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)