Blog Posts #17 and #18

Blog Post #17 - Due WEDNESDAY 6/7 - Concert Reflection
          Write two paragraphs reviewing how you thought the choir did at our Spring Concert. In your first paragraph, include things the choir did well in each song. Include details about the music, performance practices, and attitude. In your second paragraph,  write about things the choir needs to improve on for next time, and include how you, as a member, intend on helping the choir move forward.

Blog Post #18 - Due Tuesday 6/13 - Blog Reflection
       In one of more paragraphs, please reflect on your entire blog. Did you find these assignments meaningful? Why or why not? What could make them better for future students? 

Blog Post #16 Why do you perform music?

Blog Post #16 - Due 5/23
    In one or more paragraphs, please answer the question: “Why do you perform music?” Please elaborate on personal connections and reasons for why you sing.

Blog Post #15 - Video Response

Blog Post #15 - Due 5/16

Watch the video below:

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQm3BG8FxGg

 In your first paragraph, describe the music you hear (instruments, tempo, texture, dynamics, language, feelings, etc). In your second paragraph, please make some comments about the ensemble's’ performance practice. In what ways do they appear unified? How can you learn from what other ensembles do, even if they are not singing the same musical pieces that you are?

Soundtrack to your Day!

Blog Post #14 - Due 5/9 “Soundtrack to your Day”

Choose 5 different songs that correspond to 5 different events of your day and explain each song choice. You may choose your 5 different events, or use the 5 below, or mix it up!

1. Waking up
2. Travelling to school
3. Lunch Time
4. After School
5. Going to Bed

1. For my "Waking Up" song, I chose "Opening Up" by Sara Bareilles from her musical, "Waitress". I chose this song because it is upbeat, and the lyrics are about the start of the day. One line from the song that I think is relatable to me waking up each day is the chorus: "Opening up, letting the day in! Pour you a cup and say 'Hello, Howya been?'" I like to wake up in a good mood, and of course, drink my coffee! Listen to Opening Up!

2. My "Travelling to School" song is "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" by Crosby, Stills, and Nash. I used to listen to this song when I was a kid in the car with my parents, and it always puts me in a good mood. (Especially the "doo-doo-doo"part at the end) I love their 3-4 part harmony mixed with their rhythmic folky guitar style. Listen to Suite: Judy Blue Eyes!

3. My "Lunch Time" song is "Summer Sun" by Jukebox the Ghost. I chose this song because in the middle of the day, I usually need to refocus my energy to make it through the last two periods. The song "Summer Sun" is a medium tempo song that features piano, voice, drums, and guitar. I lie the way the song builds after the chorus, and I like listening to it in the mid-afternoon. Listen to Summer Sun!

4. After school, I usually have a lot of stuff to do like running errands or teaching private lessons. However, I like to relax when I get home, so I picked the song "After the Storm" by Mumford and Sons. I love this song because it is calm and relaxing, but contains a lot of really beautiful harmonies in the chorus and the lyrics are relatable. My favorite line in the song is: "Love will not break your heart but dismiss your fears." Listen to After the Storm!

5. I used to listen to music so I could fall asleep easily. One song that I love listening to is "The Luckiest" by Ben Folds. He is a really talented musician that a lot of people don't know about. He plays piano and sings, but also collaborates with a lot of my favorite artists, such as Regina Spektor and Sara Bareilles. The song "the Luckiest" seems a little sad, but it is a really nice reflection on being grateful for the things you treasure in your life. The prettiest line in the song (to me) is at the beginning when he sings: "And where was I before the day that I first saw your lovely face, now I see it every day, and I know that I am the luckiest". Listen to The Luckiest!

I hope you enjoyed reading about the soundtrack to my day! I love listening to music, so it was really hard for me to narrow down my choices. These songs are really meaningful to me, and I hope you listen to them and branch out in your musical choices!

Harmony Lesson

13. Blog Post #13 - Due 5/2
          "Harmony Lessons" - Watch both of the videos on Miss MacLennan’s latest blogpost. All of these have to do with singing in Harmony and the interval - 3rd!

Video 1 :

https://goo.gl/klVfNf

​Video 2:

 https://goo.gl/3SRCCx

Reaction: Out of the 3 “tips” that O and O give in their second video, which one or ones do you find most helpful as a singer? How can you apply these tips or concepts to your study of music in and outside of choir?

My reaction:
I found their tips really helpful for singing parallel thirds, or just harmonizing in general! I love the song "The Boxer", which is the one they modeled in one of the videos. I think their voices blend really well together, which is really important to singing harmony. This is something we work on in choir all the time, and I think the breath has a lot to do with it. They don't have a conductor or anyone showing them the beat, so they have to feel the music together in order to come in on time. I think this could be helpful for middle school students, which is why I wanted them to watch it!

Interview Questions

Blog Post #12 - Due 4/25 "Interview"

Copy and paste the following 4 questions into your blog post. Ask these questions to an older relative, and type their answers.

a. Who is your favorite musical artist?

b. What is your favorite song by them?

c. Why do you like them?

d. Were you in band/orchestra/chorus in school? Do you remember what you performed?

Can You Hear Response

Blog Post #11 - Due 4/11 “Can You Hear” Response

Watch this video below. This is a song you will be learning in Choir soon! What is your opinion on the piece? What aspects of this song do you think might be hard to learn? What aspects of this song do you think will be easy? Use complete sentences and write 1-2 paragraphs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEvKLybr_8c

Mock Audition

If I were auditioning for a show, I would be extremely nervous and excited! I used to be in plays and operas a lot, but since I started teaching, I haven't been in any productions. After doing research about the part, I would try to choose a song that fits my voice, but also shows off what the panel is looking for. I would probably choose the song "Tonight" from "West Side Story." That song shows off a wide range in a more "classical" style. I am not really a "belter" anymore, and I think my voice sounds better when I sing classical pieces, rather than the more "pop"ish musical theatre songs. I love musical theatre, and would love to be in a show again someday.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_QffCZs-bg

Quarter Update

I have almost completed my first year teaching at Pentucket! I am so excited to have this year under my belt, because I have so many ideas and plans for the future. I feel like I have been so far pretty successful, and I have two goals for the end of the year.

My first goal is to finish organizing the music library in the Middle School Music Room. I have "inherited" a lot of sheet music from previous teachers, and I have started to reorganize the music library so I can better see what music I have for student use. This is a huge task, but I would say I'm about halfway there. (Maybe a little less.) I chose this goal because I want to make sure I complete this before summer, so that next year, I can start off fresh with an organized library! I will be working after school on Mondays and Wednesdays to complete this project.

My second goal is to teach my students 2 more pieces of music. The first one is "She's Like the Swallow." I hope to apply my teaching methods so my students know the theoretical knowledge behind the piece (minor key, 3/4 time, haunting melody and lyrics), and how to sing accurately and stylistically appropriate. This is a beautiful piece, and I hope to help my students understand the beauty and purpose while singing this piece. That's it for now! I can't wait to read about your goals! :)

Blog Post #8 Assignment

Watch the video below. In your first paragraph, describe the music you hear (instruments, tempo, texture, dynamics, language, feelings, etc). In your second paragraph, please make some comments about the singer’s vocal technique. How is there alignment? Evaluate their emotions. Comment on their breathing. Then, add a link to a video or picture of someone who you think is a great singer.

Source:  Diana Damrau singing "Der Holle Roche" from Mozart's "The Magic Flute"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpVV9jShEzU

Stage Fright! Tips and Tricks

Even though I have been singing and performing in front of people for a really long time, I still get stage fright. I am a firm believer in the saying, "If you're not nervous about something, it means you don't care about the result." If I care about what I sound like, what people think of me, or what I am presenting, I think it is ok to be a little nervous! One thing I do to prevent or deal with my stage fright is called "square breathing". I trace a square in front of me with my pointer finger starting in the bottom left corner. As I trace the side of the square going up, I breathe in for 4 beats. As I trace the square across the top, I "suspend" my air for 4 beats. As I trace the side of the square down, I breathe out for 4 beats. Lastly, when I trace the square across the bottom, I suspend the air again for 4 beats. Then I repeat. This helps me focus on my breathing and distracts me from my nerves. Also, it allows me to relax and slow my heart rate down. I love this method, and have been doing it for a long time. I also do some "square breathing" if I am feeling anxious or nervous about other things in general, and I find that it really helps me.
Here is a diagram of square breathing:

source: https://goo.gl/VyZl7d

Some other techniques that I use to prevent or address stage fright are: drinking water, looking in the mirror and giving myself a "pep talk," going for a walk, and of course, PRACTICING! If I feel practiced, I will be more confident in my performance.

I also have a presentation that I used for my Public Speaking class that addresses Stage Fright. You can view it here!

What are your tips for stage fright? Let me know below.

Vocal Technique

I am always trying to improve my vocal technique. This year, I joined the Newburyport Choral Society. It is a choir of about 100 people and we sing large-scale choral works. I really enjoy it because it makes me feel like I am contributing to something bigger than myself. Also, it makes me practice difficult music and it is a challenge for me. I feel accomplished as a singer when I can accurately sing a difficult passage of music! You can learn more about the NCS here.

As a choral singer, I have been working on my technique. One technique that I have been practicing is breathing - yes, still. After all of my years as a singer, breathing is still something that I work on regularly. Recently, I have been working on moving my air forward while I'm singing to add dimension and direction to the phrases. I have to budget my air to make sure I get through the phrase without running out of air, but also, I have to use my air in a way that is optimal for the phrasing of the passage. To practice this, I mark the dynamics or phrases in my music with a pencil. Then, I sing the whole passage on a neutral syllable like "ooh" or "ah" to practice the phrasing and budgeting my air. Lastly, I sing through the phrase with the correct text, keeping in mind the feelings and techniques that I practiced with the neutral syllable. Of course, it depends on the piece of music I'm learning, but that is a way that I like to practice breathing and phrasing.

My advice for young singers is to always keep your breathing in mind. Take deep, good-quality breaths and budget your air for singing. Proper vocal alignment is key! Making sure that you're standing up tall and that your body is free of tension is a great way to make sure that you are getting the most out of your air. I have many nuggets of wisdom that I share with my students about breathing, but that is my main piece of advice! Comment below and tell me what techniques you are working on!

Music in my Life

"Why do you need music in my daily life?" The real answer to that question is that music IS my life. As a music teacher, that of course I need music in my life. If I couldn't teach music, I am not sure what I would do for a living. Aside from the obvious reasons that I need music in my life, I believe that music is a way for me to express myself. I love to sing and play piano, and I find that when I am singing, I feel free. Sometimes it is hard to be inspired to sing if I am feeling down or anxious, but after I start singing my favorite songs or a song that I can relate to, I always feel better. It is a hard feeling to describe, but singing is one of the only activities that makes me feel free, whole, and content.

Source: https://goo.gl/u4t7yN
This is a picture of the UNH Chamber Singers before we went to Germany for a choir competition!

In college, I was a Music Education major. In my courses, I had to analyze, study, and interpret a huge variety of music from the year 800 C.E. to now. It could be extremely overwhelming, and at times felt more like a "job" than something I enjoyed doing. One way that I was able to get through the hardest times of college was singing with my A Cappella Group, Alabaster Blue. That was a great way for me to "escape" my demanding course load. I loved being in an A Cappella group because it was a way for me to continue studying and practicing music, but in a more relaxed and fun atmosphere. I arranged a lot of songs for my a cappella group, as well. I miss singing with those crazy people a lot, and I loved the experience. I think joining an A Cappella group was one of the best decisions I ever made because it helped me find a balance between the "serious" side of music and the "fun" side of singing.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQ9YzPw9wWY

Alabaster Blue performing "Give Me Love" by Ed Sheeran

I come from a musical family, so when I was growing up, there was always someone singing, dancing, playing trumpet or saxophone or piano, or listening to music. That has also shaped my into the musical person I am today! Overall, music is a huge part of my life. I could go on and on about how important music is to me, but I don't want to make this post too long. I love music (duh) and I hope to spread that joy and passion on to my students.

Lada Gaga's Superbowl Performance (Review)

What a game! I have never considered myself the biggest Pats fan ever - in fact, I really don't like watching football at all. Tom Brady annoys me, and Bill Belichick is pretty grouchy. However, I found myself getting really into the Superbowl game this year. This is probably because the Pats had the greatest comeback in NFL History, and everyone likes an "underdog"! I am a big Red Sox fan, so the NE sports spirit is important to me.

Source: https://goo.gl/vCfI2c

My favorite part of the Superbowl this year was Lady Gaga's Halftime Show performance. I remember in 2008 when Lady Gaga had her first hit song, "Just Dance". I remember liking it, but getting creeped out by Lady Gaga's extreme outfit choices that she wore to public appearances. I couldn't help but like her music, though. I learned that Lady Gaga is actually a trained musician. She went to Tish School of the Arts (At NYU) and studied theatre and music. She is an amazing singer and songwriter, and has performed at many different events. I love how Lady Gaga has such a diverse range of abilities in her singing - from Pop/Dance, to Jazz (her album with Tony Bennett is amazing), to Musical Theatre and beyond. This year, she performed the Superbowl Halftime Show in Houston, TX, and I loved watching it.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txXwg712zw4

She opened by singing two Patriotic songs on top of the stadium and then was suspended down to her stage. She sang a bunch of her songs like "Just Dance", "Poker Face", "Telephone", and "Million Reasons". My favorite moment was when she sang her hit song, "Born this Way". That song is a great anthem for the LGBT community, and can be interpreted many ways. I like the message of that song because it instills pride in many people. I thought this was her strongest singing performance of the night because she sang that song with so much passion. Her voice was probably getting tired at that point, but she still sang with so much feeling and strength. Her voice never cracked or sounded unsupported. Her awesome singing was supported by her entertaining dance moves and costumes. I loved watching her march around the stage in her super tall boots - I was afraid that she was going to fall!
I was a little disappointed that she didn't have any guest performers. Sometimes, Superbowl Performers invite another artist or two to share the stage. There were rumors that Beyonce or Tony Bennet were to make guest appearances, and I totally fell for them. I am not disappointed in Gaga's performance, but I wonder what it would have been like with other guest performers. I think Lady Gaga was a great choice of artist for the Superbowl Halftime Show, and I enjoyed her performance a lot. What do you think of Lady Gaga's performance? Comment Below!

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_a6M1w1518E

(This is another video of a performance from 2015 where Lady Gaga shows off her versatility!)

A Genre of Music I Don't Like

A Genre of music that doesn't necessarily appeal to me is Heavy Metal. Heavy Metal music usually has very loud, rhythmic guitar and drums. What bothers me about most Heavy Metal songs is that the singers growl or scream the lyrics. As a singer and a music teacher, I know that there are "correct" ways to do this. However, I don't think that these singing techniques are always healthy, and they can lead to many vocal problems such as nodes, polyps, or damage to your vocal cords. Also, this music is usually very loud and dark, and for me, it can be hard to listen to.
I realize that some people might love Heavy Metal. That's great! We can all have our own opinions. I think people may like how powerful the music can be. The guitar players have to move their fingers incredibly fast, and their guitar solos are really impressive. Also, the drummers are really talented because they have to use a double bass pedal, which can require a lot of coordination. While I can understand the appeal, I don't particularly like listening to Heavy Metal. If you do, maybe you can tell me some bands to listen to!

Source: https://goo.gl/yCiggQ



Click here for: More about Heavy Metal

Comment Below and tell me what genres you like and don't like!

Musical Role Model

         I have many role models in my life. One of my musical role models is the singer/songwriter, Sara Bareilles. She has recorded 4 studio albums and wrote the music for all of her songs. She also recently wrote the music for the Broadway Musical, "Waitress", and was very involved in its production. She plays piano, ukelele, and guitar, and sings all of her songs. She was a judge for the reality TV show, "The Sing Off" before it was cancelled. She also does covers of really great songs such as "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" and "Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay".

Sara Bareilles

Source: https://goo.gl/cm6O4I

        Sara Bareilles is my role model because she is a very talented musician. She has written some outstanding songs that I love to listen to, and I am very inspired by her. She also wrote the music for a musical, which shows her versatility in songwriting. I love the lyrics of her songs, and I think they are relatable to a lot of people. I am also inspired by her drive. She is very determined and focused on her music and I find that commendable. I love her music and I hope that you check her out and enjoy her music too! I recommend the song below, "She Used to be Mine". It is from her musical, "Waitress".

"She Used to be Mine" by Sara Bareilles

source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53GIADHxVzM

About the Blogger

             My name is Kerri MacLennan and I am the Choral Director at Pentucket Regional Middle School and High School. I also teach Music in Society and Public Speaking. I went to the University of New Hampshire and graduated with a degree in Music Education in 2014. My major instrument is my voice, and I have studied and analyze music from all time periods. I am a soprano, and my favorite type of music to sing is Baroque or Classical Opera. One of my favorite performances was in the Fall of 2013 when I performed in my own Senior Recital. I sang pieces by Handel, Faure, Bernstein, Mendelsson, and Donizetti. Currently, I am a member of the Newburyport Choral Society. I enjoy being a part of that ensemble because I learn choral techniques that I can pass onto my students. When I am not singing or planning lessons, I enjoy watching TV or movies, shopping, and drinking coffee.
              I am starting this blog so that I can share my love of music with my students. I would also like to post about lesson plans, teaching strategies, tried-and-true pieces of music, and other happenings in the music education field. I hope you enjoy reading!

This is a picture of me at my Senior Recital at UNH. (Fall 2013, photo by Hannah Marlin)