SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES WITH MR. KEY (Vocal
Instructor)
SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN HOMECOMING
Edd Key and his wife Theresa Holmes will be
starring in TAPROOT THEATRE’S summer musical, SMOKE ON THE
MOUNTAIN HOMECOMING. It is a very family friendly show set
in the 1940s in rural North Carolina. Edd and Theresa play
the parents of a Bluegrass Gospel singing family at the end
of WWII. The play features 22 energetic songs from the
period and humorous monologues with mildly religious
overtones. You may find more information by visiting the
theatre’s website at
www.taproottheatre.org.
Performances run from July 8 through End of
August.
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 interests. 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 3rd graders develop the skill
of reading music through playing the recorder while 2nd
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 5th 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
