March 24, 2020: Week 2, Volume 2

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.

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Featured Composer:
La Monte Young
(b.1935)

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." 

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.

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​Nipmuc Singers & Their Pets:

April and Willow

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!