5th Grade Culmination -- "Should I Stay Or Should I Go?"

Hi Fifth Graders, Here's a video that will help you learn the first of our culmination songs. I will be posting the ukuleles parts and a pronunciation track for the Spanish words soon,, but for right now you should be learning the English lyrics. Culmination is just six weeks away, so let's get to it!

Roadrunner String Band rocks Westside Serenade!

What a fantastic job the Roscomare Roadrunner String Band did at Westside Serenade last weekend. I've had several inquiries about our program from other music teachers and lots of compliments about the groups performance and professionalism. Really well done guys! Here's a picture and a couple of video clips.

Roadrunner String Band -"Young Rider" from Richard Lawton on Vimeo.

Roadrunner String Band - "Three Little Birds" from Richard Lawton on Vimeo.

Roadrunner String Band - "Canon Exercise #5"

Roscomare Road Music - "Canon Exercise #5 - for Ukes from Richard Lawton on Vimeo.

Finally, here is a tutorial for our newest piece, "Canon Exercise #5." Remember if all you can play is the bordun on strings 3 and 4, there is a part for you in the performance, but I am hoping a few of you will learn the melody. It is quite beautiful. Here's the music.

Roadrunner String Band - "Three Little Birds"

Roscomare Road Music - "Three Little Birds" for Ukes from Richard Lawton on Vimeo.

Here's the second of our songs that uses ukulele. As the tutorial explains the strumming pattern here is as important as playing the right chords.

Roadrunner String Band - "Simple Gifts"

Roscomare Road Music - "Simple Gifts" for Ukes from Richard Lawton on Vimeo.

Hello Again Roadrunners -- I am reposting this tutorial for Simple Gifts in advance of our performance at Westside Serenade April 22 for the songs we will be playing in our upcoming shows. I am also posting the music. If you are using this video for the first time, please fee free to pause or replay it as much as you need to. You can also click on the link on the right side of this blog page that says "Uke Tuner." Have a great break!