It's almost time to invoice for November, so please let me know if you need to cancel any November lessons. You can email me, or log in and cancel the lessons on the online calendar.
This classic musical debuted on Broadway in 1957 and was made into a movie in 1961. The story is based on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, with music by Leonard Bernstein and words by Stephen Sondheim.
Name That Tune
Challenge your sight-reading skills with the melodies below!
You've Got Rhythm
Practice your rhythm with some fun exercises below!
Check out the info below to learn about this song, and print out the sheet music to play or sing it for yourself!
Composer Spotlight:
Leonard Bernstein
Leonard Bernstein was one of the great American composers and conductors of the 20th century. Scroll down for links to some fantastic info and videos!
Musical of the Week
West Side Story is a musical with music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. It was inspired by William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet.
The story is set in the Upper West Side neighborhood in New York City in the mid 1950s, an ethnic, blue-collar neighborhood. The musical explores the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, two teenage street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds. The members of the Sharks, from Puerto Rico, are taunted by the Jets, a white gang. The young protagonist, Tony, a former member of the Jets and best friend of the gang's leader, Riff, falls in love with Maria, the sister of Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks. The dark theme, sophisticated music, extended dance scenes, and focus on social problems marked a turning point in American musical theatre.
Belting is a confusing singing concept, and many students want to know more about it and how to do it. Hopefully these links can help de-mystify it, and let me help you! If you aren't a natural belter, it takes time, practice and patience to improve, but everyone who works at it can get better!
Have fun sight-reading these folk tunes! Do you recognize them?
You've Got Rhythm!
Here are some exercises for rhythm practice - good luck!
Composer Spotlight: Leonard Bernstein
Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) wrote our musical of the week, West Side Story, so it's fitting to learn more about him this week! He was an American composer and the long-time conductor of the New York Philharmonic. In addition to West Side Story, his compositions include Peter Pan, Candide, Wonderful Town, On the Town, a Mass, symphonies, and much more.
