Update 70

Howie Gordon
Jan 7, 2022
4 min read

Is it just me or is this year flying by? Many educators have been voicing their frustrations about the last few weeks and a voice of uncertainty of the what the near future holds. We have to keep our spirits up and hope for a better future. We are educators. We’ve got this!

This past week saw the passing of Yoram Taharlev January 1938 – 6 January 2022) He was born in 1938 and was an Israeli poet, lyricist, and author. He wrote lyrics for hundreds of songs recorded by prominent composers and performers.

When I first went to summer camp in 1979, it was customary for the different age level to each have their own song. The songs were to popular Israeli tunes. Our song was to Barbaba.

I can still remember the words so many years later…

Say goodbye to “The Fonz” and TV (The Fonz Henry Winkler from Happy Days)

Say hello to your friends, 2 or 3

Little did I know then that the original song was written by Yoram Taharlev and performed by Tzipi Shavit.

He wrote lyrics for hundreds of songs recorded by prominent composers and performers.

“I have written about 1000 songs which have been recorded by Israel’s top groups and vocalists. These include more than 130 songs for the Israeli Army Entertainment Troupes, who, in their heyday, were at the forefront of Israeli pop culture.

My songs continue to be played on the radio and on TV and are included in countless collections. Some of them, written over four decades ago, are receiving renewed attention as they are being revived by young bands and individual vocalists.”

http://www.taharlev.com/english.html

May His Dear Soul Rest in Peace.

“Spread the Word”

A bulletin is published every month by the English Inspectorate and if full of up-to-date information from the National English Inspectorate. The next bulletin (December) will be coming out in a few days. Look out for it on all the different platforms. Here is a link to the archives.

https://sites.google.com/view/spreadword/home

Memories

So back to the topic of memory and word retention of songs from so many years ago. You can read many articles about this. Here is an example of one

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341322868_Singing_Facilitates_Word_Learning_and_Memory

We know that that singing and chanting facilitate word learning. How many of you made up silly rhymes to remember facts and spelling?

e.g. Because – big elephants can’t use small exits

or a catchy song to learn flash words

This is a nice way to learn the times table, periodic element table, even your school timetable.

One can chant it or sing to any tune. This is made up and the wackier it is, the better you will remember it.

LIFE-AFFIRMING BENEFITS OF SINGING - VOCALIZING PROMOTES WELL BEING

By Patty Mills

“Singing fortifies health, widens culture, refines the intelligence, enriches the imagination, makes for happiness and endows life with an added zest”

— American Academy of Teachers of Singing

If you sing in the shower or sing along with the radio, consider taking this raw vocal skill to new heights. Music – the “universal language” not only stirs our deepest emotions, but active participation can increase energy and vigor to see us through even the most stress-filled life commitments. Good vocal technique goes beyond the basics to include both physical and vocal warm-ups, proper nutrition, adequate rest and emotional commitment. An experienced vocal teacher will explore all aspects of posture, abdominal and chest development, tone production and breath control. What health club can promise these benefits?

• Singing increases poise, self-esteem and presentation skills.

• Singing strengthens concentration and memory.

• Singing develops the lungs and promotes superior posture.

• Singing broadens expressive communication.

• Singing adds a rich, more pleasant quality to speech.

• Singing animates the body, mind and spirit.

• Singing enables the performer to delve into characterization/acting.

• Singing stimulates insight into prose and poetry and piques interests in the inner meaning of words.

• Singing enriches one’s ability to appreciate the art of great singers.

• Singing is an ageless enjoyment – you are never too young or too old.

• Singing is therapeutic both emotionally and physically.

https://www.barbershop.org/the-health-benefits-of-singing

E-Talent Update

Registration for E-Talent is now closed and the pupils are busy preparing their performances. We are aware that some schools are closed due to Covid, we will re-evaluate the situation by our next broadcast with regards to extending the 31st of January hand in date for your performances.

Digital Tool of the Week

Old Fashioned Games for Pupil Engagement – Run on Powerpoint

This project was run by Jeff Ertzberger and started in 2010. Although the project has come to an end, the games can be downloaded here. The games are still good for today and can be used to play quiz games, sum up lessons or begin lessons with a suitable trigger. A huge thank you Jeff Ertzberger

http://people.uncw.edu/ertzbergerj/all.html

Musical Joke of the Week

A musician told me he was going to hit me with the neck of his guitar. I replied, “Is that a fret?”

Some lovely music played on guitar with the fingers sliding up and down the fret. Great background music for days when you don’t know which plan “mitveh” to follow.

Please look after yourselves and your families and pupils.

Stay healthy and keep singing.

If we are still talking about memories…then let’s end off with this

Elaine Page – Memory – Cats – The Musical