Around the Piano

It’s a great day to talk and sing about character! 



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.

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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 

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

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.

Frankie Valinda Ghee

The study and practice of music is incredibly important as a way for people of all ages to develop creative thinking skills, build self-confidence, learn goal setting, and enhance discipline.

However, sometimes singing needs to be less structured…more about freedom and fun than about skill and technique.  Singing can be a way for a group of people to share an emotional idea or proclaim a shared truth.  This type singing is about community, and every voice no matter how big, small, steady or wavering is valued.

The piano in AROUND THE PIANO might be an actual piano, but it doesn’t need to be.  All that’s needed is a safe, relaxed place to gather.  “Around the piano” singing should feel like singing around the campfire or around the coffee table on family night.  If the music comes out with passion and joy (even if without precision), all will be groovy.

AROUND THE PIANO helps young people feel safe within the song and provides opportunity and space for singers to experiment and explore their own vocal instruments.

Once you’ve gathered your group, you can sing and talk about anything, things that are going on in schools, classrooms, and homes as well as situations in local and national news.

The lyrics of the AROUND THE PIANO songs are specifically tailored to give voice to the values and concerns of young people.  Encouraging students to create their own verses strengthens the experience and nurtures a culture of team ownership and acceptance.

At AROUND THE PIANO, we have made it our goal to bring music and good character together in a way that’s fun and easy. With your purchase, you receive the ten song booklet which includes lyrics and sheet music along with teaching tips and lesson suggestions. You also get a demonstration audio cd as well as access to support from our team.

We look forward to hearing from you.

FVG

DREAMS

What is awesome about you? Do you feel free to dream your dreams?  What is your path?

What does your perfect world look like?

Extension

DREAMS is an up-tempo song that works very well with featured singers (solos, duets, small groups).  I recommend teaching by rote on this one.  Let your students get really comfortable with singing a verse and the chorus with good volume and lots of energy. Point out the rhyme scheme in the verses.  The second line should rhyme with “there.”  When you are sure everyone understands the meaning of the song and the rhyme scheme send them off to write their own verses.  You can spend team time on this, or you can let your students know that if they come up with a verse, you will all learn it the next time you sing  DREAMS together.