Music at SGS, 2022-2023

The purpose of arts education is not to produce more artists, though that is a by-product. The real purpose of arts education is to create complete human beings capable of leading successful and productive lives in a free society.” -Dana Gioia, “The Impoverishment of American Culture,” 2007

Enjoy this video of rhythms from around the world!
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February, Black History month brings us an opportunity to explore music of the Black experience, including the rich repertoire of spirituals.  Some of those sources include compilations from Alice Parker, and a wonderful arrangement of "This Little Light of Mine" from Howard Helvey. 

We have made efforts to read rhythms, quarter notes, eighth notes and quarter rests.  We do this though the game of Rhythm Bingo.

The two week period of Chinese New Year (or Lunar New Year), beginning January 22, provided time to focus on a SGS favorite, "Gung Hay Fat Choy".  It is fun to sing, and provides verses explaining the traditions of the holiday.

Students in the beginning of 2023 have been delighting in folk dancing, with guidance from the New England Dancing Masters, including the Heel and Toe Polka, Chimes of Dunkirk, Old Brass Wagon and Highland Gates.  It is a wonderful real-time face-to-face experience, learning to recognize musical patterns and training their bodies to coordinate movements.  

We work in the late fall toward our Christmas show, which was on Dec. 21, the first in-person performance since our Christmas show in 2019.  What a relief to have moved along through these COVID-19 times, although we are still careful!  While some students missed it due to illness, we were delighted to be there in person!!

We sing Halloween favorites, with the older students becoming familiar with reading music.

At St. Gabriel's our musical focus is on singing, which gives us an opportunity to learn fun songs and classics, and the experience of expressing our true selves in song.  In the fall, we begin with singing favorite folk songs and rounds.  Singing rounds provides a great opportunity to sing in harmony, although it can be very challenging!!