The Music Box

Pass The Melted Butter! Polyrhythms and Polymeters

Have you ever tried to count rhythms with an apple or a pineapple? Tried to pass the melted butter? Maybe a hot cup of tea? Find out what all these wacky expressions mean on this episode of The Music Box. We’re exploring all things polymeters (and their super fun mnemonic devices!) This episode is recommended for grades K-5, but everyone can join in on the polyrhythmic groove. Additional lessons and resources at musicboxpod.org .

I Scream! You Scream! We All Scream for the Drum Machine!

You’ve heard about the instrument families from woodwinds, to brass, to strings, even percussion, but have you explored the mean green drum machine?! On this episode of The Music Box, we’ll be learning all about how musical legends like J Dilla and Sly & the Family Stone used the drum machine as a tool, and how you can too! Additional lessons and resources at musicboxpod.org . This episode is recommended for grades 3-5 and above, but all students can catch the beat with some guidance!

Behind the Music: I'm a recording engineer!

We’re going on a completely different journey for this episode! We’ll learn all about what it means to be a recording engineer in an interview with an expert from the field. Join as we go behind the music with Anne Gauthier from La La Land Studios right here in Louisville, Kentucky! Additional lessons and resources at musicboxpod.org . This episode recommended for grades 6-8 and 9-12, but younger students can join in fun with some guidance.

Improvisation Station!

This episode, we’ll board the finest time traveling locomotive this side of the train soundboard to explore improvisation through time! Some very special Louisville legends will join us as magical musical guests, taking us from the medieval period all the way to the future of improvisation. Join in on your own futuristic improvisation with THIS Playtronica Synthesizer . Additional lessons and resources at musicboxpod.org . This episode is recommended for grades 3-5 and 6-8, but anyone can join in on the time traveling fun!

The Music Doctors

Today’s episode is quite the operation. We’ll put on our lab coats and be doctors, examining all the elements of our first patient — jazz! Join us as we explore blue notes, call and response, and syncopation. - Additional lessons and resources at musicboxpod.org

Juneteenth Jubilee

In this musical short, we’ll celebrate Juneteenth by exploring liberation through music! We’ll journey around the U.S, taking a look at the lives of Black composers from three different time periods. We’ll briefly cover the history of the Juneteenth holiday, and through the lives of Florence Price, Scott Joplin, and Rhiannon Giddens, we’ll investigate how the African musical tradition continues to influence American music. Additional resources at musicboxpod.org . This episode was written by Kiana Del and Fiona Palensky. Special thanks to Michelle Tyrene Johnson and Stori Crawford. Support for the Music Box comes from PNC, the Norton Foundation, and the sustaining members of Louisville Public Media.

Meter: The Musical!

-This episode is an extra special musical journey that explores the world of time signatures, also known as meter. We're calling it "Meter: The Musical," which features original music from host Faith Murphy and Kiana Del, WUOL's engagement manager for music education. In the musical, two kids find a magical music box that transports them to Meter World, where they learn about different genres of music and try to find where they really belong. *** Meter: The Musical! Music and lyrics by Faith Murphy and Kiana Del; book by Faith Murphy Special thanks to our guest musicians: Noah Barker, Trevin Little, Jailynn Lake-Noel, Fiona Palenski, and Stephen Murphy Recording and mixing engineer: Eric Matthews *** Donate to support this and future seasons of The Music Box.

Fascinating Rhythm

We'll look at rhythm patterns in music and how they can change the sound of a song. You’ll learn about the different ways you could fill up a measure, and how rhythm adds texture and excitement to music! *** Donate to support this and future seasons of The Music Box.

Practice Makes Perfect

It's another visit to the magical land of Arpeggio, as the inhabitants learn what repetition and practice really mean. *** Donate to support this and future seasons of The Music Box.

Time Traveling with America's Black Composers - Part Two

The second part of our feature on Black American composers features more time-traveling fun with Miss Kiana! Bring your dancing shoes and your listening ears. *** Featured music: Duke Ellington: Things Ain’t What They Used to Be Duke Ellington: Come Sunday, performed by Mahalia Jackson Sam Cooke: A Change Is Gonna Come Valerie Coleman: Red Clay and Mississippi Delta, performed by Imani Winds Valerie Coleman: Umoja, performed by Imani Winds *** Donate to support this and future seasons of The Music Box.

Time Traveling with America's Black Composers - Part One

We’re going on a musical journey with Miss Kiana this week, traveling through time to meet some of America’s Black composers! Bring your dancing shoes and your listening ears. *** Featured music: Florence Price: Symphony in E minor, performed by the Fort Smith Symphony Margaret Bonds: Bright Star, performed by Lara Downes Margaret Bonds: Troubled Water, performed by Joel Fan Margaret Bonds: The Ballad of the Brown King, performed by the Dessoff Choirs *** Donate to support this and future seasons of The Music Box.

Tone It Up

What does “tone color” mean in music? Isn't color something that you SEE? We'll dive into tone color and timbre today, using examples from pop, jazz, and classical music. *** Featured music: Antonio Carlos Jobim: The Girl from Ipanema Frank Sinatra: The Girl from Ipanema Amy Winehouse: The Girl from Ipanema Dizzy Gillespie: No More Blues Carmen McRae: No More Blues Chet Baker: I Talk to the Trees Vitamin String Quartet: Fake Plastic Trees Red Pants Trio: Hot Cross Buns Scott Bradlee: Bohemian Rhapsody in Blue (Gershwin/Queen Mashup) *** Donate to support this and future seasons of The Music Box.

Run, Rondo, Run

We're learning about patterns and song form on The Music Box today! From binary to ternary to rondo and more, you’ll be able to identify the forms of some of your favorite music. *** Featured music: Shenanigans: Cross Dance Jörg Demus: The Wild Horseman (Schumann) Frank Sinatra: Fly Me to the Moon Tchaikovsky: March from The Nutcracker Dave Brubeck: Blue Rondo à la Turk *** Donate to support this and future seasons of The Music Box.

What Aria Talking About? Opera Plots Explained

If you’ve ever been to the opera, you may have found yourself wondering what’s happening onstage. Sometimes opera plots can be tough to understand, especially if you’re a kid! Today we’ll learn about a couple of operas written specifically for kids: “L’enfant et les sortilèges” by Maurice Ravel, and “Brundibár” by Hans Krása. *** SPECIAL NOTE FOR GROWNUPS: “Brundibár” is best known for being premiered at the Theresienstadt concentration camp in 1943, performed by a cast of interned children. We opted not to give these details in the podcast episode, because it’s a lot to explain to our youngest listeners. It’s an important part of the history of the opera, though, and a powerful example of art being used in the toughest circumstances. We’re linking some resources below so that you can choose to share this part of the story with your kids if you wish. Brundibár - Wikipedia entry Brundibár article on Music & the Holocaust 60 Minutes segment on Brundibár (2016) *** Donate to support this and future seasons of The Music Box.

Composers and Musicians of Latin America!

Today’s episode is a virtual trip to Mexico, Cuba, Venezuela, and more, as we explore the work of Latinx musicians and composers. We’ll practice some call and response, we’ll walk on a tightrope, and we’ll learn about how a composer’s background and experiences affect her music. ¡Vámonos! *** Featured music: Juventino Rosas: Sobre las Olas Maria Grever: Cuando Vuelva a tu Lado Leo Brouwer: Babalú Tania León: Alma Sergio Mendes: Fanfarra (Cabua-Le-Le) Arturo Márquez: Danzón #2 *** Donate to support this and future seasons of The Music Box.

Dynamic Dinosaurs

What do dinosaurs have to do with music? You'll find out when you listen to this episode, as we explore the range of dynamics and accents through the sounds that dinosaurs made. *** Donate to support this and future seasons of The Music Box.

The Hunt for Buried Measure

We’re back in the magical Land of Arpeggio, going on a treasure hunt with a group of faun friends! Can you sing the right notes and help them find the treasure? *** Donate to support this and future seasons of The Music Box.

Don't Judge a Song By Its Cover

We’ll take a look at how some of our favorite songs have been inspired by stories and books, including how you can make songs out of your favorites stories too! From fairy tales to Maurice Sendak and J.M. Barrie, we’ll take a trip around the library and find the songs that are hidden there. *** Featured music: Whitney Houston: “Impossible” from Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” Alex Newell: “Mama Will Provide” from “Once On This Island” New Broadway Cast Recording Carole King: “Chicken Soup With Rice” from “Really Rosie” Carole King: “Pierre” from “Really Rosie” Cast of The Wiz Live: “Ease On Down the Road” Idina Menzel: “The Wizard and I” from “Wicked” *** Donate to support this and future seasons of The Music Box.

Ready Player Fun!

We’re kicking off Season 5 with an exploration of music from your favorite video games! From Mario to Final Fantasy, from Zelda to Among Us, we’ll learn about how music shapes and enhances the experience of playing a game. *** Featured music: Nobuo Uematsu: Final Fantasy Prelude 1987 / Final Fantasy XIV, Prelude Koji Kondo: Super Mario Bros. Theme / Super Mario Bros. Star Theme Hajime Wakai: Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Riding: Day Hans Zimmer: Call of Duty, Modern Warfare 2 Mick Gordon: Doom, Main Theme Jeremy Soule: Skyrim Theme Gustavo Santaolalla: The Last Of Us, Theme Christopher Tin: Baba Yetu John Siegler & John Loeffler: Pokemon Theme (Gotta Catch ‘Em All) Wiz Khalifa, Ty Dolla $ign, Lil Yachty & Sueco the Child: Speed Me Up *** Donate to support this and future seasons of The Music Box.

Holiday Music History Mystery

It's the holiday season, and that means holiday music! But you may not know as much about your favorite holiday songs as you think... In our final episode for this season, Miss Faith drops some holiday knowledge. And stay tuned after the show for a special holiday bonus! *** Featured songs: Andy Williams: It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year Alvin & the Chipmunks: Frosty the Snowman Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings: Eight Days of Hanukkah Wham!: Last Christmas Gene Autry: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Gwen Stefani: Jingle Bells Nat King Cole: The Christmas Song José Feliciano: Feliz Navidad Barenaked Ladies: I Have A Little Dreidel Idina Menzel: Ocho Kandelikas Mary J. Blige: Petit Papa Noel La Rondallita: El Burrito de Belén Marcela Mangabeira: All I Want for Christmas Is You Faith Murphy: Cozy Corona Christmas *** Donate to support this and future seasons of The Music Box.

Global Explorations: A Visit to Nicaragua

Today’s the last installment of our series on music from around the world, where we’ll learn about the music of Nicaragua from Marlon Obando Solano, a native of San Lorenzo, Nicaragua, who now lives in Louisville, Kentucky. You’ll hear about different folk traditions, including dances that tell stories about Nicaragua’s people and history. You’ll also learn a new song about bananas! *** Featured music: La Mora Limpia - Otredad El Solar de Monimbo Nicaraguan Marimba El Gueguense Baile del Toro Huaco Baile la Gigantona Suenos del Mar - Appalatin *** Resources to help Nicaraguans affected by recent hurricanes and flooding: Red Cross GoFundMe organized by Marlon Obando Solano’s family *** Donate to support this and future seasons of The Music Box.

Global Explorations: Mountain Music

We’re going to the mountains today with musician Cari Norris, who teaches us about the traditional music of the Appalachian region. We’ll hear banjos and dulcimers, fun songs to sing along, and how this music can keep families connected. *** Featured music: Hillary Klug & Jim Wood: Arkansas Traveler Hillary Klug: Fire on the Mountain Jean Ritchie: Killy Kranky Jean Ritchie: Shady Grove *** Donate to support this and future seasons of The Music Box.

All Aboard the Tempo Train!

We’re using some of our favorite happy songs to power an imaginary train ride, with a lesson in fast and slow tempo. From grave to presto and everything in between, we’ll move our bodies to the beat. *** Featured music: Whitney Houston & Mariah Carey: When You Believe John Lennon: Imagine Cast of The Wiz Live: Brand New Day Nat King Cole: Smile Katrina and the Waves: Walking on Sunshine Flo Rida: Good Feeling Eva Cassidy: People Get Ready Judy Garland & Barbra Streisand: Get Happy/Happy Days Are Here Again *** Donate to support this and future seasons of The Music Box.

Global Explorations: Drumming from Ghana

Continuing our explorations of music outside the European tradition with our guide Charles Amewudah, a native of Ghana and a drumming teacher. We’ll learn about the different kinds of percussion instruments used in Ghanaian music, and how drumming is part of life in Ghana. *** Aseye Ensemble , the drum group led by Charles Amewudah More information on the Ewe drumming tradition, including images of the instruments A video of dancers with a drum ensemble from the Volta region of Ghana *** Donate to support this and future seasons of The Music Box.

Global Explorations: Eastward Bound

We're taking a (virtual) trip to different parts of the world and learning about music from different places! Today, we'll learn about music from Thailand and Iran with multi-instrumentalist and composer Jon Silpayamanant. *** Born in Udon Thani, Thailand, Jon Silpayamanant is an intercultural multi-instrumentalist, composer, and music educator based in the greater Louisville area. As a biracial Thai American with musical families on both sides of the world, he has been navigating musical code switching and bimusicality for much of his life and uses that experience to inform his understanding of how music ecosystems interact, hybridize, and evolve into new styles and genres. *** More information on the Saw U More information on the kamancheh *** Donate to support this and future seasons of The Music Box.

Fairy Friend Feud

Getting along with friends can be a challenge, but we've got the musical solution! We’re returning to the magical land of Arpeggio for today’s adventure. Sing along with the Three Fierce Fairies! *** National Standards incorporated: Exploring and demonstrating music concepts (such as beat and melodic contour) Creating musical ideas (such as answering a musical question for a specific purpose) Understanding the relationship between music and the other arts, other disciplines, varied contexts, and daily life *** Additional resources: Singing with Solfege – “Hey, Hey! Look at Me!” (Mi-So Edition) Build Character Build Success: TEAMWORK Activity – Can you write a melody just like our three fairy friends? Grab one other person, sing a melody you created, and see if they can sing it back to you. Then, switch places! *** Donate to support this and future seasons of The Music Box.

Beat to the Future

It's a time-traveling musical adventure as we learn about beat and rhythm. We’ll put on a pair of magical boots that will help us save the future of music! *** National Standards incorporated: Exploring and demonstrating music concepts (such as beat and melodic contour) Creating musical ideas (such as answering a musical question for a specific purpose) Understanding how a specific music concept (such as beat or melody) is used in music *** Additional resources: Music Lesson: Beat vs Rhythm – Sing! Step! Grow! Music Theory – Lesson 1 – Pulse and Beats Evolution of Music - Pentatonix Suggested activity – Listen to a group of your favorite songs, and see if you can find and clap along with the beat. Then, try it with a family member’s music from a different era. *** Featured music: Dancing in the Street - Martha Reeves and the Vandellas Stayin’ Alive - The Bee Gees The Power of Love - Huey Lewis and the News Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It - Will Smith I Gotta Feeling - Black Eyed Peas *** Donate to support this and future seasons of The Music Box.

Dynamics Dynamite

We'll explore the world of dynamics (how loud or soft a sound is) with a big box of fireworks! KA-BOOM! You’ll hear some very special pyrotechnics and learn some special words to describe dynamics. *** National Standards incorporated: Understanding the relationships between music and other arts, other disciplines, varied contexts, and daily life. Understanding rhythmic and melodic ideas Demonstrating knowledge of musical concepts *** Additional resources: Music Theory for Beginners: Dynamics Dynamics Example Music-Go-Rounds Dynamics Activity Guide *** Donate to support this and future seasons of The Music Box.

1+1 = Etude

You'll learn about how math is used to make music! Just like chopping vegetables in half, you can chop notes in half too. *** National Standards incorporated: Understanding the relationships between music and other arts, other disciplines, varied contexts, and daily life. Understanding rhythmic and melodic ideas Demonstrating knowledge of musical concepts *** Additional resources: Musical Notation – The Quarter Note, the Half Note, and the Whole Note Music Lesson – Steady Beat How to Read Music –Episode 4: Counting and Clapping *** Featured music: Ninja Re Bang Bang: Kyary Pamyu Pamyu *** Donate to support this and future seasons of The Music Box.

A Short Pause

So many people in our community are grieving and reacting to current events related to the Breonna Taylor case. Out of respect, we’re going to postpone today’s episode until next week. We’d rather direct your attention to what’s happening in our city now. You can follow the news coverage from our sister station WFPL , and we’re putting some links below for how to talk with your family about racialized violence, justice, and equity. And don’t forget, there are lots of past episodes of The Music Box you can check out anytime in our podcast feed. Go listen to some music you love today, and we’ll be back with you next week. How to talk to kids about racism, racial violence and police brutality Racism and Violence: How to Help Kids Handle the News How to Talk with Kids About Racism and Racial Violence

Women's Writes: A History of Women Composers

So many of the composers we usually learn about in school are men -- but that's only telling half the story of who writes the music we love. *** National Standards Incorporated: Analyzing the elements of music (including form) of musical works, relating them to style, mood, and context, and describe how the analysis provides models for personal growth as composer, performer, and/or listener Understanding the relationships between music and the other arts, other disciplines, varied contexts, and daily life Understanding how music is informed by the structure, the use of musical elements, and context (such as social and cultural) *** Additional resources: The Story of Music (BBC) History of Women in Music The Birth of Jazz Scat Singing Explained and Example *** Featured music: Felix Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Op. 61, Incidental Music, No. 9 Wedding March (Boston Symphony, Seiji Ozawa) Fanny Mendelssohn: String Quarter in E-Flat Major: IV. Allegro molto vivace (Quatuor Ebene) Igor Stravinsky: Firebird Suite (Chicago Symphony) Ethel Smythe: The March of Women (Chorus and Orchestra of the Plymouth Music Series, Philip Brunelle) Duke Ellington: Cottontail Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington: Cottontail Pete Seeger: Freight Train Elizabeth Cotten: Freight Train The Chicks: March, March Beyonce: Brown Skin Girl Annie Lennox & Aretha Franklin: Sisters Are Doin’ It For Themselves *** Donate to support this and future seasons of The Music Box.

The Treble Troubadours and the Bass Balladeers

It’s our Season 4 premiere! We return to the fantasy world of Arpeggio with a tale of two very different performing groups and how they learn to get along. *** National Standards incorporated: Exploring and demonstrating awareness of music contrasts (such as high/low, loud/soft, same/different) Applying personal and expressive preferences in the evaluation of music Understanding how to perform music with expression *** Additional resources: The Music Show Episode #4: We’re Gonna Sing High, Low, and in the Middle Elements of Music: Dynamics *** Donate to support this and future seasons of The Music Box.

The Giant and The Fairy

We’re wrapping up our season with a very special story, featuring a magical land full of extraordinary creatures. And you’ll learn a few new things you can do with your voice too! *** National standards incorporated: Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music. *** Additional resources: Solfege Hand Signs Solfege Scale with Hand Signs *** Donate to support this and future seasons of The Music Box.

Meter Wars!

We’ll learn about meters in music, also known as time signatures, using math. You'll be able to hear the difference between 3/4 and 4/4 and understand how to read a time signature. Then… it’s an epic battle between time signatures! Who will win?? *** Featured musical excerpts: The Beatles: Yellow Submarine Dionne Warwick: What the World Needs Now Rodgers & Hammerstein: My Favorite Things from “The Sound of Music” Post Malone: Sunflower Queen: Another One Bites the Dust Pentatonix: Waltz of the Flowers Elton John: I’m Still Standing Beyonce: Love On Top Anthony Gonzalez: Un Poco Loco from “Coco” *** National Standards Incorporated: Reading and notating music *** Additional resources: Rhythm Lesson Musical Meter! Time Signatures, Bars and Barlines Worksheet: Time Signatures Worksheet: Note Types and 4/4 Time *** Donate to support this and future seasons of The Music Box.

Kandinsky Can: How Art and Music Collide

Artists and musicians can inspire each other's work, even though they use different materials and techniques! We’ll learn about some of the ways that art and music intersects, and we’ll take a turn being inspired ourselves. *** Featured musical excerpts: George Gershwin: An American in Paris, New York Philharmonic conducted by Leonard Bernstein Jane Ira Bloom: Jackson Pollack, from Chasing Paint: Jane Ira Bloom Meets Jackson Pollack John Cage: Sonata V, from Sonatas and Interludes for Prepared Piano, performed by Giancarlo Cardini *** National Standards incorporated: Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts Understanding music in relation to history and culture *** Additional resources: Wassily Kandinsky: 100 Famous Paintings Analysis and Biography Jackson Pollock: 100 Famous Paintings Analysis and Biography Pablo Picasso: 150 Famous Paintings, Bio & Quotes by Picasso A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte *** Donate to support this and future seasons of The Music Box.

Who Plays What?

This is the final episode in our mini-series about songwriting: we’ll explore how instruments are used to tell stories in sound — most specifically, in movie soundtracks! You’ll be sure to hear a few familiar tunes here, and you’ll never watch movies the same way again. *** Featured musical excerpts: John Williams: Star Wars Main Theme, from “Star Wars” Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Hans Zimmer: …To Die For, from “The Lion King” Original Motion Picture Soundtrack John Williams: Hedwig’s Theme, from “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Opetaia Foa’i, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Marc Mancina: We Know the Way, from “Moana” Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Rachel Portman: Tino, from “A Dog’s Purpose” Original Motion Picture Soundtrack *** National standards applied: Listening to, analyzing, and describing music* * Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts Understanding music in relation to history and culture *** Additional resources: “Tino” from A Dog’s Purpose 10 film composers you should know -- besides John Williams Female composers are trying to break film’s sound barrier THE POWER OF MUSIC IN FILM - How music affects film Moana: On-set visit with Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i & Mark Mancina *** Donate to support this and future seasons of The Music Box.

Name the Place and Time

This is the second of three episodes on songwriting. This week, we’ll learn about how songs help us celebrate special occasions (hint: it involves cake and candles) and also how songs can make us feel strong in the face of hard times. We’ll hear some examples about songs that bring people together, and we’ll write our own verse to a well-known call-and-response song. *** Featured music: B.B. King: Why I Sing the Blues Aretha Franklin: A Change Is Gonna Come Pete Seeger & the Song Swappers: We Shall Not Be Moved *** National standards incorporated: Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music. Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines. Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments. Understanding music in relation to history and culture. *** Additional resources: Songwriting With Kids How To Teach Children to Write Songs Sing Me A Story - Songs and Stories for Kids in Need *** Resources for discussing current events with your kids: Race Talk: Engaging Young People in Conversations About Race and Racism (Anti-Defamation League) 75 Things White People Can Do For Racial Justice (Medium) How White Parents Can Use Media to Raise Anti-Racist Kids (Common Sense Media) Resources for Talking About Race, Racism, and Racialized Violence With Kids (Center for Racial Justice in Education) *** Donate to support this and future seasons of The Music Box.

It's Rhyme Time

This is the first of a series of three episodes on songwriting. This week, we’ll learn about how rhyming words can help us tell a story. We’ll start with some songs you already know, and then we’ll write our own song! *** Featured music: W.A. Mozart: Variations on “Ah vous dirais-je, Maman” (Twinkle Twinkle Little Star) *** National standards incorporated: Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music** **Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines *** Additional resources: Songwriting With Kids How To Teach Children to Write Songs | Songwriting Tips Sing Me a Story - Stories and Songs for Kids in Need *** Donate to support this and future seasons of The Music Box.

Hitting the Pause Button

We had a new episode all ready to go for you, but it just doesn’t feel right in this moment. Listen in and we’ll tell you why we’re hitting pause this week. And we’ll be back with you next week with a new episode about how you can write your own songs. *** Resources for discussing current events with your kids: Race Talk: Engaging Young People in Conversations About Race and Racism (Anti-Defamation League) 75 Things White People Can Do For Racial Justice (Medium) How White Parents Can Use Media to Raise Anti-Racist Kids (Common Sense Media) Resources for Talking About Race, Racism, and Racialized Violence With Kids (Center for Racial Justice in Education)

The Answer, My Friend, Is Blowing in Woodwind

We’re wrapping up our roundup of the instrument families with the woodwind instruments this week! We’ll learn how they make sound (with some activities you can do at home) and even learn about a couple of surprise members of the family. *** Featured musical excerpts: Bottle Boys: Call Me Maybe (Carly Rae Jepson cover on bottles) Corrente: Bartolome de Selma y Salaverde Bagpipe Master: Going Home played on bagpipes Roman Andrukhiv: Isn’t She Lovely (Stevie Wonder cover on accordion) *** National Standards incorporated: Listening to, analyzing, and describing music Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts Understanding music in relation to history and culture *** Additional resources: How to make a reed for a woodwind instrument featuring Ms. Faith! BBC National Orchestra of Wales - Woodwind How To Turn A Carrot Into A Recorder *** Donate to support this and future seasons of The Music Box.

Brass Is A Gas

We’ll be exploring all the different instruments of the brass family this week. We’ll learn about what defines a brass instruments, the various sounds they make, and all the different kinds of music they play. And we’ll practice blowing into our own imaginary brass instruments — it sounds pretty funny! *** Featured musical excerpts: Hector Berlioz: Damnation of Faust, Hungarian March John Philip Sousa: Sound Off Jeremiah Clarke: The Prince of Denmark’s March (performed by Wynton Marsalis) Wynton Marsalis: RJ Kai Winding: Black Coffee Trombone Shorty: Buckjump W. A. Mozart: Horn Concerto in E-flat, K. 417, Rondo: Allegro (performed by Felix Klieser and Camerata Salzburg) *** * National Standards incorporated: * Listening to, analyzing, and describing music Understanding music in relation to history and culture *** Additional resources: Music from Home: The Brass Family and Making a Homemade Trumpet BBC National Orchestra of Wales: Brass 10 Famous Trumpet Players *** Donate to support this and future seasons of The Music Box.

Play That Percussion!

Percussion instruments are anything you can hit, shake, or scrape — which means they can be a LOT of fun to play! We’ll learn about the two main categories of percussion instruments, we’ll play a game to tell them apart, and there might even be some dancing, too. *** Featured musical excerpts: Djembe solo by Master Drummer M’Bemba Bangoura Get Lucky (Daft Punk) - Steel Pan cove r played by Jonathan Scales Legend of Zelda - Main Theme on marimba Die Glocke :: 12 Pieces for Glockenspiel [Part 1] by Brett Wil liam Dietz Work (Rihanna) - Steel pan cover played by Keishaun Julien Bach: Goldberg Variations, BWV 988, Variation 1 a 1, performed by Glenn Gould Djembe Solo by Laurent Camara Send Me On My Way - Rusted Root *** **National Standards incorporated: Listening to, analyzing, and describing music Understanding music in relation to history and culture *** Additional resources: Music with Ms. Faith: Hair, Hair and More Hair! Music with Ms. Faith: All About Drums Wave Drum Tutorial *** Donate to support this and future seasons of The Music Box.

The String's The Thing

Did you know that we can put most musical instruments into family groups? Just like your family, there are larger and smaller members, and they all make different sounds. We’ll start learning about the string family today: violins, violas, cellos, and more. *** Featured musical excerpts: Sonata for Violin Solo, No. 1 in G Minor - J.S. Bach Viola Sonata, Op. 25, No. 1: III. Sehr Langsam - Paul Hindemith Passacaglia for Violin and Viola - Johan Halvorsen Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major - J.S. Bach Capriccio No. 2 for Solo Double Bass - Dave Anderson Living in the Country - George Winston Quintet in A Major, D. 667, “Trout” (Opus 114), Andante - Franz Schubert *** National Standards incorporated: Listening to, describing, and analyzing music *** Additional Resources: Karen Meets the String Family How do string instruments make a sound? Make guitars and stringed musical instruments *** Donate to support this and future seasons of The Music Box.

Waves, Waves, Waves

We’ll learn about the ways that sound can move, both in the air around us and inside our bodies. Get ready to surf the musical waves with us! *** Featured musical excerpts: Catchy Song - Dillon Francis Gretchen am Spinnrade, D. 118 - Franz Schubert Mandala Offering - The Gyuto Monks Tantric Choir Be Like the Water - A.N.D. *** National Standards incorporated: Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts. *** Additional Resources: WHAT IS SOUND? | LEARNING WITH SARAH | Educational videos for Kids Sound Experiments for Kids | Science for Kids | Kids Academy How Do We Sing? 7 Cool Sound Science Experiments for Kids Nov. 19, 2018 *** <a rel="payment" href="http://donate.musicboxpod.org"> Donate to support this and future seasons of The Music Box.</a>

Tuning In

Welcome to Season 3 of The Music Box! Today’s episode will help us learn how music makes us feel. From silly to sad, from angry to energetic, we’ll discover the tools and tricks that composers use to affect our emotions. *** Featured musical excerpts: The Washington Post March - John Philip Sousa In the Hall of the Mountain King - Edvard Grieg Russian Sailors’ Dance - Reinhold Gliere Happy - Pharrell Williams Hakuna Matata - The Lion King soundtrack Poor Unfortunate Souls - The Little Mermaid soundtrack Nocturne No. 2 in E-flat, Op. 9 No.2 - Frederic Chopin *** National Standards incorporated: Listening to, analyzing, and describing music Evaluating music and music performances *** Additional Resources: YouTube: Green Eggs and Ham: A Dramatic Reading by Ms. Faith, featuring the music of Edvard Grieg YouTube: Class Notes: A Recipe for Emotion in Music *** <a rel="payment" href="http://donate.musicboxpod.org"> Donate to support this and future seasons of The Music Box.</a>

The Music Box is back for Season 3!

Introducing our new host, Faith Murphy! Season 3 starts on April 23.

Rhythms, Names, and Nonsense

We'll explore the rhythms of our own names, and the special nonsense sounds we use sometimes to speak rhythms aloud. This is the final of three episodes about rhythm; this one is mainly for 4th and 5th graders, but even little ones have fun with the silly syllables. Additional information, including lesson plans and suggestions for extending the learning, available at musicboxpod.org . This episode was recorded in part at Hazelwood Elementary School in Louisville, KY. Thanks to music teacher Kiara Watts and everyone at Hazelwood for hosting us. Music credits: Amber Citrine - Sarah the Illstrumentalist Money Loving - Water Mirrors The Music Box is a production of Louisville Public Media and PRX , with support from PNC . Connect with us on social media! Facebook: Music Box Twitter: Music Box Instagram: Music Box

Find Your Rhythm!

Rhythm patterns coming at you again this week -- and this time we'll try putting different rhythms on top of each other to make a BIG pattern! We'll use the length of your hair to play with rhythms — what?? This is the second of three episodes about rhythm; this episode is aimed at 2nd and 3rd grade, but anyone can play. Additional information, including lesson plans and suggestions for extending the learning, available at musicboxpod.org . This episode was recorded in part at Hazelwood Elementary School in Louisville, KY. Thanks to music teacher Kiara Watts and everyone at Hazelwood for hosting us. Music credits: It’s Getting Blurry - Alvaro Antin Playground Fun - Alex Ora The Music Box is a production of Louisville Public Media and PRX , with support from PNC . Connect with us on social media! Facebook: Music Box Twitter: Music Box Instagram: Music Box

Rhythm Nation

Rhythm is a pattern! We'll practice listening to rhythms and clapping them back. This is the first of three episodes about rhythm; this episode is aimed at kindergarten and first grade, but everybody will have fun with these tricky rhythms. Additional information, including lesson plans and suggestions for extending the learning, available at musicboxpod.org . This episode was recorded in part at Hazelwood Elementary School in Louisville, KY. Thanks to music teacher Kiara Watts and everyone at Hazelwood for hosting us. Music credits: Lenox Avenue - Guy Trevino and Friends Unknown Switches - Esme Cruz The Music Box is a production of Louisville Public Media and PRX , with support from PNC . Connect with us on social media! Facebook: Music Box Twitter: Music Box Instagram: Music Box

How to "Beat" the System

Rocking to a steady beat... and waltzing, and marching, and bopping, and more. This is the final of three episodes about beat; this one is aimed at 4th and 5th grade level, but all ages will have fun counting and stepping. Additional information, including lesson plans and suggestions for extending the learning, available at musicboxpod.org . This episode was recorded in part at Eisenhower Elementary School in Louisville, KY. Thanks to music teacher Jenny Yankey and everyone at Eisenhower for hosting us. Music: Dappy Hays - Homebody (ES) Wrap Up - Isola James (ES) The Music Box is a production of Louisville Public Media and PRX , with support from PNC . Connect with us on social media! Facebook: Music Box Twitter: Music Box Instagram: Music Box

Beat in the Middle

We'll keep exploring that steady beat! This time we'll learn about how beats are grouped in different ways to make time signatures, and we'll move around to a march, a waltz, some jazz, some hip hop, and more. This is the second of three episodes about beat; this episode is aimed at 2nd and 3rd grade levels, but everybody's welcome to bop along. Additional information, including lesson plans and suggestions for extending the learning, available at musicboxpod.org . This episode was recorded in part at Eisenhower Elementary School in Louisville, KY. Thanks to music teacher Jenny Yankey and everyone at Eisenhower for hosting us. Music credits: Keep It - Dylan Sitts (ES) Health - Heath Cantu (ES) The Music Box is a production of Louisville Public Media and PRX , with support from PNC . Connect with us on social media! Facebook: Music Box Twitter: Music Box Instagram: Music Box

All You Can Beat

Beat is STEADY! We'll be moving around to different types of music today -- get ready to tiptoe, skip, walk, and hop. This is the first of three episodes about beat; this episode is aimed at kindergarten & 1st grade, but anyone can jump to the beat! Additional information, including lesson plans and suggestions for extending the learning, available at musicboxpod.org . This episode was recorded in part at Eisenhower Elementary School in Louisville, KY. Thanks to music teacher Jenny Yankey and everyone at Eisenhower for hosting us. Music credits: Manhattanite - Frook From Within - Heath Cantu The Music Box is a production of Louisville Public Media and PRX , with support from PNC . Connect with us on social media! Facebook: Music Box Twitter: Music Box Instagram: Music Box

It's Going Down, I'm Yelling Timbre!

Our special music word is "timbre" which means the way something sounds. We'll be using different timbres to tell a story from our imagination -- we'll supply the timbres, you supply the story! This is the final of three episodes about timbre; this episode is aimed at the 4th and 5th grade levels, but everybody enjoys a good story. Additional information, including lesson plans and suggestions for extending the learning, available at musicboxpod.org . This episode was recorded in part at Carter Elementary School in Louisville, KY. Thanks to music teacher Lisa Lucey and everyone at Carter for hosting us. Music credits: Lots of Fun - Spectacles Wallet and Watch Valium - nothanks Returning to Base Camp - John Barzetti The Music Box is a production of Louisville Public Media and PRX , with support from PNC . Connect with us on social media! Facebook: Music Box Twitter: Music Box Instagram: Music Box

A Visit to Timbre-land

We'll continue our investigation of timbre (a music word that means "the way something sounds") with a movement activity that'll get you going in all directions. Plus, we'll make our own version of the cha-cha slide! This is the second of three episodes about timbre; this episode is aimed at the second and third grade levels, but anyone can play. Additional information, including lesson plans and suggestions for extending the learning, available at musicboxpod.org . This episode was recorded in part at Carter Elementary School in Louisville, KY. Thanks to music teacher Lisa Lucey and everyone at Carter for hosting us. Music credits: The Setup - Gerhard Feng Life of Finn - Alice Spence Caribbean Christmas - Guustavv The Music Box is a production of Louisville Public Media and PRX , with support from PNC . Connect with us on social media! Facebook: Music Box Twitter: Music Box Instagram: Music Box

Shiver Me Timbres

Timbre = the way something sounds! We'll play with different timbres, and we'll use body percussion to make our own thunderstorm. This is the first of three episodes about timbre; this episode is aimed at the kindergarten and first grade level, but is fun for everyone. Additional information, including lesson plans and suggestions for extending the learning, available at musicboxpod.org . This episode was recorded in part at Carter Elementary School in Louisville, KY. Thanks to music teacher Lisa Lucey and everyone at Carter for hosting us. Music credits: Kinda - Gettz The Music Box is a production of Louisville Public Media and PRX , with support from PNC . Connect with us on social media! Facebook: Music Box Twitter: Music Box Instagram: Music Box

Pitch It Real Good!

Pitch is high, pitch is low -- and we'll use some singers you know (and a few you probably don't) to explore different pitches in the human voice. This is the final of three episodes about pitch; this one is aimed at 4th and 5th grade, but we can all sing along. For more information, including printable lesson plans and ideas for extending the learning, visit us at musicboxpod.org . This episode was recorded in part at Semple Elementary School in Louisville, KY. Thanks to music teacher Penelope Quesada and everyone at Semple for hosting us. Music credits: Racks on Racks - Da Tooby Everything to Win - Experia The Music Box is a production of Louisville Public Media and PRX , with support from PNC . Connect with us on social media! Facebook: Music Box Twitter: Music Box Instagram: Music Box

Pitch It Good!

High pitch or low pitch or something in between? We'll use pitch to help us know which way to go, and we'll hear different members of the instrument families with high or low pitches. This is the second of three episodes about pitch; this one is aimed at 2nd and 3rd grade, but there's something for everyone here. For more information, including lesson plans and ideas for extending the learning, visit us at musicboxpod.org . This episode was recorded in part at Semple Elementary School in Louisville, KY. Thanks to music teacher Penelope Quesada and everyone at Semple for hosting us. Music: Every Second of My Life - Vividry On a Better Day - Arthur Benson The Music Box is a production of Louisville Public Media and PRX , with support from PNC . Connect with us on social media! Facebook: Music Box Twitter: Music Box Instagram: Music Box

Pitch It!

Pitch is high, pitch is low. We'll have some fun with animal sounds that make high and low pitches, and we'll pretend to be birds and cows. This is the first of three episodes about pitch; this one is aimed at kindergarten and 1st grade, but everyone can do an animal sound or two. (Moooooooo!) Additional information, including lesson plans and suggestions for extending the learning, available at musicboxpod.org . This episode was recorded in part at Semple Elementary School in Louisville, KY. Thanks to music teacher Penelope Quesada and everyone at Semple for hosting us. Music heard in this episode: Away on a Stroll - Nocturnal Spirits Nap Time - Josef Falkenskold The Music Box is a production of Louisville Public Media and PRX , with support from PNC . Connect with us on social media! Facebook: Music Box Twitter: Music Box Instagram: Music Box

Season 2 Trailer

A new season of The Music Box is coming soon! Hosted by musician and educator Jecorey Arthur, we’ll explore four fundamental music concepts — beat, rhythm, pitch and timbre — with episodes for all ages. Our website at musicboxpod.org includes extras like teaching ideas for extending the learning. New episodes coming September 5!

Wrapping up Season 1 of The Music Box with Homemade Instruments

Don't have an instrument? Don't you worry! Sometimes if you practice all you need is a leaf to make beautiful music. Listen to our final episode of Season I and get inspired to make your own homemade instrument. We have special guests from the 1st grade music class at Kentucky Country Day plus we'll hear from experts Dr. Aaron Allen from North Carolina and Dr. Robin Ryan all the way from Australia! Credits: Hosted and produced by Sara Louise Callaway, WUOL Curriculum design by Paul Robinson, JCPS Photography by Tyler Franklin Special Guests: Dr. Robin Ryan, Dr. Aaron Allen, and the KCD 1st grade music class and their teachers- LuAnne Hayes, Heather Ribblett, Rebecca Gallian, and Gregory Acker. Music Credits: 00:00 Happiness Nuggets by Colleen 00:36 Birth Of The Blues written by Ray Henderson, Lew Brown, and Buddy DeSylva, performed by Herb Patten, Gumleaf 3:10 Sonata No. 6 (a Manuel Quiroga) performed by Rachel Barton Pine, Violin 3:56 Rain, Rain Go Away! Performed by Ms. Hayes’ 1st grade class 5:52 Waltzing Matilda by Christina Macpherson performned by Herb Patten, Gumleaf 6:24 Happiness Nuggets by Colleen The Music Box is supported by PNC +

Meet a Composer! with Rachel Grimes on The Music Box

Rachel Grimes is a composer from Carroll County, Kentucky. The ukulele class at Harmony Elementary interviewed her about what it's like to be a composer today. Listen and you'll learn that you can be a composer too! Sometimes you just need to start small. Just like you can build cities out of legos you can build symphonies out of just a few notes. Hosted and produced by Sara Louise Callaway, WUOL Curriculum design by Paul Robinson, JCPS Photography by Tyler Franklin Recording Assistance by Anne Gauthier Host: Harmony Elementary and James Albritton Music Credits: 00:00 Happiness Nugetts by Colleen :36 The Corner Room by Rachel Grimes 1:48 Brooks Farm Field Recording by Aaron Rosenblum 3:37 The Corner Room by Rachel Grimes, performed by Jason Seber and the Kansas City Symphony 7:02 Dorothy Susan Grimes (Mama Dot) 8:35 Going to the Chapel of Love by The Shirelles 9:21 My Dear Companion by Rachel Grimes 10:32 Every Morning by Rachel Grimes 11:24 Every Morning, Birds by Rachel Grimes 12:01 She Was Here by Rachel Grimes 12:40 G7 Blues by The Harmony Elementary Ukulele Ensemble 13:18 Every Morning, Birds by Rachel Grimes +

The Music Box Episode 2: Superheroes and Time Machines!

Instruments that can talk?! Mozart as a super hero?! An old time machine in the back of the UofL music library?! How did this craziness happen? Oh ya, we let the 4th grade orchestra write the script… and it’s great! What exactly is classical music, we ask. Well, answers are always more complicated than we hope but it’s worth the ride. Hop on but make sure you buckle up and have your signed permission slip! Access our learning resources and complete music credits at wuol.org/musicbox under the activities tab Episode Credits: Sara Louise Callaway, Host and Producer Paul Robinson, Curriculum Design Helen Haverstick, collaborating teacher 4th Grade Orchestra Class at Lincoln Elementary, episode collaborators Lucas Adams, voice of Mozart Matt Ertz, UofL Music Library Anne Gauthier, Recording Assistant Tyler Franklin, Photographer The Music Box is a production of Louisville Public Media and is made possible by PNC +

The Music Box Episode 1: The Golden Record

Visit The Music Box site Somewhere out in space there floats a golden record… Listen to the 2nd grade class at Lincoln Elementary school as they explore classical that’s way out there, like past the Oort cloud out there. That’s right, there are symphonies floating in interstellar space just waiting to be heard. How? Find out in our opening episode where it doesn’t matter if you’ve ever heard classical music before, or even music, or even live on planet earth! Listen, learn, and then upload your own golden records for outer space with our resources . +

Introducing The Music Box

Subscribe to The Music Box podcast | Visit The Music Box site Music boxes were invented to make music small enough to fit in your pocket, just like this podcast. With a tap you’ll be carried into classrooms, across the city, and out into the field where we ask what is music and how do we make it. We’re taking classical music out of the box and giving you the inspiration and tools to compose your stories into music. The Music Box is complete with ready-to-use activities integrating core grade-level standards. Target audience: Pre-K through elementary school classrooms, families, and the forever curious. Episode I coming August 1st, 2017! Produced and hosted by Sara Soltau Curriculum by Paul Robinson Recording Assistant Anne Gauthier Photographer Tyler Franklin The Music Box is a program of Louisville Public Media and 90.5 WUOL Classical Louisville. Supported by PNC. +