The Epic Song Project

Ruma Kokako began writing a song as a class, back in term 2.

After being sidetracked by the school production in term 3, it was full steam ahead to get it finished before the end of the year. 

Enjoy! 

And here's a short video describing the process, narrated by Sydney and Jack:

 

Success at Bandslam!

Five Melodies overcame their nerves and performed superbly at Bandslam on the 27th of July. 
Anya, Brooke, Greer, Krizza and Sydney have worked hard on their original songs this year and it showed.
Well done Five Melodies!
 

Violin Week

It was all about violins at school this week. 
First, Bevan tortured Ruma Piwakawaka and Ruma Ruru by attempting to play violin for the first time in 30 years (having learned as a kid). Then Ruma Ruru had a go to see if they could get a better sound out of it.
Needless to say, they did.

And then a real treat - 10 String Symphony all the way from Nashville, Tennessee...

 

who subsequently entertained a large and appreciative audience at the hall that night:

 

Tutors

Want to know more about our wonderful tutors?
http://musictepahu.blogspot.co.nz/p/music-lessons.html

Ruma Kereru Drummers

The Naked Piano - Part 2

The Piano is a remarkable instrument.
Hana and Evie demonstrated the inner workings:
- soft hammers
- dampening parts 
- pedals
- wooden keys
- thick and long strings for the low notes
- thin and short strings for the high notes

 

Camera Obscura

Brass has arrived at Te Pahu School!

Thanks to an exceedingly kind donation from the Tosse family, the music room now has a lovely red trumpet and trombone. 
Room 4 had a great time playing them today. 

 Here's Lucy demonstrating the first steps:

 


1. Go red in the face

2. Make a farting noise with the mouthpiece.

When you've got this down, it's time to graduate to the trumpet.

Casey-Lee has done this before. Her Dad is a brass player from way back.

Max had it down in no time.

Not just younguns learn things in the Music Room!

Ruma Kereru play guitar

The girls showed the boys how it was done today!

I Lived (Ruma Kokako)

It's all about that noise!

Ruma Tui played the drums:

Kirra shows us the traditional crossed hands
 - right hand over the top for the hihat

- left hand underneath for the snare

Ivy not only had a great left/right combination - check out that colour combination!

Then Ruma Kokako were re-acquainted with their long lost friends. Last seen some 4 or so years ago, the box of recorders was found in the resource room and they were warmly welcomed back into the fold.

I suspect Sophie would rather have been playing that bass guitar behind her...

Hayze does Row Your Boat in a somewhat sonically challenging environment.

Play that Record

Back in about 1863, Thomas Edison invented a clever contraption a bit like this one.
He recorded acoustic sound for the first time.

Of course, recording multiple copies involved multiple takes...









We had a go at playing a 'modern' vinyl record with a rudimentary version of Edison's phonograph technique. Don't try this at home! (because you'll wreck your parents' records)

The Mighty Double Bass

This 3/4 size Czechoslovakian double bass was a bit of a wreck, and was given to Bevan to fix up (thanks Brydon family!). It sounds beautiful, thanks to it's carved, solid top. 

 





As we learned today, your eyes should be level with the top of the fingerboard (chairs were useful) and your right hand needs to play the strings by supporting the first finger as it plays a 'rest stroke' along the string, demonstrating well by Jay right here....








 
 

 That's it! Hana looks like a pro. 

A recent addition - The Cajon

SummerSouls cleaned up at Bandquest last year, winning three awards. Consequently, they had some vouchers to spend. This excellent Peruvian Cajon was bought and donated to the music room.

The sides are made from solid wood, laminated in a funky pattern.
The front is thin plywood, with small snare wires in the top corners (reverse side of the front)

Here's Emily from Ruma Piwakwaka trying it out.






Thanks SummerSouls!

Dear Mr Marquand

The SummerSouls got busy in the studio last week, with a special dedication to a special teacher...



Dear Mr Marquand
Here's a few things you need to know that
you are the greatest teacher
in the whole wide world

You play guitar and bass, your basketball is ace
You got a GoPro on your head to film a
snowboard race
Please don’t wait too long,
update your mobile phone
Ring Vodafone, ring ring Vodafone

We like your famous quotes
You like our random jokes
We know your vice is eating savouries
and sausage rolls
We'll let you off the hook
We know your wife can cook
Sing along with me, sing sing along with me

You need to know that we think you are amazing
Sorry if we drive you crazy
Tell us everything’s alright

Dear Mr Marquand
Heres a few things you need to know that
you are the greatest teacher
in the whole wide world
Dear Mr Marquand
If we're gonna pass Te Pahu Challenge
Double check your kit gear list, makin' sure its right

Pack your hiking boots, got your waterproofs
Pack your lunch and bring along a good attitude.
We need a sugary treat, to sooth our aching feet
Mint imperials, Mint, Mint Imperials
You need to know that we think you are amazing
Sorry if we drive you crazy
Tell us everything's alright

Dear Mr Marquand
Here's a few things you need to know that
you are the greatest teacher
in the whole wide world (x2)

You give us Mint Imperials everyday hey!
Take us out for a game everyday yay!
You keep up with the noisy boys
Us girls think that’s really choice

You need to know that we think you are amazing
Sorry if we drive you crazy
Tell us everything's alright

Dear Mr Marquand
Here's a few things you need to know that
you are the greatest teacher
in the whole wide world (x2)

Mr Marquand… You got it right.

Lyrics by Ellen and Laura Tosse
Produced by Ellen, Laura and Bevan
Recorded at Bagnall Hill - December 2015
Ellen Tosse - vocals and ukulele
Laura Tosse - vocals
Brendon Boyd - piano
Logan Burgess - drums
Bevan Galbraith - double bass

Lunchtime Concert

The weather played the game (just) and we had a lovely time on Tuesday, kicking off summer with a concert featuring many of our year 6, 7 and 8 students.
There were some nervous kids, many performing for the first time, but everyone did well and should be proud of their efforts. Thanks to Mr Marquand for taking the photos.