There are so many websites to support music and band programs available. I recently came across this link 10 Interactive Learning Websites for Fun and Games with Music .  I have also been seeing a lot of apps that available with iPads, iPods and iPhones that allow one to play a keyboard, a guitar, various drums, and other instruments as well as ones that correct your pitch when singing and allow you to compose through improvisation.This YouTube video explains and demos some very cool music making apps you may wish to explore:

We also have more schools using SmartBoards in interactive ways – both Bready and McKitrick have one in the Band room. A extensive list of resources and discussion threads can be found at the SmartBoard Ning.  Another site called Smart Exchange has lessons and templates for Smart programs, including some for music. One teacher commented on her blog, “The SMART Board is used in the music classroom with some of our favorite software including: SmartMusic, Finale, and other music writing software. You can project a rhythm lesson to a class of 1 or 50 and they can all participate at the same time without a piece of paper in front of them, it is a great teaching moment.”

Here are some other sites you may find useful:

Free Online Music

Soundation – an online music making tool

Enjoy, play, and experiment. Please let me know if you have some other links and sites to suggest.

This is a beautiful documentary about Alice, who at 106 is the world’s oldest Holocaust survivor and her love for music.  She describes how music literally saved her life and protected her from the gas chambers.  She also talks about her love of life, her interest in all people and her desire to love everyone. The trailer for has been removed from YouTube but can be seen on their Facebook page. You can order the DVD for $4.99 at the website http://www.nickreedent.com/

Her beautiful spirit and  zest for life, with a promise to love all people, makes her irresistible and a tru inspiration.

Music Worksheets Wiki

Eric Brummet’s wiki for Music Educators has many interesting and useful links, documents and resources.  There is a wide variety to choose from and, as it is a wiki, you can also contribute materials you’d like to share with other teachers. (Thanks Megan, for sharing this link)

http://musicworksheets.pbworks.com/FrontPage

This amazing and beautiful video documents the story of one man who was able to reach out to another during the war, using the power of music.

The Power of Music from Life File Videos on Vimeo.

The Power of Music from Life File Videos on Vimeo.

A lovely resource in time for school activities for Remembrance Day.

Many of our schools are installing Smartboards into classrooms. The question now is “how do I use it as more than just a projector?” Here is one blog that offers advice, shares resources and teacher ideas:

Music Technology in Education

MusTech Wiki has many links and shared documents, everything you could want for SmartBoard programs.

There is also a Ning group on Smartboard Revolution, and there is a Music group sharing their thoughts and problem solving. This link takes you to the resources discussion.

Music Technology links.

The African Drum set has been touring the division to much applause and excitement from students and staff.  Students just can’t wait to make music with this beautiful set of drums and percussion instruments. We also have some great resources to help teachers – books, CD’s, DVD’s, songs, plays, stories, art ideas and Reader’s Theatre.

We are currently taking bookings for the 2009/10 school year – make your request to Sherron at 937-7914 or email sherron.burns@lskysd.ca.