Category musical instruments

CLASSICAL MUSIC MONTH

Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

September is classical music month. Classical music differs greatly from today’s standards. However, classical music sets  stage for the music we have today.

Classical music has many periods and styles throughout its history.  Classical music is actually broken into different smaller periods, each having their own differences. It is interesting to see just how much music has changed over time!

Classical Music Time Periods

(PLEASE NOTE: The dates of the time periods are only estimates since there are no exact dates for when each time period occurred/ began/ended)

Medieval (500ish­ – 1400)­ The music of this time was connected to the church. Forms of music from the early part of this period would be Gregorian Chants and Organum.

Some Composers From this Period: Hildegard von Bingen, Guillaume de Machaut

Renaissance (1400/1450­ – 1600)­ The Renaissance era brought many new ideas and gave a little bit more freedom from the church, which allowed for more experimentation with music. The printing press, invented in the 1400’s, also allowed for music to be printed. Instrumental music was developed as well.

Some Composers From this Period: William Byrd, Claudio Monteverdi, Josquin Des Prez

Baroque (1600 – ­1750)­ The music of the Baroque was very ornate. This period also had the creation of the concerto, canata, oratorio, and the sonata. There were advancements with instruments as well.

Some Composers From This Period: Johann Sebastian Bach, Georg Frideric Handel, Antonio Vivaldi

Classical (1750/1775­ – 1820)­ Classical era music was more simple/cleaner than Baroque music, and focused more on the melody. Dynamics (the change in volume) were important. The woodwind section of the orchestra was added during this period.

Some Composers From This Period: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig Van Beethoven*, Franz Joseph Hayden

*Beethoven is considered to be a bridge between the Classical and the Romantic periods

Romantic (1820 – ­1910)­ Romantic pieces are know for being very expressive and emotional. The orchestra saw much growth in this period with the expansion of the woodwind and brass section.

Some Composers From This Period: Frédéric Chopin, Franz Liszt, Richard Wagner, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Johannes Brahms

CELEBRATE

Find some classical music to listen to alone or with friends and family. If there is a concert you can go to, go with a few friends or family. If you want to learn how to play an instrument, then go out and find a place to do so. You can learn from various resources such as books, websites, or find a private tutor in your area. If you’re in school, then consider taking band or joining a music club. There are plenty of ways to celebrate! Use #ClassicalMusicMonth to post on social media.

Hildegard von Bingen: 11,000 Virgins - Chants for the Feast of St. Ursula#ClassicalMusicMonth
Hildegard von Bingen: 11,000 Virgins – Chants for the Feast of St. Ursula
Gregorian Chant for Meditation Chant Music for the Soul#ClassicalMusicMonth
Gregorian Chant for Meditation Chant Music for the Soul
Johann Sebastian Bach (Remastered)#ClassicalMusicMonth
Johann Sebastian Bach (Remastered)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart#ClassicalMusicMonth
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Frédéric Chopin: Nocturne in E-Flat Major, Op. 9, No. 2#ClassicalMusicMonth
Frédéric Chopin: Nocturne in E-Flat Major, Op. 9, No. 2
Best of Franz Liszt - 8D Binaural Sound (8D Binaural Sound - Music Therapy)#ClassicalMusicMonth
Best of Franz Liszt – 8D Binaural Sound (8D Binaural Sound – Music Therapy)
Swan Lake - Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (8D Binaural Sound - Music Therapy)#ClassicalMusicMonth
Swan Lake – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (8D Binaural Sound – Music Therapy)
The Best of Johannes Brahms#ClassicalMusicMonth
The Best of Johannes Brahms

INTERNATIONAL BLUES MUSIC DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

Today is August 5 we are celebrating the  soulful sounds on International Blues Music Day. On this International Day, we are encouraging everyone around the globe to enjoy the historical sound of the American South.

Blues Music is a combination of form and music that creates a heavy sound filled with emotion. Often associated with sadness, blues music releases emotional feelings meant to free the soul. On International Blues Music Day, let’s learn the vast history behind this musical genre while listening to your favorite blues musician.

DID YOU KNOW?

“Walking the blues” is a blues bass guitar playing during a song. The bass guitar has the important role of creating the “feeling” of the song being played.

Historically, blues music seems to have developed shortly after the Civil War. Originating the in the deep South, this music genre was an artistic way for African Americans to sing work songs while working in the fields during slavery. It’s important to note many of these songs were a depiction of sadness and melancholy, which were current feelings of slaves during this era. However, because of the resilience of slaves, they also incorporated spiritual songs with feelings as a way of dealing with every day life. The early sounds of blues serve as the oral history of slaves. In fact, many of the early blues songs are the only documentation available telling us of work conditions, treatment, and life as a slave.

Between the late 1800s and early 1920s, blues began taking a new shape in mainstream America. Spreading across the entire South, blues music was heard in dance halls and speakeasys. It was during this time instruments, such as the banjo and trumpet, began amplifying the sound of blues. It was also a time when black musicians were recording their music, opening doors for music to enter into households across the world.

6 Famous Blues Musicians

  1. Bessie Smith (1894–1937)
  2. Mamie Smith (1891–1946)
  3. Etta James (1938–2012)
  4. Howlin’ Wolf (1910–1976)
  5. Muddy Waters (1913–1983)
  6. B.B. King (1925-2015)

Blues musician Johnny Childs receives credit as the founder of International Blues Music Day. On August 2, 2013, Childs began an initiative to create an annual celebration in honor of blues music and its musicians around the world. The International Blues Music Day organization, along with the NYC Blues Society, began planning the first ever International Blues Music Day celebration.

Blues Playlist
Jen’s Perspective Blues Playlist

HISTORY BEHIND INTERNATIONAL BLUES MUSIC DAY

Blues music is one of the most widely known music genres in the world. Celebrations bring together musicians, communities, educators, historians, and fans, alike. According to the International Blues Music Day website, this international day is to ‘celebrate and learn about blues and its roots, future and impact; raise awareness of the need for intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding; and reinforce international cooperation and communication.’

What is the International Blues Music Day organization?

The International Blues Music Day organization promotes the art of blues music and educates people on the vast heritage blues music has. The organization’s core goals are to:

  • Promote peace and equality
  • Create dialogue among cultures
  • Encourage diversity
  • Eliminate discrimination
  • Encourage social change

How to OBSERVE #InternationalBluesMusicDay

Gather your friends and family on International Blues Music Day and celebrate the sound of music loved by millions of people around the globe. We want to see your photos on social media as you enjoy celebrations in your area. Tag #InternationalBluesMusicDay so you can join in on this musical celebration.

Live At The Regal#InternationalBluesMusicDay
Live At The Regal
Kind of Blue#InternationalBluesMusicDay
Kind of Blue
King of the Delta Blues Singers Limited Edition#InternationalBluesMusicDay
King of the Delta Blues Singers
Limited Edition
Howlin Wolf - The Rockin Chair#InternationalBluesMusicDay
Howlin Wolf – The Rockin Chair

Back to School 2nd Grade

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Amazon 2025 back to School 2nd Grade

Send them off to school in style, with everything they need to make the grade. Check with your local school for exact quantities. In our county the quantities differ quite a bit depending on the school.

Don’t forget tax-free shopping days. Click here to find them in your state.

Amazon Back to School 2025

Start the school year off, with less stress. With Amazon shipping everything needed right to your door.

Second grade

#2 pencils

Crayons

Scissors

Gluesticks

White copy paper

Kleenex

Notebook paper

Erasers

Liquid school glue

Hand Sanitizer

Expo markers, black

Plastic Folders (see individual school lists for color and prongs or no prong)

Ziplock bags – Girls – Boys see your local schools requirements for size and quantity

Amazon 2025 Back to School Fashion

Back to School 2025 Fashion

Amazon 2025 Back to School Amazon Uniform Shop

Amazon Uniform Shop

Alternating in August

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August is a month of transition, marked by a blend of summer’s lingering warmth and the impending arrival of fall. As families prepare for the back-to-school season, August provides a unique opportunity to celebrate a variety of national days that capture the essence of this transitional period. From quirky observances to meaningful commemorations, the month offers a diverse palette of events that encourage reflection, creativity, and enjoyment.

One of the standout features of August is its rich array of national days that highlight different aspects of life. For instance, National Watermelon Day on August 3 invites families to gather and enjoy this refreshing fruit, perfect for summer picnics. It serves as a reminder of the joys of summer, encouraging people to take a moment to appreciate the simple pleasures. Similarly, National Relaxation Day on August 15 prompts individuals to take a break from their busy schedules, emphasizing the importance of self-care and mental well-being.

As August unfolds, the month presents opportunities for community engagement and awareness. National Dog Day on August 26 celebrates our furry companions and raises awareness about the importance of adopting pets from shelters. This day not only honors the bond between humans and dogs but also encourages responsible pet ownership and the significance of animal welfare. Engaging in activities such as dog walks or adoption events can foster community spirit and compassion.

In addition to these celebrations, August is also a time for personal growth and creativity. National Craft Month encourages individuals to explore their artistic sides, whether through painting, knitting, or DIY projects. This observance highlights the therapeutic benefits of crafting, promoting mindfulness and relaxation. By dedicating time to creative pursuits, individuals can find joy in the process of making, which can be particularly fulfilling as summer draws to a close.

Celebrating All August

National Dog Month
Black Business Month
Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month
Family Fun Month
Get ready for Kindergarten Month
Happiness Happens Month
International Peace Month
MedicAlert Awareness Month
Motorsports Awareness Month
National Back to School Month
National Brownies at Brunch Month
National Catfish Month
National Crayon Collection Month
National Eye Exam Month
National Goat Cheese Month
National Golf Month
National Hair Loss Awareness Month
National Immunization Awareness Month
National Panini Month
National Sandwich Month
National Water Quality Month
National Wellness Month
Romance Awareness Month
Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month                                                                  The Allure of August’s Birthstone: Peridot

August’s traditional birth flowers are the gladiolus (symbolizing strength and sincerity) and the poppy (rest and imagination); the birthstone is peridot, a bright green gem associated with vitality and protection; zodiac signs for August are Leo (July 23–August 22), noted for confidence and warmth, and Virgo (August 23–September 22), known for practicality and attention to detail.

Famous birthdays in August:
– August 4 — Barack Obama 
– August 4 — Meghan Markle 
– August 5 — Neil Armstrong 
– August 6 — Lucille Ball 
– August 7 — Charlize Theron 
– August 9 — Whitney Houston 
– August 11 — Chris Hemsworth 
– August 16 — Madonna 
– August 17 — Robert De Niro 
– August 23 — Kobe Bryant 
– August 29 — Michael Jackson

Ultimately, August’s alternating themes of celebration and reflection create a dynamic atmosphere for individuals and families alike. As the month progresses, it serves as a bridge between the carefree days of summer and the structured routine of fall. By participating in the various national days, people can not only enjoy the present but also prepare for the changes that lie ahead, making August a month of both fun and meaningful experiences.