Music Video #13 - I Won't Let You Down - May 7/20 Hi Everyone! It’s Mrs. Walker,
I hope you’re all doing well in your homes, practicing some familiar things and possibly learning some new things too. Over the last six weeks I’ve enjoyed spending time searching for music that might teach about a specific idea, give some hope during this crazy time, give you something silly to laugh at, or just offer something beautiful to listen to. Whenever there are challenges in life, I’ve always found music to be a trusted source of comfort, with both the lyrics and melodies somehow letting us know that things will get better. I hope that maybe some of these videos I’ve sent have offered this to you as well.
Today’s video is from a band called OK Go, entitled “I Won’t Let You Down”, one of many that this band has produced. I chose it mostly because of the amazing amount of work and creativity that went into making it, and how it’s precision enabled such a visual and auditory treat! Some students have seen it before, but have requested it over and over, so I thought it would be a great one to highlight for them to share with their families. This band sings well, but their videos often overshadow the singing with their incredible creativity. This one, made in Japan in 2014, includes the use of a high tech drone, Honda Uni-Cubs, 2,328 dancers, the J-Pop band “Perfume”, and the fact that it took hours and hours of practice to get everything to work. I’ve shown this to students before to emphasize how important it is that if you have an idea you think is worth pursuing, to never give up – nothing is impossible! This band proves that, by pushing the creativity envelope a little bit more each time they record a new song.
I hope you enjoy this video, and perhaps you let it encourage your own creativity. With a few more hours we have these days to try new things, maybe it might be an inspiration! Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful moms out there, including the many special women in our lives who love us, just like moms.
Love,
Mrs. Walker
Music Video #12 - What's Goin' On - May 5/20 Hi Everyone! It’s Mrs. Walker,
Well, as I’m writing this it’s pouring like crazy outside, so I guess everyone will be finding some interesting things to do inside. Maybe you’re painting with watercolours, building towns out of Lego or other building blocks, making a special recipe with your mom or dad, or playing a board game with your brothers or sisters. Whatever you’re doing, please enjoy it, and maybe even send me a picture or two! This time of doing things in a new way can make us all impatient, so I hope you remember to be easy on yourselves and your family. Lately I’ve been challenged with this very thing, because I’ve decided to teach myself how to do rug-hooking, and it’s completely new to me. I’ve let myself make millions of mistakes which is hard, and I’m sometimes mad at myself for messing up, but with every mistake I get better and better. I think back to the funny mistakes I make in our music classes and how you are ALWAYS so kind to tell me “It’s OK Mrs. Walker, we learn from our mistakes!” That memory helps me to keep going and not give up. So, remember to try to take your own advice and be that patient with yourselves! When we’re back at school again, I’ll bring my finished project in to show you, and ask you what you think. Your opinion means a lot to me!
Today’s video is made up of many talented musicians, singing a famous Rhythm and Blues song called “What’s Goin’ On,” which was first released almost 50 years ago by musical artist Marvin Gaye. The message to be kinder to the earth and it’s people was just as important then as it is now! I chose this particular video though, because it’s a tiny snapshot of how music really is a universal language. Musicians from many places all over the world, perhaps not even English-speaking, came together to learn the same song so that they could sing it together in unity. This was done electronically, so that the voices and instruments recorded from so many places all around the world could be played together, to make one beautiful recording. The musicians were from Africa, California, Amsterdam, Brazil, Jamaica, Chicago, Mississippi, London, Serbia, Paris, and New York. When I see so many people from different countries and cultures coming together happily to make music, it helps me to see once again that we are really all the same. No matter where we’re from in the world, music is a common, hopeful thread.
Please enjoy this video, enjoy the few rainy days we may have coming up, and be patient with everyone in your house. We will all be together again soon, making music and making mistakes!
Love,
Mrs. Walker wwalker@sd64.org
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEp7QrOBxyQ&feature=emb_rel_end |
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