Skin and Bones

The 6th grade just left and what a jam-packed class it was. First, we played an old Halloween favorite, "Skin and Bones" on the recorder. The beauty of this little tune is that it is a call and response song and the response uses the blues scale...(I am planting seeds here that will yeild much fruit next year). Then, we discussed jazz and improvisation and several students improvised the "call" section of the tune using notes from the E blues scale. It sounded like a jazz club in here...I felt right at home. We ended the class by going to our guitars and learning the harmonic accompaniment to the song which is only two chords; Em and Am.

Next class we'll have a lot to review (put the old skin back on the bones so to speak) but I hope to have them singing, playing guitar, and recorders at the same time. It should put everyone in a Halloween mood...Great job 6th graders!! BOO!