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Music history for May is all about the Beach Boys. Listen to their music and find out about the original group members. As always, we base the information in categories by the student’s age so we don’t overload the youngsters and we give the older kids more to chew on.

Top 10 Beach Boys Songs (ultimateclassicrock.com)

The lab composition station for May is to try out Mariachi music. Mariachi music should be very upbeat, and exciting. Common instruments include acoustic guitar, violin and trumpet.

Guadalajara (Remasterizado) – YouTube

La Bamba – YouTube

El Borracho – YouTube

One of the best things about our themes is they change every month to allow all of us to experience new things. Enjoy our tribute to Cinco de Mayo with the Mariachi music and find some old favorites with the Beach Boys. Happy May!

Success happens after failure, sometimes many failures. Read about 15 people who failed their way to success.

“I’m always fascinated to learn of famous people who were told they didn’t measure up, or they couldn’t do something….I am partial, always, to the underdog, and always root for the person who always tries their best and defies what someone else might say about their abilities. When teaching children , I always try to give them a firm foundation of confidence to pursue their dreams, no matter what that may look like. Someone may tell a child that they do not like their [the student’s] voice or their instrument but what matters is that they like it…that they love it no matter what anyone else thinks or says. To help someone see that they have “wings to fly” so-to-speak, is the greatest gift you can give someone who is studying music, or theater, or something in the arts. (Really any pursuit) Helping someone realize their potential is phenomenal. This article lists 10 famous people who were told they couldn’t. They defied what they were told and went on to fulfill their dreams.” – Ms. Leann

JAM is Jazz Appreciation Month, and in 2021 they’re highlighting women’s contributions to Jazz. Nina Simone is always a great start, and there are several great events to learn more about women in jazz.

Jazz Appreciation Month | National Museum of American History (si.edu)

For April, try listening to a little more jazz. Allow yourself to appreciate what the rhythm can teach us, the call and response patterns, and the people who have made it what it is.

This month’s lab theme is the history of guitar. Today’s modern flat-top acoustic guitars have had a similar design for a couple centuries, but similar instruments – the European lute and the Arabic oud- can be traced back to ancient times. The word guitar comes from the Greek word kithara, which mythology attributes to the god Hermes creating from a tortoise shell.

The guitar became closer to what we see today in the 1790s for design. Steel strings and the flat top design, along with a specific number of strings (6) and frets along the neck, has become the modern instrument we recognize. All of these details, along with the shape of the body and neck, have defined the music that is created on the guitar and how we play it. Even adding a pick and a pick guard have changed the sound that we get from the guitar. Learn more in the music history station in the lab!

April’s Music Composition theme is the Blues – April showers bring May flowers! Bring your bit of the blues to life in the composition station. Here are a couple songs to get you in the mood:

There are also a few advanced challenges – have fun and don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it.