concert time!

Are you feeling the same when I say, "It's December...what?!?!"  Each year, this last month seems to be a little sneakier and creep up a bit faster than the last.  Even though it's hard wrapping my head around the fact that 2013 will be here in less than four weeks, I really do love this time of year.  Family time, a larger collective thought of doing good for others, the coziness cold weather brings (that it is when it's not in the 60s!)...
Something else awesome is the performance that my kiddos at CCA will have in a little less than 2 weeks! It's the second year that it's been held, and will hopefully stay as a tradition.  This is open to family, friends, and community members who wish to show their support and enjoy a little Saturday morning holiday music-making!  All who will participate have been working very hard on their piano, guitar, and vocal pieces- I can't wait to see them in action : )

'Tis the Season..

..for sharing! It's also important year-round, but much emphasis is placed on acts of charity and goodwill toward others this time of year. At work, sharing and turn-taking is somehow included in each of my group sessions as well as 1:1's.

I used a song of the season, and one with a very familiar tune- Jingle Bells- and reworked the lyrics to instruct how to play and what to do when giving a turn. It's a little tricky, because when I begin the song, it sounds just like the original...until the change in lyrics! I have to say that during the last few weeks, my students have gotten good at remembering some of the "new" lyrics, and even singing along. Sometimes I catch myself mixing up words when I go back to singing the real version : )

Students play jingle bells and pass them to each other, as they share and take turns. A few notes and modifications are listed below.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of you. I hope you share good times with friends and family!

SHARING JINGLE BELLS

Jingle bells, jingle bells

We shake, shake 'em today

Oh what fun it is to share with friends while we play

Jingle bells, jingle bells

(Name) shake, shake 'em today

Take your turn, and when you're done

5-4-3-2-1-stop!

Give to a friend and say "It's your turn!"

notes:

~I typically insert students' names into the song, where appropriate.

~The last line can be modified per the ability of students. If able, students may choose a peer, or I might select a peer's name and insert where "a friend" is.

~Encourage students to make eye contact when giving an instrument and saying "Your turn."