![]() It's hard to believe we’ve been in remote learning mode for almost a year now. We're approaching our first "quarantin-iversary" (March 11th.) Despite this past year’s relentless parade of challenges, our young school community continues to shine bright. From the warm support of our families and cohesive vision of our staff to the resilient beauty of our students, I can’t imagine a more nourishing place to teach, learn, and grow. Still, the year has been harsh, the winter long, and we’re all in need of a boost. Lucky for us, we’re just about to get one--through the magic of STYLE! STYLE (Songwriting Through Youth Literature Education) brings together music, literature, social justice, and social/emotional learning, with working musicians guiding students in co-writing original songs inspired by a book. Last year’s 4th & 5th graders read Martin’s Big Words and wrote songs they performed at our school’s first MLK Jr Assembly. Our K-3 students read Julian is a Mermaid, and each class wrote their own Julian-inspired song. Each K-5 class emerged from their STYLE collaboration a little bit taller, a little bit brighter, and a lot more joyful. For those who missed it, you can read lyrics and hear rough recordings here (these after just 1 session!): Sitka Spruce Western Hemlock Menzies (kindergarten) Meck (grade 1) This year, we’re upping the ante for grades 4 & 5 with a longer collaboration and more ambitious project. Bushwick Book Club, STYLE's mother organization, invites musicians to write songs inspired by a given book, to be shared at an evening of music & literature at vibrant local venues like Hugo House, Town Hall, and Royal Room. When we noticed that Seattle Public Library’s Global Reading Challenge title (and National Book Award Finalist) When Stars Are Scattered was on this year’s (virtual) bill, we pounced at the opportunity to offer our students a deeper experience with this poignant story, alongside the thrill of being part of a larger community event. Over the course of 5 sessions, students will work with the team of teaching artists to produce an original song and video, to be a part of the Bushwick Book Club event on April 17th with a string of dynamic Seattle musicians!* * We send deep gratitude to the Creative Advantage program, whose support for the arts enriches our students' education, while sustaining the hard-working artists & musicians who bring life to our city Session Line-Up Week 1 (1/27): Recording Technology & Song Composition Week 2 (2/3): Lyrics (Chorus & Verse) Week 3 (2/12): Vocals & Recording Mastery Week 4 (2/24): Choreography Week 5 (3/3): Putting it All Together April 17th: Bushwick Book Club event: When Stars Are Scattered Let the music & magic begin! ---Abby Levin, Teacher-Librarian at Magnolia
1 Comment
Julie
1/26/2021 09:50:50 pm
Huge gratitude to Abby for coordinating this spectacular opportunity for our 5th graders! I can't wait to see our kids use their voices to honor this beautiful & important piece of literature.
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