a google form or email Ms. Simmonds.
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March 26, 2020: Week 2, Volume 4

3/26/2020

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Current Assignment(s):

Students should be working on the Extended Learning Assignment for March 23 (due Friday, 3/27).
​Details can be found in Google Classroom.

Updates:

- Click here for a new update about the Virginia Trip (sent 3/23/2020).
​

- Click here for a parent update about the current Extended Learning Assignment (sent 3/23/2020).

Practice Tips:

As we focus on individual rehearsal this week, I will share out practice tips and suggestions. If you have any recommendations for your fellow singers, please share them in the comments!
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Don't just sing the song over and over ... and over ... and over ...
​
If you want to make improvements, break down the song and implement some specific practice strategies:
- Chunk it down: isolate the problem/area for improvement     
- Chain it together: work on each section separately and out of order, then put them back together       
- Whole-Part-Whole: isolate a challenging passage but then make sure you put it back into context
- Repetition: for permanence
- Variations: for adaptability
    - Slow it down (for accuracy)
    - Speed it up (for a challenge)
    - Change the articulation (sing a legato passage staccato, sing a gentle passage accented, etc.)

Creative Ways to Pass the Time:

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Go on a Virtual Disney ride
Challenge your family to a Chopped competition
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Watch these videos of musicians eating spicy peppers and then playing:
And then definitely DO NOT try this at home!

Missing the pet/plant pictures? Send them to me!
Email Ms. Simmonds with a picture of you and your pet (and their name!) so we can continue to feature Nipmuc singers and the pets keeping us sane during social distancing.
​Don't have a pet? Send a picture of whatever else you may be doing these days that's helping you relieve stress and stay grounded!
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March 25, 2020: Week 2, Volume 3

3/25/2020

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Current Assignment(s):

Students should be working on the Extended Learning Assignment for March 23 (due Friday, 3/27).
​Details can be found in Google Classroom.

Updates:

- Click here for a new update about the Virginia Trip (sent 3/23/2020).
​

- Click here for a parent update about the current Extended Learning Assignment (sent 3/23/2020).

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Practice Tips:

As we focus on individual rehearsal this week, I will share out practice tips and suggestions. If you have any recommendations for your fellow singers, please share them in the comments!
Think about the consonants​!
Diction is important, no matter what language you're singing. As you listen to your recordings this week, pay special attention to pronunciation, and make sure you can understand yourself. 
​
For more information about consonants and singing, click here.


​Nipmuc Singers & Their "Pets":

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Jenna and Hector
Email Ms. Simmonds with a picture of you and your pet (and their name!) so we can continue to feature Nipmuc singers and the pets keeping us sane during social distancing.
​
​Don't have a pet? Send a picture of whatever else you may be doing these days that's helping you relieve stress and stay grounded!

Listening Recommendation:

Have you ever seen somebody play piano using a cello bow? 
Check out The Piano Guys youtube channel for more like this.

Just for Fun: Music Trivia

Did you know that the harmonica is the world’s best-selling music instrument?

​Or that The
 Beatles song “Martha My Dear” was written by Paul McCartney about his sheepdog, Martha?
​
Click here for more random music trivia.
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March 24, 2020: Week 2, Volume 2

3/24/2020

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Current Assignment(s):
Students should be working on the Extended Learning Assignment for March 23 (due Friday, 3/27). Details can be found in Google Classroom.

Updates:
- Click here for a new update about the Virginia Trip (sent 3/23/2020).
- Click here for a parent update about the current Extended Learning Assignment (sent 3/23/2020).


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Practice Tips:
As we focus on individual rehearsal this week, I will share out practice tips and suggestions. If you have any recommendations for your fellow singers, please share them in the comments!

"Practicing Choral Music: 10 Ideas for the Singer Who Doesn’t Think They Can Practice on Their Own
By Doreen Fryling, Ed.D.

1. Start with the text. Make sure you know what you are singing. Think about the text. Find a translation if it is in another language. Write the poetic translation above/below the lyrics. If you want to go deeper, use a translation site to translate word for word (especially if there’s a word that you sing over and over again. You should know what that specific word means). Do you know who wrote the lyrics and why? Can you put the piece into historical context?"

Click here for more suggestions from this author.

Featured Composer:
La Monte Young
(b.1935)

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American composer La Monte Young is often described as a pioneer of avant-garde and experimental music. His works call into question the very definition of "music." His experimental works include Compositions 1960, which are famously known for the unusual actions they require: performers are instructed to build a fire, release a butterfly in the room, push a piano through the wall, offer food and water to the piano, and even "draw a straight line and follow it." 
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Interested in learning more? Click here for more information about La Monte Young. Click here to see more images from Compositions 1960 and other original compositions.

​Nipmuc Singers & Their Pets:

April and Willow
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Abe, Bodie, Emily, and Lexi 
Email Ms. Simmonds with a picture of you and your pet (and their name!) so we can continue to feature Nipmuc singers and the pets keeping us sane during social distancing. Don't have a pet? Send a picture of whatever else you may be doing these days that's helping you relieve stress and stay grounded!
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March 23, 2020: Week 2, Volume 1

3/23/2020

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Current Assignment(s):
Students should be working on the Extended Learning Assignment for March 23 (due Friday, 3/27). Details can be found in Google Classroom.

Updates:
- Click here for an update about the Virginia Trip (sent 3/19/2020).
- Click here for a parent update about the current Extended Learning Assignment (sent 3/23/2020).


Friday Poll Results:

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Nipmuc Singers & Their Pets:

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Say hello to Allison and Sadie! 
Allison is a Senior in Vocal Ensemble, and Sadie is my future new best friend (she's excited to meet me, she just doesn't know it yet). 


​
Email Ms. Simmonds with a picture of you and your pet (and their name!), and we'll feature a slideshow of Nipmuc singers and their pets in a future post.

Featured Resource:
Two Minute Music Theory

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Two Minute Music Theory is a youtube channel that breaks down sight-reading, composition, and music analysis into short, entertaining tutorials. A great starting place if you've ever wanted to improve your musicianship!

Click here to check it out!

​Listening Recommendation:

What happens when a composer tries to make a piano sound like a banjo? Piano acrobatics!

Do you have a song/band/concert you think we should listen to? Email Ms. Simmonds with your recommendation. 

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March 20, 2020: Week 1, Volume 2

3/20/2020

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Current Assignment(s):
Students should be working on ASL Assignment 1 (due Friday 3/20) and ASL Assignment 2 (due Monday 3/23). Both may be found on Google Classroom.
​

Updates:
- Click here for the most recent calendar update (emailed to parents and students on Friday, 3/13/2020)
- Click here for the most recent update about how work will be assigned for Chorus students (emailed to parents and students on Wednesday, 3/18/2020)
- Click here for an update about the Virginia Trip (emailed to parents and students on 3/19/2020)


    Friday Question:
    (these are the important things we need to know about each other right now)

Submit

Featured Resource:
A List Of Live Virtual Concerts To Watch During The Coronavirus Shutdown. ​

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NPR is keeping a running list of live virtual concerts that can be streamed online. It is organized by date and music genre, and will be updated daily. Look for your favorite artist, or explore something new - if you discover a great one, make sure to tell us about it in the comments!


Just for Fun:

Composers and their Pets

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Did you know that Mozart apparently used to meow and jump over tables when he got bored during rehearsal? Or that Chopin composed a piano piece inspired by a dog chasing his tail? Or my personal favorite, Claude Debussy, who allowed his cats free reign over his workspace and encouraged them to “sow disorder among the pencils”.
There's a long history of composers and musicians being inspired by animals. You can learn more here. And if you're not up for the entire video, skip to 02:55, where you can hear Chopin's "Little Dog Waltz," set to pictures of dogs chasing their tails!

Email Ms. Simmonds with a picture of you and your pet (and their name!), and we'll feature a slideshow of Nipmuc singers and their pets in a future post.
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March 19, 2020

3/19/2020

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Welcome to Daily Chorus News, Volume 1.
​ This is your one-stop-shop to stay informed during the school closure. Check back daily for reminders about current assignments, any calendar updates that may be available, and a few things to make you smile. 

Current Assignment(s):
Students should be working on ASL Assignment 1 (due Friday 3/20) and ASL Assignment 2 (due Monday 3/23). Both may be found on Google Classroom.

Updates:
Click here for the most recent calendar update (emailed to parents and students on Friday, 3/13/2020)

Listening Recommendations:

Bizarre yet cool acoustic folk cover of Britney Spears' Toxic:
Seinn O - Bagpipe Music, sung by a choir:

Just For Fun:

Meme of the Day:
​(I know I'm little late, but in honor of St. Patrick's Day)
    Unbelievable Music Facts:
      Want more bizarre music facts?
​      Click here.
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March 18, 2020

3/18/2020

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Click here for the email update that was sent to parents and students along with this video.

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    Brought to you by:

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    Ms. Simmonds and Scout the Kitteh (whose hobbies include: napping on your face and crawling across your lap at inconvenient times - like while I'm recording video posts :)

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