Hi everyone!  Can you believe that we are almost to the end of April??  WOW.  I know that school has not turned out as we all thought it would... but I hope that being able to listen to some different kinds of music has been interesting for you... and fun!   I know, some of you will like certain kinds of music more than others... and that's ok!  That's the really cool thing about music... God gave us lots of different styles to choose from.
     Last week.. we looked at different sort of choirs... basically... singing in groups.  This week, we are going to do the same.. but with instruments.  We have already looked at large symphonies... but did you know there are many different "types" of bands or instrumental groups?   Listen carefully to the different styles and see if you really like any...  learning and instrument can be a lot of fun.. and something that you will be able to play all your life!!
       1.  Symphony Orchestra (once again.. as a refresher)  https://safeyoutube.net/w/4quA             This is a great and FUN example of a YOUTH Orchestra....  See how you can do all sorts of fun things?   There is a youth chorus singing with them.. AND two (rather well known) guitar players/singers in front!  There is no shortage of fun you can have with music!!
       2.   Jazz band: https://safeyoutube.net/w/XAuA                                                                           Another great example of young people making great music!  This is jazz... and it sounds much different than the symphony orchestras that we've been listening to.  What do you think of this one?   How about the solo's... (that's when one player is featured and plays alone).  What do you think of jazz???
      3.  Marching Band:  https://safeyoutube.net/w/wmxA       
Now, check this out!  How about playing an instrument...  memorizing the music you are playing AND marching in formation... having to know where you play.. when to march.. where to go.. all at the same time!!  Do you think this would be fun?  Do you think it would be too difficult?? 
     4.  Dixieland or Ragtime band:    https://safeyoutube.net/w/9vxA 
This is Dixieland!  Very similar in some way to Jazz.... lots of very tricky parts for each instrument to play... and notice the addition of a piano!  Dixieland jazz is a lot of fun to play and to listen to!  What do you think of this type of band??
     5.  Big Band:   https://safeyoutube.net/w/U3xA
The name of this type of band is a bit misleading.   The band itself is not that big... but the sound is big!  This type of music became very popular in the US during the 1930's and 1040's.  It's not only fun to play and listen to, it was often danced to at large dances.  Listen to the sound particularly of the saxophones and the trumpets!   The Trombones are featured here as well and are fantastic! What do you think of this kind of band?
    6. Polka band:    https://safeyoutube.net/w/MBxA
Polka music came from eastern Europe and is still very popular.  A lot of people like to play it and dance to it as it is a reminder of the areas in Europe that their family is from.  Polka Festivals celebrate other cultures and are lots of fun!
   ~   Believe it or not, there are MORE types of bands and music!  Have any that you've listened to sounded really good to you? Do any instruments interest you?  Think on that... listen to the videos and let me know!

    Until next week....  I'm praying for you and love you all!  Take care!!

TO DO=>  https://safeyoutube.net/w/aQxA                                                                                              For next week...  make at least ONE of these instruments!!!  We need to make some music!!  (for younger students... PLEASE get help from your parents or a sibling!!) 

Mrs. Durrell
s.durrell@leechristianschool.org
919-935-1891