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.

Room 7 - Prepare for your test in week 5!

Here's some stuff to help, (and remember the theory page for help with treble and bass clef note names).

Here are the ukulele chords you need to know:

Here are the note names on the keyboard:

Here are three chords on the keyboard:

C major

F major

G major

And now for the two scales and arpeggios you need to be able to notate:

Making Musical Instruments

Thinking about making your own musical instrument for some reason?

Here are some ideas:

Cigar Box Guitar

KazooTrumpet

Glockenspiel

LagerPhone

PanPipes

Thumb Piano