Edd Key edkimuse@comcast.net www.theredbarnstudio.com eddkey@theredbarnstudio.com

Pancake Breakfast Songs 2011 (as sung by the kids)

Everybody's Welcome (All)
Love Grows One by One (Kindergarten)
Bring Me a Rose (Grades 1 & 2)
The Candyman (Grades 1 & 2 with CHOIR5)
Carol from an Irish Cabin (CHOIR5)
Perfect Winter Day (CHOIR5)
Thanks for the Memories (Grade 3)
Last Night I had the Strangest Dream (Grade 4)
Hip Hop Holiday
Imagine (Grade 5)
One Love (Grade 5 and ALL)

(lyrics can be found in this document)

Songs without Guide Voice
Everybody's Welcome
Bring Me a Rose
The Candyman
Carol from an Irish Cabin
Perfect Winter Day
Thanks for the Memories
Last Night I had the Strangest Dream
Hip Hop Holiday
Imagine
One Love

5th Grade Graduation Songs
The Climb
Firework

Multi-Cultural Night 2011
Download the Lyrics for 2011 Multi-Cultural Night or practice the songs:
One World Open
It's a Small World
Welcome Table
Shenandoah
Sweet Betsy
One World Finale
Stand By Me
Stand By Me (no vocals)

For STEVENS Elementary Students
REHEARSAL PURPOSES ONLY
Not for Commercial Use
PLEASE do not copy or distribute
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
BY COPYRIGHT OWNERS

OPPORTUNITIES WITH MR. KEY  (Vocal Instructor)

PRIVATE MUSIC STUDIES WITH MR. KEY

Mr. Key also teaches private students and runs a series of musical workshops for kids, adults, and families at his facility, The RedBarn Studio, on Sand Point Way.  These lessons and workshops are designed for a variety of skill levels and musical intrests.  For more information visit the website at www.theredbarnstudio.com, or contact Mr. Key at 206-295-9722.

 “‘WHY WE SING AT STEVENS”

 In December, on NPR’s series, THIS I BELIEVE, the legendary British avant-garde rock composer, Brian Eno, said: 

 “I believe that singing is the key to long life, a good figure, a stable temperament, increased intelligence, new friends, super self-confidence, and a better sense of humor.  If I were asked to redesign the British educational system, I would start by insisting that group singing become a central part of the daily routine.” 

This I also believe, and it has proven out in my life and professional experience time and again.  Singing together makes us healthier, happier, and more harmonious.

 In the Vocal Music Program at Stevens my goal is to fire the enthusiasm of every child with compelling songs and thoughtful instruction.  This isn’t as easy as it might seem.  In our media-blasted American culture, personal tastes run so deep that I know I will never reach each child equally.

So, looking for just the right repertoire is one of the key challenges to a successful year.  Maybe the song has current issue or curriculum relevance, maybe it tells an interesting story or maybe the melody and rhythm is simply such a roller coaster of fun that you can’t resist.  Whatever it takes!  Because, if for a few minutes each week every single child gets to truly revel in their voice and the joy of singing, I think we will have accomplished a significant event.

Many essential skills and awareness contribute to that experience.  Learning how to produce good standard vocal tone is at the heart of it, along with having a safe environment to try using our voice.   Also, understanding the basics of how we communicate in the language of music notation.  And in discovering the rich history of sound- and music-making in the human family, we better understand the heart and soul of culture and society.

Other concepts, perhaps less obvious, are equally essential:  building confidence in the uniqueness of your own voice, embracing your own personal brand of creativity, and recognizing and understanding your developing musical tastes.

Still, as a professional performing musician and actor, I know that all of the above is purely academic unless we put it into practice and share it with our community.  All these essential skills are fostered through the performance and sharing of music with others.  That’s why at least half of what we do during the year in class is geared toward the goal of one of our fun concerts at Stevens.

WHAT’S OUR PLAN?

In order to realize these goals, there are certain general themes and activities for each grade level as we proceed through the year.

The 5th grade examines the Roots and Branches of American Music by hearing how the various musical traditions brought here by people from all corners of the world helped build a musical culture that affects every part of our planet.

In 4th grade, we explore the rhythms of these world cultures through drumming.

The 3^rd graders develop the skill of reading music through playing the recorder while 2^nd graders begin that exploration with the “precorders.”

And in K-1, we practice basic skill-building exercises with fun songs and musical games.

For motivated 5^th graders who want to explore further, we offer Stevens Choir 5.  These students volunteer their lunch recess one day per week to work on more complex vocal skills.  We look at a wider repertoire of music and work toward more polished performance at Stevens and out in the community.

In the Vocal Music Program we try to unlock the fun and exuberance of singing for all ages.  Together we work toward building the awareness and the skill sets that will help make music forever a part of our lives.

It’s an effort worth pursuing because, as countless musical artists from Brian Eno to Pete Seeger to Leonard Bernstein have observed, to lean back, draw a lung full of air and skillfully belt a song with enthusiasm and verve in the company of your friends is one of humanity’s finest experiences.

Mr. Key offers private and group lessons and a variety of fun musical workshops at his Red Barn Studio.  Find more information and schedules at his studio website www.theredbarnstudio.com