World Music Press Multicultural Lessons
This groundbreaking new series is straightforward and designed for today's music teacher. Each lesson is built around a representative song from a specific culture around the world. The files include a map, a narrative about the culture, the music notation for the song, activities, dances, or other lesson extensions for the song, and an MP3 with a recording of the song sung from within the culture. Our first three offerings are taken from the acclaimed book Roots & Branches and are from cultures within the U.S. Click here for complete description!
Now Available in Downloadable Format
Hot Marimba! - Zimbabwean-Style Music For Orff Instruments
by Walt Hampton
Percussionist/music educator Walt Hampton launches your upper elementary Orff instrument ensembles into the stratosphere with these nine original pieces, based on or inspired by marimba music of the Shona people of Zimbabwe.
This is dance music, guaranteed to make your students beg to rehearse. Even the preliminary exercises will have your classroom buzzing. And the performance pieces will drive audiences wild!
This powerhouse primer, influenced by the traditional music of Zimbabwe, will enhance your rhythm and ear training program, nurture students' improvisational skills and teach cooperative composition techniques. Start slowly, and be prepared to be blown away! Click here for complete description!
Welcome In The Spring - Morris & Sword Dances For Children
by Paul Kerlee
With songs, vigorous leaps, claps, shouts and clashing of sticks or swords, join music educator and morris dancer Paul Kerlee as he chases away the shadows of winter and heralds the seasons in Welcome In The Spring. This is an exhilarating introduction to seasonal ritual dances that long ago grew up in the English countryside and were joyfully carried to America at the turn of the century.
For over twenty years, Paul Kerlee has been an acknowledged pioneer and primary force for bringing English morris and sword dances to children. This collection may be used with children in upper elementary school and higher, or by adults seeking a satisfying entry into the world of morris dance. Sing in the seasons, or accompany your May Day celebrations with truly authentic dances. Click here for complete description!
Roots & Branches - A Legacy Of Multicultural Music For Children
by Patricia Shehan Campbell, Ellen McCullough-Brabson, and Judith Cook Tucker
A unique book and audio sampler whose roots circle the globe. A collection of 38 musical memories - songs and singing games - contributed by singers from 23 distinct cultures. Here is an around-the-world collection that offers you more than just a shallow encounter. These refreshingly unfamiliar gems of childhood include hand game songs, game chants, circle dances, lullabies, work songs, and songs for listening.
Each contributor has reached deeply into their musical roots, sharing cherished memories to nurture the many branches of their family and community trees. These proud culture bearers keep the flame of their heritage bright, while living and working within the American mosaic. Click here for complete description!