Well it’s almost here. The school year is coming soon. Pencils, computer, books, clothes, shoes, a new backpack, and lots of expectations. Prepare the students in your life heading back to the books with all the supplies they need. I’ve compiled everything your student needs by grades. Easy, all in one spot with links to make your shopping a breeze. With Amazon its delivered to your door.
Back to School Month in August gears up parents, teachers, schools, and students for a season of education.
Make sure you know the latest information from your local state, county, and school districts.
With shorter days, it’s time to dust off the backpacks, fill them up, and plan for a new school year. Preparing children for the new year includes everything from supplies, clothes, checkups, planning schedules, and making new friends. Teachers develop their lesson plans and ready their classrooms for the new, smiling faces.
Despite all the excitement, the expense of going back to school can put a damper on going back to school. Fill-the-bus events, backpack programs, and teacher supply initiatives help to fill the gaps. Organizations around the country pull together to make the first day of school fun every year.
National Back to School Month has been observed since the 1960s.
The school year has traditionally begun in the fall and ended in late spring allowing the children of farmers in our agricultural society to help with planting and harvesting. Though today most families have moved to a more urban and suburban lifestyle, most schools in the United States still function on this system. However, a trend toward a year-round school year is gaining steam.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Check your supply list, tour your new school, learn your schedule. Volunteer to show a new student around your stomping grounds. Have some fun before summer is over, too! How do you get ready for back to school? Share on social media using #NationalBackToSchoolMonth.
A one and a two and a three…! June is National Accordion Awareness Month.
Through a complex construction of bellows and reeds, the accordion (also known as a concertina) produces its mournful timbre when air is forced over the reeds. While the accordion accompanies traditional polka music, the instrument has found its way into many classical and modern works of music.
For generations the accordion complimented many genres in American music. From jazz and zydeco to folk and Gospel and Blues, musicians found the accordion a fit a variety of musical styles.
The instrument changed, too. Manufactured in several different sizes, the smaller squeeze boxes became popular. The accordion fit well into country music, and when Rock and Roll made the scene, the accordion followed. Today, the instrument is no stranger to the recording studio.
Musicians such as Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, and Mumford and Sons all have recorded hit songs with the accordion playing a supporting role.
Since 1989, National Accordion Awareness Month has been educating the public about the musical stamina of this outstanding instrument.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Learn about the history and kinds of accordions. Each one produces a different quality sound. The sophisticated instrument is not only beautiful to hear but to witness being played. Find a local performance near you or watch a video. Take up lessons. Use #NtionalAccordionAwarenessMonth to share on social media.
International Drum Month sets the rhythm all month long.
Every music lover knows the percussion section gets people out of their seats and onto the dance floor. We don’t need a symbol to get us moving. Whether we’re attending a concert or playing with friends, it doesn’t take much for us to chime in.
Within a few notes of the drum or cymbal, we can identify our favorite tunes. Children will even tap out a rhythm at an early age. Music is in our hearts. We were born to play.
Throughout the month, attend a concert or pick up your favorite percussion instrument to play. Visit the local music store and explore the latest gear and see what you’ve been missing. Maybe it’s time for a lesson or two.
In May of every year, musical ensembles gather before intimate audiences in small concert halls, auditoriums, and even residences to perform a wide range of music.
Historically, chamber music was performed in palace halls or large rooms of homes. Compared to concert music where several of the same instruments are presented, each musician in the ensemble performs with a different musical device from the other musicians.
HISTORY
This May marks the fifth-annual National Chamber Music Month. For each of the last four years, Chamber Music America has powered this nationwide celebration of small ensemble music and the results have been truly inspiring. For more information on National Chamber Music Month visit www.chamber-music.org.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Check out local listings and attend a chamber performance. Use #NationalChamberMusicMonth to share on social media.
