Friday, February 23, 2007

Grab Bag Friday: PBS Kids Jazz & Barack Obama Debate

Just in case you are wondering how PBS Kids Jazz & Barack Obama tie in to each other: they don't. Two completely unrelated topics of mention today...

1st topic: PBS Kids Jazz. I mentioned this earlier in the month at Songwriting for Kids Club, but I thought this site was so cool I'd mention it here, too. Kids will love going to this site and learning about jazz music (adults too...believe me, I spent some time here!) There are interesting profiles about some of the jazz greats--Louis Armstrong, Charlie Parker, Billie Holliday to name a few. You can watch videos of musicians answering questions like "How does a jazz musician express an idea or feeling in a piece of music?"

Most exciting (for me)...you can play the Join the Jazz Band interactive multimedia game. First, it tests your musical knowledge (what is rhythm, melody, etc.) Then, it helps you determine what style of jazz you like (cool, swing, or bebop) by playing you a video of a jazz band playing each style of jazz. Then you learn about the different instruments and choose which one you'd like to play. Then you get your *certificate*: Certified Jazz Musician. Printable. With your name on it and everything! (I know, I know, I was one of those kids.)

It's a pretty cool way to learn about jazz.

2nd topic: There's been a bit of interesting debate over at my last Grab Bag Friday post, 2008 Election: Get Involved! Have an opinion? Get involved. Stop on by and put in your two cents!

Hope you have a terrific weekend!

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