We started a new program for 3rd-5th graders at Chabot Elementary this fall: WRITE OUT LOUD!, a songwriting class led by two veteran teachers, Annah Wilson & Joseph Shumake.
The students worked both independently and collaboratively to write lyrics, work out rhythms, create bridges and make music. We think the videos speak for themselves (check them out: a looping exercise & testing out lyrics).
Student excerpts from lyric writing exercises: Stick to Me
Do you see that the sky is calling… Do you see, do you see, that the sky is calling…
Too Much Too Late Too Much You big fool
If you don’t… the sun will burn and the rain will start If you don’t… the sun will burn and the rain will start
Too much Too late Too much Hurry Up
I’m in a far away town Waiting for you
(Too Late) (Too Late)
-Andrea
Up and Down
The sun comes up, the sun goes down The moon comes up, big, full and round
Big and round Up and down In the night Things spin me around
The planets spin ‘round and ‘round Nothings there, just darkness in the air
Big and round Up and down In the night Things spin me around
-Ashley
Blue Day
I had a sad, blue day So I decided to push it away
You make me stay When I want to go You make me go When I wish I could stay
I’m far away from yesterday I feel like I want to wreck this day
You make me stay When I want to go You make me go When I wish I could stay
You are mine and I am yours Don’t put me away, don’t close the door
Make me stay But I want to go Make me go When I wish I could stay
-Ilyasia
[video width="720" height="1280" mp4="http://takemywordforit.net/wp-content/uploads/Chabot-F14-singing.mp4" autoplay="true"][/video]