Author Archives: fvghee
Around the Piano: Resource for Teachers and Team Leaders
AROUND THE PIANO is a collection of easy to learn songs and lessons created by experienced teacher and performer Frankie Ghee. The lyrics give advice or share philosophies about character that young people can understand and explore. The lessons encourage creativity, self-expression, and tolerance. While designed intentionally to appeal to older students, this resource works well for all ages. Gathering around the piano fosters fellowship and bonding in ensembles, clubs, and community programs.
Featured song-Dreams
What does a perfect world look like to you? This is a great song to explore lyric writing, different musical styles and improvisation!
New Item! Around the Piano Supplement #3 “The Eye of the Seeker” $13 includes shipping and handling
THE EYE OF THE SEEKER is a new, original song by singer-songwriter, Frankie Valinda Ghee. This song is about improving our life experiences by focusing on that which makes us joyful. Although working toward change can be an important component of one’s personal character, it is worthwhile to dedicate time to appreciate what is right with our lives and each other. If we constantly look for faults in our community and the people in it, we will spend every moment at battle against something. We miss opportunities to lighten the lives of others with good news and reminders of beauty. There is peace in the world. We have to be willing to notice it. There is beauty in everyone. Let’s allow ourselves to recognize it.
AROUND THE PIANO SUPPLEMENTS are individual songs and lessons created with the same goals as the ten original Around the Piano songs: getting young people singing, writing and talking about issues related to integrity and character.
Like all ATP songs, the supplements can be taught quickly. The easy piano parts are optional and can be embellished or simplified to match your piano skills.
While we recommend starting with the full ATP workbook and adding the supplements as they become available, you will get everything you need to get started with your purchase. You even have access to our team for ideas and examples. We will email you a demonstration audio file when we send out your supplemental workbook.
#CharacterDay2016 Come sing, talk, and compose with us!
Yes, we are mere days away. Come alone or with friends and or family. Bring your open mind, your sense of humor, and the voice you have. Music Rocks, Rolls, and reaches.
When: 9/22/16 4:30pm
Where: Downtown Spokane Public Library/906 W Main
Who: Any and Every- young children are welcome with a supervising adult
Why: Joy, Community, Personal Inquiry
Join us for #Character-Day September 22, 2016
Character Day is coming, and you are cordially invited to observe it with the Around the Piano team. We will be hosting a musical event with discussion and song-writing at the fabulous Downtown Spokane Public Library. We will start our gathering at 4:30pm and finish around 6:00pm.
Feel free to come by yourself or with a couple of friends. Even better, bring your whole family. Young children are welcome with a supervising adult.
Focus for our time together this year will include:
- Using music for self expression, education, motivation and understanding
- Developing a personal code of character
- Improving experiences by paying attention to positives
I look forward to seeing you!
Thursday, September 22, 2016 4:30-6:00pm
Downtown Public Library, 906 West Main Avenue, Spokane
New Item! Around the Piano Supplement #2 “It’s Alright to Breathe” $13 includes shipping and handling
IT’S ALRIGHT TO BREATHE is a new, original song by singer-songwriter, Frankie Valinda Ghee. This song is about taking a moment to breathe when life gets intense. When, instead of rushing to judgement or even violence, we allow a meditative moment to assess our circumstances and appreciate each of life’s experiences, we take an important step toward developing a personal understanding of integrity. This can lead to improved relationships and a better social climate. Change can be a wonderful goal, but personal growth is more likely to take place in a quiet space.
sample
Around the Piano supplements are individual songs and lessons created with the same goals as the ten original Around the Piano songs: getting young people singing, writing and talking about issues related to integrity and character.
Like all ATP songs, the supplements can be taught quickly. The easy piano parts are optional and can be embellished or simplified to match your piano skills.
While we recommend starting with the full ATP workbook and adding the supplements as they become available, you will get everything you need to get started with your purchase. You even have access to our team for ideas and examples. We will email you a demonstration audio file when we send out your supplemental workbook.
#National-Forum-on-Character-Education #Character.org This Fall in D.C.!
On October 14-15, Character.org is hosting the National Forum on Character Education in Washington, D.C. Join team AROUND THE PIANO (founding member of The Character Consortium) in discussing how we can inspire civic responsibility and leadership within our communities, but especially within classrooms. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to interact with noted educators and researchers like Michele Borba, Bob Woodson and Cathryn Berger Kaye.
Register Today! Character.org
New Item! Around the Piano Supplement #1 “I Think I Understand” $13 includes shipping and handling
I THINK I UNDERSTAND is a new song about forgiveness. Sometimes, when we are hurt by the actions of others, it is beneficial to let go and choose to be forgiving instead of holding out for an apology or planning payback that can escalate the hard feelings.
Around the Piano supplements are individual songs and lessons created with the same goals as the ten original Around the Piano songs: getting young people singing, writing and talking about issues related to integrity and character.
Like all ATP songs, the supplements can be taught quickly. The easy piano parts are optional and can be embellished or simplified to match your piano skills.
While we recommend starting with the full ATP workbook and adding the supplements as they become available, you will get everything you need to get started with your purchase. You even have access to our team for ideas and examples. We will email you a demonstration audio file when we send out your supplemental workbook.
