[HANASHIR:12506] RE: Integrated Jewish/General Music Curriculum

[Shirona <shirona...>]

What is the Ladino version of Hatikvah...?
-Shirona

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Singer, Songwriter and Teacher of Jewish Music
 Visit my website at    www.shirona.com
Listen to my music at www.mp3.com/shirona
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  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Meris Ruzow 
  To: hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org 
  Sent: Wednesday, October 16, 2002 7:53 AM
  Subject: [HANASHIR:12505] RE: Integrated Jewish/General Music Curriculum


  It has taken me years to try to combine a secular/Judaic music program and I 
do many of the things you mention.  When I teach about orchestration, we talk 
about famous Jewish American or Israeli performers and what they play, 
listening to excerpts by Jewish performers when possible. When we listen in 
general, why not use the Israel Philharmonic; Jewish conductors, etc.  It's 
great for the kids to just KNOW that we jews are out there, big time in the 
classical, jazz, rock and folk world!   When we do national anthems I even play 
the "ladino version" of Hatikvah (which is gorgous!)  We talk about the "feel" 
or color Mahler (I know, I know) expresses say, in his 2nd movement of the 1st 
symphony.  There are lots of ways to incorporate our "jewishness" but it has 
taken years and it will take you years as well.   When we learn about notation 
and time signatures, use Israeli folk songs to demonstrate (and if you have 
Orff instruments, so much the better and easier) like using "Hineh Ma Tov" for 
¾ time, you know?   Just look at it with a twist.  You need to have the 
expertise in both areas and apply them appropriately to your grade level.   No, 
to my knowledge there hasn't been anything definitively published.   Good luck!

  Meris Ruzow   

   

  Meris (at) nycap(dot)rr(dot)com

   

  -----Original Message-----
  From: owner-hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org [mailto:owner-hanashir (at) 
shamash(dot)org] On Behalf Of CantorJ (at) aol(dot)com
  Sent: Wednesday, October 16, 2002 5:47 AM
  To: hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org
  Subject: [HANASHIR:12504] Integrated Jewish/General Music Curriculum

   

  An acquaintance of mine asked about an integrated music curriculum for Day 
Schools.  Below are some of the points she touched on.  If anyone has such a 
curriculum, please let me know.  

  Todah Rabbah in advance,
  Janice Roger

  "I was wondering if there is a curriculum, or any website or literature,
  that you have come across for teaching music with a Jewish slant.  I am
  looking for one that possibly would be taught in a Hebrew Day School for
  grades K-8.  I know there are some very good reform Day schools, and I
  wasn't sure if they have a set music curriculum, or do they just teach a
  music like a regular class without any Jewish content.

  The Academy interjects some Hebrew, Israeli, Yiddish songs in their
  Hanukah program and their end of year program, but I think there could be
  a lot more.   I think there could be a lot more crossover in subjects.
  For example, when Middle School studies American Jewish History, why
  couldn't the music program be looking at some famous Jewish American
  Composers or the history of the Yiddish Theater.  When first grade takes a
  field trip to the post office, why doesn't the music program talk about
  the new commemorative stamp featuring the Jewish composer Irwin Berlin.
  When the students are learning what makes up a major scale versus a minor
  one, why doesn't the music program also discuss how a typical Klezmer
  scale is different.  Instead of just studying Classical composers,  how
  about studying anti-Semitism in the Classical period."