Inside the Recording Studio: Day 2

I can't believe my time in the studio is halfway over!  It's gone by really fast, but luckily we've gotten a lot done.  We're actually ahead of schedule: 5 songs are finished (except for mixing), and all that is left for the 6th song is vocals.  We'll start Day 3 by recording those, and then move right on to the 7th song.

Day 2 began with vocals for songs 1 and 2, which went pretty quickly.  I sang the melody line for each song a few times until we had a usable take, and then we got to work on harmonies.  I had already worked out a few of those prior to this week, but most were created on the spot in the booth.  Luckily I've always had a weird talent for harmonizing almost any song upon first listen, so it wasn't too painstaking.

After we finished the vocals for those two songs, we got to work on song 4.  (By the way: someone asked me yesterday via Twitter if I am keeping the song titles under wraps.  The answer is yes, at least for now!)  I spent a long time in the guitar room (pictured above) with this one; for some reason, I had a tough time remembering how many measures to play between verses.  Vocals were much quicker, however, which saved us some time.

Next up was song 5.  We called this our "Carpenters-inspired" song, which is reflected in the instrumentation.  I was pretty tired by the time I got into the vocal booth, and the first couple of takes were rough.  I didn't think we'd get the vocals done on this one, but after some coaching from Jim (my sound engineer), I pulled it off.

Song 6 is one of my favorite songs I've ever written.  It's just plain fun, and so was recording it.  I am so excited about the electric guitar part for this song, which Jim literally wrote as he went.  In fact, this is what I tweeted last night:

I just couldn't believe how perfectly the guitar reflected the song's message and my feelings about it, and as I listened, it really sank in that my songs were coming alive just as I had hoped.  It was a pretty amazing moment.

After Jim was finished recording his parts, I jumped back into the guitar room and recorded my acoustic guitar part.  At that point, it was 10 pm and we decided to wait until the next day to record vocals.  I was thankful for that, considering I had an empty stomach, no energy, and was ready to fall asleep any moment.  Next up: Day 3 recap, coming tomorrow!

Inside the Recording Studio: Day 1

I didn't know what to expect when I walked into Jupiter Studios yesterday.  I was feeling a mixture of excitement and fear; excitement for my first "real" recording experience, and fear that it wasn't going to live up to what I had hoped.  Turns out, yesterday was one of the best days of my professional life so far.  It's an incredible thing, watching and listening as my songs are crafted into something spectacular.

I knew that Jim Callahan, the owner of Jupiter Studios and my sound engineer for this project, was going to be amazing even before I met him.  We'd spoken on the phone and emailed back and forth since last summer, and he certainly knew his stuff.  When Jim walked into the studio yesterday, he explained the plan of action and we went to work. 

The first thing we did was set tempos for all 10 songs.  I would play and sing, he would adjust the click track, and then we would experiment until we found a tempo that worked.  Then I played a "scratch" guitar track for each song, followed by "scratch" vocals for each song.  Michelle Erfurt asked me if it was like what you'd see on TV, with the isolation booth, headphones, big microphones, the whole works.  It absolutely was; quite a difference from my home studio set-up (my computer, a microphone, preamp, and my guitar). 

After we finished scratch tracks for each song, I came back into the editing room and Jim got to work on instrumentation.  This is when the songs really came to life.  He started with drums, which he programmed using a MIDI keyboard (a much more sophisticated version of what I use at home).  Next, he got out his electric bass and recorded a bass track (which he wrote as he went, using the sheet music I gave him).  After that came the electric guitar, and then it was time for me to record my final acoustic guitar track.  We did do final vocals for one song, but most of the final vocals will be recorded at the end of the week.

The whole process for each song takes about two and a half hours.  That doesn't include mixing, which will also be done at the end when the vocals are completed.  My part is easy; I record my parts, and then watch, listen and give input as Jim does the rest.  I could get used to this! 

I've been tweeting and text messaging from the studio (follow me on Twitter if you haven't already) and of course, I have my Macbook by my side at all times to stay connected.  I'm just having the best time, and I have all of you to thank.  I would never have had this opportunity without your support, whether you made a pledge to my Kickstarter fund or are a regular Listen & Learn reader.  I can't wait to share the finished product with you all.  Stay tuned for my "Day 2" recap tomorrow!

Model Me Kids DVD Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations to Lisa Casciola, who was randomly selected (via random.org) as the winner of the newest Model Me Kids DVD, Model Me Going Places.  Lisa is a fellow music therapist and studio teacher, and has a great website of her own, Kids Sing Studio.  I hope you enjoy the DVD, Lisa, and that your students can benefit from it! 

As you probably know, I'm spending the week in St. Louis at Jupiter Studios, recording my new Listen & Learn CD.  I've been tweeting like crazy, so if you want to see pics and get frequent updates, make sure to follow me on Twitter.  I'll write a post detailing my experience thus far later today, but for now, it's time to head to the studio and start my 10-hour day!  I'll talk to you all soon.

Sunday Singalong: I Have a Dream

When the "Mamma Mia!" musical first came out, I listened to the Broadway soundtrack nonstop. I still turn it on from time to time, because the songs are so upbeat (for the most part) and put me in such a great mood. "I Have a Dream" is one of my favorite songs to teach beginning voice and guitar students, and like I said in the video, I like to use it in music therapy sessions with my middle school students. They've always enjoyed the song and the discussions it sparks, but it's even more popular now that the movie is out.

I watched "Mamma Mia!" (the movie version) for the first time yesterday, and now I'm craving a sunny beach vacation in Greece. That's not in my future anytime soon, but I will be heading to exotic St. Louis tomorrow for a week in the recording studio.  I'm enjoying one more lazy day before the fun begins, and it just happens to be my puppy, Sadie's 1st birthday!  Just take a look at this little sweetie:

I'm off to play with the birthday girl (who is currently covered in mud and rain thanks to the lovely weather), so I hope you all enjoy your Sunday.  If you haven't yet, please go enter my DVD giveaway, and stay tuned this week for updates from the recording studio!

Friday Fave: SPRING BREAK!

Ok, so I won't be lounging on some tropical beach during my spring break, but I do have some pretty exciting plans.  I have four lessons to teach after school today, and then SPRING BREAK '10 will officially begin!  Let me tell you all about what's going down these next two weeks.

Radio Interview

This weekend will be pretty low-key; I'll have some time to relax before I kick into high-gear.  The ball will start rolling on Monday morning, when I head to Capitol Radio Group to record a radio interview with Bob Murray, who hosts a weekly 25-minute program called Focus.  I'll be talking about music therapy, my blog, projects I'm working on, and my involvement in the Springfield community.  The show will air next Sunday (Easter!) morning on 5 local radio stations, including my personal favorite, WDBR. 

Recording My CD

Right after the interview, I'll hit the road for St.Louis, where I'll be spending the rest of the week recording my CD at Jupiter Studios.  I've chosen ten songs to include on the CD, so hopefully we'll have time to finish all of them.  It's going to be an intense 4 days: I'll be in the studio from 12 pm to 10 pm (yes, ten straight hours!) working one-on-one with Jim Callahan, the owner and head sound engineer.  Since I'm an early riser, I'll probably spend my mornings at Panera, fueling myself with caffeine and blogging about my recording experience.  Be sure to follow me on Twitter, as I'll also be tweeting frequently throughout the week!

Jet Setting

My school's spring break officially ends on Sunday, April 4.  I'll be back to work for a quick two days, but then Zach and I are taking off to San Antonio for five days of much-needed R&R.  This trip is courtesy of AAA, for whom my husband works as an insurance agent.  Every year, they send their top agents somewhere warm for a fabulous vacation...so far we've been to Palm Springs, Hilton Head, and San Diego.  I tell Zach that he can never leave the company, because they treat their employees so well (and I get to benefit from Zach's hard work!).

Back to Reality

Life will get back to normal on April 12, when the regular schedule resumes.  However, at that point there will only be eight weeks of the school year remaining, and those always fly right by.  Heck, I'm already planning my summer music therapy and lessons schedule!

There is a lot to look forward to in the coming weeks, and I hope the same is true for you.  Even if you're not on Spring Break (or if there's no such thing for you), at least the weather is getting nicer.  That's enough for me.  Have a beautiful Friday, and if you haven't already, go enter my giveaway to win the newest Model Me Kids "Going Places" DVD, which features musical narration by yours truly!

Today at Listen & Learn Music Plus!

Earlier this week, I shared a simple but fun song about spring.  I like it so much that I have been using it for three straight years!  The lead sheet (chords and lyrics) has been posted at Listen & Learn Plus! and is available for immediate download by subscribers...learn about becoming one today!

Giveaway: Model Me Going Places DVD

Last week, I announced my involvement in Model Me Kids' newest social skills modeling DVD, Model Me Going Places.  My original songs narrate the 12 scenes in the video, which is described on the Model Me Kids website as follows:

The Model Me Going Places™ video features children, ages 2-8, involved in activities in the community. It is designed to familiarize children with locations that may be challenging, and to help teach appropriate behavior in these locations through peer modeling. Each scene lasts between 2-4 minutes, depending on the chapter. At the end of each chapter is a storyboard summarizing the locations shown.

This video is narrated with music developed for the Model Me Going Places™ DVD by Rachel Rambach, a Board-Certified Music Therapist. This unique merger of video modeling and Music Therapy is designed to help teach skills in a way that appeals to the strengths of children with developmental disabilities.

Graphics and music are used to make the video appealing to children with Autism, Asperger Syndrome, and Nonverbal Learning Disorders. A high production value helps keep the child's interest so that he or she will want to watch many times.

I couldn't be more proud of my association with Model Me Kids, having provided musical narration for both this DVD and previously, Model Me Faces & Emotions.  So I'm thrilled that this wonderful company was willing to provide a copy of the newest DVD to one lucky Listen & Learn reader.

It couldn't be simpler: to enter, all you have to do is leave a comment (including your email address) on this post between now and Sunday, March 28th at 8 pm.  I will use random.org to select a completely random winner, who will be announced on Monday.  Teachers, parents, and therapists...I'm talking to you!  Enter now for your chance to win this effective (not to mention fun and entertaining) resource.

A Spring in My Step

It's heeeere!  Spring, of course.  I spent the weekend in Chicago, where the first day of spring was 34 degrees with 30 mph winds and a snow/rain mix, but hey, at least I can say that winter is technically over.

Two years ago, I wrote new lyrics to the traditional tune "This Little Light of Mine" for a song all about spring.  I don't do much piggybacking (changing the words of existing songs) these days, since writing the music myself is much more fun; but I still pull out "Spring is in the Air" every March.

This year, I decided to breathe new life into it, adding some instrumentation and changing the key of the previous version.  I can't wait to sing it with all of my students tomorrow!



Winter’s gone away,
Spring is in the air!
Winter’s gone away,
Spring is in the air!
Winter’s gone away,
Spring is in the air!
Winter’s gone, let’s go outside, it is spring!

Flowers start to grow,
Spring is in the air!
Flowers start to grow,
Spring is in the air!
Flowers start to grow,
Spring is in the air!
Flowers grow, no more snow, it is spring!

Warm and sunny days,
Spring is in the air!
Warm and sunny days,
Spring is in the air!
Warm and sunny days,
Spring is in the air!
Warm days, sun’s rays, spring is here!

Only one more week of the normal routine before life gets a little crazy (in the best possible way). The following week is my spring break, which I'll spend in St. Louis recording my first studio album. Then the week after that, Zach and I are jetting off to San Antonio for a few blissful days of vacation. No wonder there's a spring in my step!

Sunday Singalong: Rusty's Turn!

Every Tuesday evening, Rusty and I spend 30 minutes playing, writing, recording, and expressing ourselves through music. He is very interested in technology, so recently we've been using Garageband, iTunes, and iMovie to bring his musical creations to life. He continues to impress me with his good nature, musical talent, and creativity!

I love the fact that so many of my students want to incorporate technology into our work together, whether it's music therapy or voice/piano/guitar lessons. Just today, I used the Flip Ultra HD Camcorder to record a student singing a new song, and we critiqued the video afterwards in order to improve her stage presence and facial expressions.  I use the "voice memos" app on my iPhone to record vocal exercises, piano accompaniment, and even entire lessons, which I can email to my students (or their parents) right then and there. 

If you want to see more of Rusty, check out this YouTube video, which was filmed by and for our local newspaper, The State Journal-Register.  He is very proud of his status as a YouTube star!

Friday Fave: Model Me Going Places

Last summer I had the privilege of writing and recording songs to narrate the Model Me Kids video, Model Me Faces and Emotions (read my post about it here).  It was a tremendously fun project; in fact, I was a little sad when all the work was done and the songs were completed.  So you can imagine my how thrilled I was to be invited to narrate yet another new video.

I spent a good part of January and February working on new songs for Model Me Going Places, a video in which children model appropriate behavior in a variety of community locations.  I am so happy with the finished product, which I received in the mail earlier this week!

Included is the DVD, CD-ROM, and the lyrics for all 12 songs.  There is even a free iPhone/iPod Touch app that goes along with it, for which I provided piano melodies.  My one and a half-year-old nephew loves it, and he's too young to be biased!

Here are both DVDs (front and back), which are wonderful additions to my collection of resources.  Many of my students were already familiar with Model Me Kids before they even knew about my involvement; one little boy came to his piano lesson shortly after the first DVD came out and said, "Miss Rachel, I listened to you on TV.  You're famous!"  Hey, if I'm famous in the eyes of my students, then I've reached the top :)

You can order any of the Model Me Kids DVDs (there are 9 altogether) from their website, and be sure to go download the free iPhone/iPod Touch app!

Happy Face, Happy Voice

Whining.  We all do it from time to time, whether you're a child, mature adult, or my dog at 4 in the morning.  For kids, whining comes naturally in unfavorable situations, or even just when they're tired and cranky.  How many times have the words "stop whining!"  come out of your mouth?  Probably quite a few if you're a parent, teacher, or anyone else who spends time with children on a regular basis.

But that phrase may fall upon deaf ears after awhile, so how about a new way to help nip this bad habit in the bud?  That was the strategy for one of my consult clients, who requested a custom-written song about using a "happy face and happy voice" instead of whining.



When you are unhappy and feeling blue,
There are just a few things that you need to do.
Just listen up, and you'll be fine,
As long as you don't whine.

First you need to find your happy face,
Then you need to find your happy voice.
When you talk without a whine,
And smile, you shine.
You're making the right choice!

Simple and to the point. It's amazing how such basic songs can be so effective, as long as the message is clear. What other bad habits might be addressed through a song like this?

Today at Listen & Learn Music Plus!

It's time for post number three of my series focusing on money!  I've already shared sheet music downloads for two songs: one about coins, and the other about paper bills. Today, a PDF visual aide to supplement BOTH songs is now available to subscribers...learn about becoming one today!

SONGBOOK SALE!

It's regional music therapy conference time, and we (myself and songbook publisher Michelle Erfurt) are celebrating by offering a limited-time-only sale on my songbook, Listen & Learn: Songs for School, Home and Play.

From March 15 – April 16, when you purchase a songbook for $25, we will also include the supplemental CD (usually sold separately for $10) and free shipping. Also, a portion of all Listen & Learn songbook sales will be donated to the music therapy clubs of Colorado State University and Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania (you choose which university you'd like to support when you make your purchase).

Listen and Learn: Educational songs for School, Home, and Play contains 24 of my most popular songs. It includes the melody line and chords for songs that address goal areas such as counting, daily care, directions, transitions, friendships, and more, along with activity suggestions for each one. It was developed for other music therapists, educators, parents, or anyone who works with children. I made a video in which I talk more about the book and sing a song from it; you can watch here.

So if this sounds like something that belongs on your bookshelf, please take advantage of our sale!  You can complete your purchase securely (using either a PayPal account or credit card) below:

I choose...

Colorado State University Slippery Rock University

Even the Penguins are Maraca Rockin'

Seriously, how cute is this?  Illustrator and graphic designer Naomi Robinson sent me an email last week, asking for my permission to use part of the lyrics from my song "Maraca Rock" in this adorable picture, and of course, I said yes.  We're already talking about more ways in which we can collaborate! To see more of Naomi's artistic creations, visit her flickr stream.

Today at Listen & Learn Music Plus!

It's time for post number two of my three-part series focusing on money!  I've already shared a song about coins (and the accompanying sheet music), so today it's all about the dollar bills. The sheet music for "Green Money" is now available to subscribers...learn about becoming one today!

Friday Fave: Sibelius

Those of you who are non-musicians might not find this particular "Friday Fave" very interesting, but I've been spending so much time using this program (and loving *almost* every minute of it) lately that I just had to share.  Sibelius - named after Finnish composer Jean Sibelius - is a scorewriter program that can do just about anything you could think of when it comes to producing or editing sheet music.

I actually have my mom to thank for my version of Sibelius.  My contribution was my student discount, which she was able to apply when she purchased the program a few years back, during my undergrad days.  I'll say that the price is definitely a bit steep, but it has been worth every penny.  I used Sibelius to create all of the sheet music for my songbook, after all!

The learning curve for this program is also steep, especially if you are used to more basic software like Finale Notepad (which is what I used prior to Sibelius).  But the key is sitting down and experimenting; the more you  use it and explore its features, the easier it gets.  Here are some of the cool things you can do with Sibelius:

• Scan in printed sheet music and edit it
• Input music using a microphone, keyboard, or other MIDI instrument
• Record playback and turn it into an audio file
• Create worksheets (comes in very handy for studio teachers like me!)

And the list goes on and on.  I haven't even touched half of the plug-ins that come with Sibelius, but I'm hoping to get around to that someday.  In the meantime, I'll stick with my current project: creating sheet music for each and every Listen & Learn song written thus far.  I compose my songs in lead sheet form, but now that I have more and more orders coming in for sheet music (you can place yours here), I decided to convert my entire library.  I've been using Sibelius so often that I'm even having dreams about it, but hey, I could think of worse things :)

Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin

I incorporate books into my music therapy sessions almost on a daily basis.  Adding a visual component to any activity, intervention or song always helps grab and keep attention, and there are so many goals and objectives that can be addressed with an appropriate book.  I started my collection during my internship, and now have an entire bin full of them.

The book Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin is one that I picked up a couple of years ago, but have just recently rediscovered amongst my library.  It's funny how you can forget the great resources you have at your very own disposal!  A Caldecott Honor book, this one is currently at the top of my list for several reasons:

• The pictures are bright, beautiful, and detailed.  Talk about attention grabbers!
• It's all about orchestral instruments and the sounds they make, which means lots of fun words.
• It provides an opportunity for counting.  On each page, a new instrument is introduced, and all of the other instruments are pictured, as well.
• The words were meant to be sung.  It just so happens that the entire book fits perfectly to the tune "Here We Go 'Round the Mulberry Bush".

I'm planning to make audio clips of each instrument to play as they are introduced throughout the book, just to give my students an idea of how they really sound.  It never hurts to throw in a little music appreciation along with the other goals that we're addressing.

What children's books are on your shelf?  I'm always looking for new ones to add to my collection, so any and all suggestions are much appreciated!  You can see some more of my favorites here (just click on "Children's Books" in the top-left category box).

Today at Listen & Learn Music Plus!

Today's post is the first in a three-part series about a subject we all can relate to: money.  I'll be sharing sheet music downloads of songs to teach the identification and characteristics of coins and paper bills, as well as a visual aide (downloadable as a PDF file) I created to supplement the tunes.  The first song in that series is now available to subscribers...learn about becoming one today!

Don't Interrupt!

I hope my husband isn't reading this, because I'm about to let you in on one of his bad habits: interrupting.  Of course, he doesn't do it excessively or on purpose; he just hasn't quite mastered the art of waiting his turn when there's something he's really excited to share :)

He has a lot in common with many children I know.  Conversational skills are a frequent objective in my music therapy sessions, from initiating a dialogue, to giving appropriate responses, to using good manners (such as avoiding interruption).  "Don't Interrupt" is actually a custom-written song, but I've since had plenty of opportunities to use it with my own students.



When you’re talking to someone,
You should wait until they’re done
With what they have to say,
Before you take your turn
This is something you should learn,
Interrupting is not the way

To have a conversation.
You need to be polite.
Don’t interrupt, just wait to talk
Until they’re done, when the time is right.

Interrupting isn’t nice,
Please take this good advice,
And listen, so that you know
When the other person’s through
With what they had to say to you.
So that it’s your turn to go

When you have a conversation,
You need to be polite.
Don’t interrupt, just wait to talk
Until they’re done, when the time is right.

I just may start singing this song around the house...maybe Zach will get the hint!  I kid, I kid.  I really only notice it when he's talking shop (insurance) or sports, both of which are conversations I try to avoid at all costs.

Well another week is upon us, which means I'd better wrap this up and get to work.  In addition to music therapy sessions and lessons, I have songs to transcribe, an IAMT meeting to finish planning, and a week in the recording studio for which to prepare.  Hello, March Madness!

Sunday Singalong: That Yellow Bus

Instant Sheet Music Download: $1

"That Yellow Bus" was a February staple in my music therapy classes, and quickly became a student and staff favorite.  (I think the main reason is because it shares a title with a certain Justin Roberts song I did last year - that one still gets requested all the time!) Like I mention in the video, it was written specifically for a little guy with bus transitioning issues, but since many of my students do ride the bus, they were able to benefit from it, too.

That is the beauty of what I do: there is so much crossover from one part of my job to another, and so many different situations in which to apply the same therapeutic interventions, activities and songs. For example, many of the tunes I've written and shared on this very blog are also included in this semester's Church Mice class, which is actually where I'd headed in just a little bit. 

Which leads me to wonder...is it already Sunday afternoon?  This weekend has certainly flown right by, as they usually do.  After Church Mice, my husband and I are heading to my parents' for a cookout with my brother (who is in town for spring break) and his fiancee, and then I'm looking forward to vegging out on the couch and watching the Academy Awards.  What are you up to tonight?

Friday Fave: Audible

When I was in elementary school, I only got in trouble for one reason: reading Babysitter's Club books during class.  Not much changed throughout the years; I always had books in my desk, locker, and bookbag, because I loved to read and couldn't get enough.  It frustrated my parents to no end, because they would buy be a new book and I would finish it that very same day.

I still love to read, but these days, I just don't have the time.  How sad is it that I've had the same two books laying on the nightstand for two months now?  But late last fall, my friend Kimberly S. Moore (a.k.a. Music Therapy Maven) introduced me to a whole new way of "reading" books.   Audible is a website that sells audiobook downloads (either a la carte or through a membership) and I am hooked!

As an AudibleListener Gold member, I receive a monthly credit which allows me to download almost any audiobook I want.  Not only is the price completely reasonable ($7.49/month for the first 3 months, and then $14.95/month thereafter) but the selection is amazing.  I have a huge wish list of audiobooks I plan to download in the coming months.

The #1 reason I love audiobooks is the convenience factor.  I listen to them on my iPhone, which I have with me all the time.  A few of my favorite times/places to listen: the gym, getting ready in the morning, in the car, while I'm cleaning or cooking, and the list goes on.  I recently finished the book Getting Things Done by David Allen (which I'd recommend to anyone), and right now I'm in the middle of Excuses Begone! by Wayne Dyer.

I'd be curious to hear if anyone else has discovered the beauty of audiobooks, or if you stay true to traditional printed books.  Any Kindle readers here?  I'd love to try that out, although I'm not sure how much I'd love having one more thing to carry around with me.

Well that does it for this week's edition of Friday Faves!  Thinking ahead: let me know if there's a song you'd like to see/hear featured in my Sunday Singalong video...it could be one of my own or a cover (think Jack Johnson, Justin Roberts, Laurie Berkner, Jim Gill, etc.).  It's a happy, sunny day here, and I hope the same is true for you!  See you again soon.

Wave Goodbye to Winter

Warning: I might be contagious, so don't come near me unless you want to catch...spring fever! Here are a few of my symptoms:

• jumping for joy at the appearance of sunlight
• impatiently counting down the days left of winter
• the urge to hug the weatherman for predicting warmer temps
• spontaneously breaking into songs about spring

I've come down with a very serious case, and it's only getting worse with each passing day.  But I take comfort in knowing I'm not alone in my suffering; it seems that spring fever is running rampant.  Have you fallen victim?

The good news is that my spring fever inspired me to write a new song, and every time I sing it, I can't help but feel giddy at the prospect of birds singing in the trees, warm sunshine on my face, green grass, and blooming flowers. 



Wave goodbye to winter,
Say hello to spring.
Clap your hands,
Oh, clap your hands,
Oh, clap your hands and sing!

Sing because spring is almost here.
Sing because the sky will be blue and clear.
Sing with the birds, up in the tree,
Sing and (clap your hands) with me!

Wave goodbye to snow,
Say hello to spring.
Sway side to side,
Oh, side to side,
Sway side to side and sing!

CHORUS

Wave goodbye to cold air,
Say hello to spring.
Wave your arms,
Oh, wave your arms,
Oh, wave your arms and sing!

CHORUS

Wave goodbye to gray days,
Say hello to spring.
Tap your toes,
Oh, tap your toes,
Oh, tap your toes and sing!

In 17 days, we can officially wave goodbye to winter and celebrate the official start of spring.  But for now, I'll settle for a week of sunshine, 40-degree (and climbing) temperatures, and best of all, little to no precipitation.  It's the small victories, you know?  After this brutal winter, I'll take whatever I can get!

Marching Right Along

 

Is it just me, or did February seem to drag on and on?  Thankfully, that dreary winter month is finally behind us and March is here!  On the horizon: SPRING, a weekend in Chicago, my puppy's first birthday, and a week-long break (during which I'll be recording a CD in St. Louis).

I was so excited about the advent of month #3 that I even recorded a new version of my "March" song.  I wanted to pep it up just a bit, so I added some drums, bass and harmonies and this was the final result:



March is here, yes March is here,
The third month of the year.
Thirty one days march into spring,
And that is a wonderful thing.
Yes that is a wonderful thing.

St. Patrick’s Day will come around,
Find four-leaf clovers on the ground.
Leprechauns and rainbows too,
Clothes of green for me and you.

CHORUS

Get ready for the start of spring,
And all the fun that it will bring.
Soon enough we’ll have spring break,
Let’s celebrate, for goodness sake!

CHORUS (2x)

Even though today is a holiday, March is off to a busy start for me!  This whole week is going to fly by, in fact.  The clock is ticking, so it's time for me to get a move on.  Happy first day of March (and Casimir Pulaski Day), everyone :)