Musical Bees - Spring/Summer 2023 Session
- Amanda Edwards
- Feb 7, 2022
- 10 min read
Welcome to the enchanting world of Musical Bees, where we are buzzing with excitement to present our captivating spring/summer 2023 online program! Join us on a melodious journey as we continue our exploration of music, building upon the foundations laid in our previous session.
At Musical Bees, we believe that music is a universal language that can captivate the hearts and minds of even the youngest learners. Through our thoughtfully curated program, we aim to expose young children to the magical realm of music, unraveling its many facets and inviting them to embrace its wonders.
Throughout this session, we will delve deeper into the captivating elements of music, including major and minor keys, various rhythms that ignite the imagination, tempos that stir the soul, dynamics that add depth and emotion, and time signatures that give music its unique heartbeat. By introducing these concepts in an engaging and interactive manner, we lay the foundation for a lifelong appreciation of music.
But Musical Bees is not just about theory and listening. We encourage our little musicians to become active participants in the world of sound. Through joyful movement and exploration of a wide array of instruments, children will have the opportunity to internalize rhythms and melodies, as well as externally express their creativity by creating their own harmonious compositions.
Immerse your home in the enchanting world of music as we embark on this captivating online program. We seamlessly blend the joy of music with an array of playful activities, captivating stories, and interactive exercises, all designed to create a nurturing environment that fosters self-expression, fuels imagination, and cultivates a profound sense of accomplishment.
Above all, our primary focus at Musical Bees is to ignite and nurture a deep love for music within our young participants. We believe that when children develop a genuine passion for music, it becomes a lifelong companion, an endless source of joy, and a means of self-expression that transcends boundaries.
So, whether your little one is already twirling to their own rhythm or just beginning to explore the captivating world of music, Musical Bees is here to inspire, engage, and cultivate their musical journey.
Join us as we embark on a symphonic adventure like no other. Let the melodies weave their magic, and watch as your child blossoms into a true Musical Bee. Enroll today and let the music begin!
Table of Contents
Lesson Plan
Setlist
Resources
Lead Sheets
Playlists
Exclusive Music by Amanda
Play along videos
Colouring Pages
Our Program
We have carefully created a program that you and your family can enjoy over and over again! This is what to look forward to in this session.
Lesson Plan: Take your musical journey home with this detailed outline!
Objective: To engage children in a dynamic and interactive music session that fosters rhythm, movement, instrument exploration, melodic repetition, numeracy, and a calming conclusion.
Materials Needed: Hello song lyrics, chosen songs for rhythmic and melodic repetition, selected instruments (e.g., egg shakers, rhythm sticks, wrist bells, tambourines, scarves), parachute (optional), lullaby lyrics, popular songs for instrumental play, goodbye song lyrics.
Class Duration: 45 min
Procedure:
0-2 mins: Hello Song
Sing a personalized hello to each child, incorporating their names, names of pets, favorite toys, or family members and friends.
If the group is small, include parents/caregivers in the greeting.
Create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
2-5 mins: Song with Rhythmic Repetition
Sing a song and conclude it.
Introduce a simple rhythm by pointing to yourself and speaking a rhythm (using sounds like "da" or "ba").
Point to the students and have them repeat the rhythm back to you.
Repeat this rhythmic repetition exercise four times, keeping each repetition around 1-2 bars long.
Include examples of rhythmic structures heard in the previous song.
5-8 mins: Song with Instrument Play
Choose a song for the children to sing.
Select one instrument for exploration during the song (e.g., egg shakers, rhythm sticks, wrist bells, tambourines, scarves).
Demonstrate using the instrument in various rhythmic and melodic ways while singing the song.
Encourage the children to experiment with the instrument as they join in the song.
8-12 mins: Song with Movement
Choose a song that benefits from exploration of movement and dance.
Consider songs with different tempos or repetitive patterns for choreographing a simple dance.
Guide the children in movements such as grapevines, moving inwards and outwards of the circle, or holding scarves and dancing together.
Optional: Introduce the parachute during this time for additional movement exploration.
12-15 mins: Spoken Rhyme
Introduce a repetitive spoken rhyme accompanied by hand motions.
Help children explore different tempos and rhythmic phrases.
Repeat the rhyme multiple times, varying dynamics, emotions, and tempo.
Maintain a steady beat throughout the repetition.
15-19 mins: Song with Melodic Repetition
Sing a song and conclude it.
Perform a simple melodic repetition exercise by pointing to yourself and singing a simple melody (using vocables like "da," "ba," or "la").
Point to the students and have them repeat the melody back to you.
Repeat this melodic repetition exercise four times, incorporating melodic segments from the previous song.
Keep each repetition around 1-2 bars long.
19-24 mins: Song with Instrument Play
Choose a song for the children to sing.
Select one instrument for exploration during the song (e.g., egg shakers, rhythm sticks, wrist bells, tambourines, scarves).
Demonstrate using the instrument in different rhythmic and melodic ways while singing the song.
Encourage the children to experiment with the instrument as they join in the song.
24-28 mins: Song with Movement
Choose a song that benefits from exploration of movement and dance.
Consider incorporating the parachute during this time for additional movement exploration.
28-32 mins: Song with Numeracy Focus
Select a song that focuses on numeracy concepts.
Engage the children in counting, identifying numbers, or exploring patterns through movement or hand motions.
32-38 mins: Free Instrumental Play
Provide a wide variety of instruments for thestudents to explore over the course of 1-2 popular songs.
Introduce various genres (pop, rock, Motown, jazz) to broaden their musical exposure.
Encourage the students to rock out, dance, and express themselves through the instruments.
38-42 mins: Lullaby
Sing a calming lullaby to create a soothing atmosphere.
Encourage the children to sit or cuddle with their parents/caregivers while rocking to the melody.
Optional: Play the guitar during the lullaby and invite the children to explore the guitar strings afterward for a tactile experience.
42-45 mins: Goodbye Song
Sing a personalized goodbye to each child, incorporating their names.
Include parents/caregivers in the farewell if the group is small.
Conclude by singing your own name and, if applicable, include the names of family members or friends who are on your mind.
Note: Throughout the lesson, maintain an energetic and engaging atmosphere, encouraging active participation and enjoyment. Adapt the lesson to suit the children's age and abilities, ensuring that the activities are inclusive and promote a love for music.
Setlist: This curated song list serves a specific purpose for various occasions, with each song contributing a unique element to enhance the overall experience.
This set list features a variety of songs for children. It includes original cheerful songs, lively Spanish tunes, classic folk songs, spoken songs, popular nursery rhymes, interactive songs, movement-based songs, and soothing lullabies from different cultures. The playlist aims to engage children, teach concepts, encourage participation, and create a positive and enjoyable musical experience from start to finish.
"Hello Song" (original): An original song that serves as a cheerful introduction, setting a positive and welcoming tone for the playlist.
"Vegan A Ver" (Spanish, maj): A lively Spanish song with upbeat rhythms and melodies, teaching children about the concept of being vegan in an interactive way.
"Skip to my Lou" (maj): A classic folk song that encourages children to dance and skip along to its catchy tune.
"Summer Song" (original, spoken): An original spoken song that captures the essence of summer, evoking images of sunny days and outdoor fun.
"Follow me down to Carlow" (min): A spirited and lively song that tells a story and engages children with its energetic melodies.
"Jack In The Box" (spoken): A spoken song that adds an element of surprise and anticipation, mimicking the actions of a classic toy jack-in-the-box.
"Five Little Ducks" (maj): A popular nursery rhyme that teaches counting and introduces the concept of subtraction in a playful manner.
"BINGO" (maj): A well-known children's song that helps kids learn spelling and encourages participation through clapping and singing along.
"Paw Paw Patch" (maj): A fun and catchy song that incorporates movement and actions, making it enjoyable for children to follow along.
"Trot Old Joe" (maj, movement): A lively and rhythmic song that invites children to join in and imitate the movements of "Old Joe."
"When the Saints Go Marching In" (maj, movement): A spirited and energetic tune that encourages children to march and dance along to the beat.
"Old Mr Rabbit" (minor): A playful and catchy song featuring a mischievous rabbit character, captivating children with its fun lyrics and melodies.
"This Old Man" (maj): A classic nursery rhyme that teaches counting and introduces children to the concept of aging through a series of verses.
"Working On the Railroad" (maj): A traditional folk song that showcases the rhythm and sounds of a railroad work crew, allowing children to join in with pretend tools and actions.
"Hokey Pokey" (maj): A popular interactive song that encourages children to move and dance while following instructions for body actions.
"Three Ravens" (minor): A haunting and enchanting song that tells a captivating story, appealing to children's imagination and love for storytelling.
"Great Big Stars" (Maj, lullaby): A soothing lullaby with gentle melodies that create a calming and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for bedtime or relaxation.
"Greensleeves" (min, lullaby): A well-known traditional lullaby with a serene and melodic quality, creating a soothing ambiance for children to unwind.
"Takeda Lullaby" (Japanese, lullaby): A gentle and tender Japanese lullaby that showcases beautiful melodies and a comforting atmosphere.
"Goodbye Song" (original): An original song that bids farewell, wrapping up the playlist on a positive and uplifting note.
Resources: Here is a list of the props and instruments used in the Musical Bees session, along with their purposes.
Tambourine: The tambourine is often used in musical performances and activities to provide rhythmic accompaniment. It can be shaken, struck, or tapped to add a jingling sound and enhance the overall rhythm and energy of the music.
Hand Drum: Hand drums are versatile instruments used in various musical genres and cultural traditions. They are played by striking the drumhead with the hand or fingers, producing different tones and rhythms. Hand drums are often used for rhythmic patterns, drum circles, and creating beats in music.
Movement Scarves: Movement scarves are used to engage children in creative movement activities. They can be twirled, waved, or tossed in the air to explore different movements and encourage self-expression. The flowing scarves visually enhance the movements and make them more dynamic and captivating.
Egg Shakers: Egg shakers are small percussion instruments that fit comfortably in the hand. They are typically filled with beads or seeds and produce a shaking sound when shaken. Egg shakers are commonly used in music therapy, group settings, and children's music activities to create rhythm, encourage motor skills, and engage participants in making music.
Rhythm Sticks: Rhythm sticks are wooden or plastic sticks that are struck together or against a surface to create rhythmic patterns and beats. They are commonly used in music education, drum circles, and interactive music sessions to keep the beat, enhance coordination, and teach rhythmic concepts.
Bells: Bells are musical instruments that produce a ringing sound when shaken or struck. They are often used in orchestras, bands, and music ensembles to add melodic elements and create shimmering tones. In educational settings, bells can be used to teach pitch, timing, and melody to children.
Parachute: The parachute is a large circular fabric with handles around the edges. It is used in group activities and games to promote cooperation, teamwork, and physical movement. Participants hold the parachute and make coordinated movements, such as lifting it up and down, creating a visually appealing display and encouraging social interaction and coordination skills.
Five Little Ducks (Book): "Five Little Ducks" is a popular children's book based on the nursery rhyme of the same name. The book typically features colorful illustrations and engages young readers through repetition, counting, and storytelling. It helps develop early literacy skills, introduces basic numerical concepts, and encourages a love for reading and rhymes.
You can purchase a percussion set through Amazon that includes all the instruments you will need.
Lead Sheets
Play the music you love at home! All lead sheets can be used on piano, ukulele, and guitar!
Playlist
Sing, dance, and play at home!
Exclusive Music by Amanda
Play along videos
Join Amanda as she guide you in singing, dancing, and playing!
Amanda's play along video one (drop down for video details)
Welcome Song: This original song sets the tone at the beginning of our music classes, preparing children for the fun ahead. It includes greetings in English, French (Bonjour), and Oneida (Shekoli, pronounced say-go-lee) to embrace cultural diversity.
Follow Me Down to Carlow: An Irish folk song with a captivating melody dating back to the 16th century. Its catchy minor key and non-lexical singing, known as "lilting," make it a delightful musical exploration.
When The Saints: This catchy and rhythmic Black spiritual song encourages children to engage through dance or instrument play. It introduces them to the vibrant world of African-American music traditions.
Summer Song: Our original spoken rhyme celebrates the joys of summer, offering a simple and steady rhythm for children to clap along and experience the season's magic.
Takeda Lullaby: A beloved Japanese cradle song that creates a soothing atmosphere. Its calming melodies invite gentle rocking and relaxation.
Goodbye Song: Sung at the end of each class, this original song aids in transitioning to the next task. With farewell greetings in English, French (Au Revoir), and Oneida (Nʌki’wah, pronounced ne-kee-wah), it provides a consistent closure to our musical journey.
Amanda's play along video two (drop down for video details)
Hello Song: Our original song greets children at the start of every music class, setting the stage for the exciting musical journey that awaits! We say hello in English, French (Bonjour), and Oneida (Shekoli, pronounced say-go-lee) to celebrate linguistic diversity.
Working on the Railroad:
An all-time favorite children's song, it offers a fantastic opportunity to explore rhythms using instruments like egg shakers. Join in with rhythmic play and discover new beats while singing along.
Jack in the Box: This delightful spoken rhyme engages children in pulsating the beat with their hands and bodies, internalizing the tempo and adding a touch of fun to the musical experience.
Vegan A Ver: Argentina's rendition of Old McDonald introduces children to music in another language. With familiar animal sounds of their beloved barnyard friends, it combines language exposure and playful engagement.
Great Big Stars: A mesmerizing African American spiritual lullaby that invites relaxation. Snuggle up and sway along to the soothing melodies, immersing yourself in the tranquility it offers.
Goodbye Song: Our original farewell song marks the end of each class, helping transition from the music session to the next task. With goodbye wishes in English, French (Au Revoir), and Oneida (Nʌki’wah, pronounced ne-kee-wah), it provides a consistent and memorable closure to our musical adventures.
Colouring Pages
Listen and colour! This activity promotes fine motor skills, enhances creativity, while also providing a relaxing and enjoyable sensory experience that can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
Click HERE for some colouring pages!
