Music Unites Us All

Today I did a mini-lesson with 2 of my classes (I have 3 left to do it with tomorrow) that just went so well, I felt pure joy.

It was a simple idea that I had, and it came to me while I was listening to strange, old songs on my computer that I had downloaded way back when, before Napster was illegal. (Yes, I know it was technically illegal then, too, but it was before they had to worry about music piracy, so it wasn't a big deal). I wanted to expose the children to songs they wouldn't normally hear, with the junk they listen to these days.

Yes, I know that does make me sound ancient.

Knowing 12-year-olds, I just knew that if I wasn't careful in how I presented it, it would just be a teacher-sanctioned time for kids to go crazy, and put down music styles, and insult others who might enjoy that music. Plus, it had to be an actual learning experience, or why bother? It's not like I could just say, "Okay, listen to this, and be quiet."

They might frown on that in adminstration, and I can't say as I'd blame them.

So I decided to do a musical journal, where the kids have to listen to the song, and while it's playing, they have to write the story of the song. If it has words (not all do), they can use those to help them figure out what is happening. If not, they have to think about what their mind is picturing.

We practiced first, and I played parts of "The Nutcracker Suite," since many of the movements are very distinctive and have an easily recognized mood, and easily inspire pictures to form as you listen.

Then, I played the first song. It was "Alla Luce del Sole" sung by Josh Groban. Now, if you know what type of songs Josh Groban is known for, you can probably imagine what my students were thinking as it started playing.

They are hyper-critical at this age... everything is "stupid," "retarded," "ugly," and so on. But I had prepared them, warning them about what would happen if I heard a single negative thing without it being backed up, and not even my toughest kid (not Stubborn, either, but one who is even more trouble; I'll have to tell you about him soon) had anything negative to say.

It was great! They listened carefully. They wrote earnestly. Then they all vied for the chance to share their title and what their story was. The only ones who didn't like it said they didn't like that it wasn't in English (it was in Spanish, so some of my kids knew what he was saying.) Some admitted they liked the song, but it was "Not at all to my taste."

They got so excited about it, they wanted to do the next song immediately. I told them we'd do one every couple of days, and they groaned. They actually wanted more work!

I absolutely love my job when everything goes perfectly. It's such a gift to be able to share something like a Josh Groban song with my students, and talk about it honestly and fairly.

I am very happy... and I get to do it with three more classes tomorrow... and two of them are my advanced classes, who tend to get more involved and excited about stuff like this.

I can't wait to see what they have to say about the song tomorrow. Plus, I can't wait to get to some of the songs. I have the strangest collection of songs planned. Oh, well. It should be interesting, if nothing else!

TGIF!

*Update 9/21/07* Apparently, the song I used yesterday (and will use today) is not in Spanish, but in Italian, as per a comment I received. Thanks for helping me clear it up! I did tell the kids I knew he sings in Italian and Spanish, so I don't know which this one was... but it's nice to know the truth!