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From Mouret to Guatemala

3/25/2015

Very impressive playing on Rondeau - We will warm up with this next week. As you practice this piece, pay attention to the dynamics markings (f = loud, P= soft) and remember to play "brightly" as indicated.
A Mountain High-top really scooted right along. We will also play this piece again next week. It's lots of fun and "spirited".
We also will play Drink to Me Only with Thine Eyes- remember that this piece is meant to be slow and lyrical. Work towards long full notes that touch each other. That is, the sound continues until the next note is plucked.
I bought a book of music quotes at the craft fair last week-end:

Music Washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life -

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Around the world in music

3/18/2015

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Lovely job on Spring, all of you. What a wonderful song!
One thing that is fun about book 2 is that the music in it from all over the world, including Irland. Next week we will revisit Rondeau. Continue to work on it, beginning with the eighth note phrases throughout and the shift up the neck in measure 5.
We will also begin to work on A Mountain High-Top, a traditional tune from Guatemala. Slow version below.
I have also post my alternative (female) words to My Wild Irish Rose (Rogue) below.
I hope you all enjoyed a bit of the Irish (whiskey) after class last night. I certainly did.

my_wild_irish_rogue_-_ladies_version.doc
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An Irish Session

3/11/2015

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Next week, in honor of St Patrick's Day, we'll play (strum and pick) a bunch of Irish songs, Including:
Barney and Katey - from the Book - yes, you love it!
The Gypsy Rover - pg 24 in your book
When Irish Eyes are Smiling - there are two versions of this one is pg 57 in our book and the other is the one from the Daily Ukulele that I passed out in class (and is also attached).
Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ra - from the Daily Ukulele page also.
If you have a favorite Irish song you like to share, send it to me and I'll get it out to everyone.
It will not be all fun and games, however. We'll also play SPRING again and start to work through Rondeau. Remember to start your practice of that song at measure 5 with the little shift up the neck. The fingering is noted on the music.
I am very satisfied with progress of the class. If you feel a little lost or behind, or can't keep up in class, then you are probably being challenged just enough. Remember that I am available to you if you have questions on concerns or if you need a little extra help.

Have a wonderful week and have fun practicing.

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SPRING !

3/4/2015

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Great work last night. You did very well on Barney and Katey, a piece that has always been a challenge for students. I think it is because of the stretch on the A string and because the notes bounce all over the staff rather than going up and down in a line. The further the interval between strings, the harded it is to find it, which is the reason it is so important to work out that "finger dance" for this song. Think in advance about each little phrase and what your fingering will be.
For next week practice:
Barney and Katey
Aloha 'Oe (no slow down for this one, It is slow enough)
Spring (slow version below) - Uke I and II
exercises on pg 17 - chords in F using Roman Numerals
And we'll probably do Up Above My Head to warm up.

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From Mouret to Guatemala

Around the world in music

An Irish Session

SPRING !

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