I teach some of the cutest and hippest kids on the planet. On Tuesday afternoons, I teach kindergarteners and 1st graders music at a local school. Already, at their young age, they are aching to perform in front of each other. They were often asking, “Can I sing a song for the class?” The request was so frequent that I decided to give them 5-10 minutes at the end of every music where I would ask for volunteers to perform a song. The results were so completely awesome. They’d sing everything from “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” to Lady Gaga songs. This new addition to my music class has become a hit with the kids, and I know they really look forward to it every week.
This past week, one of the kids asked “Can I B-Box a song?” For those of you who don’t know what “B-Boxing” or “Beat Boxing” is, here’s the Wikipedia definition:
Beatboxing is a form of vocal percussion primarily involving the art of producing drum beats, rhythm, and musical sounds using one’s mouth, lips, tongue, and voice.
For me, if any kid wants to practice any type of rhythm exercise and have fun while doing it…oh yeah….I embrace it big time. ”Go for it,” I answered the child with encouragement. Next thing I knew, every kid wanted to try B-boxing, and by the end of class, we videotaped a class B-box jam session. Unfortunately, I can’t share the video with all of you, as I need to protect the privacy and rights of the students and families. I can assure you all, however, that a B-boxing room of kindergarteners doesn’t get any cuter.
To share B-boxing with all of you today, my song of the day is Matisyahu’s song “Beat Box.” Check out all of the sounds and rhythms he is able to produce without the use of any drums. This is all coming from his mouth, and I think it is pretty cool. Click HERE to go to Youtube to hear this awesome style that is so popular with kids.
I am inspired by my students, and perhaps B-boxing will become part of my regular curriculum. These sweet kindergartners are the best teachers, and I am so lucky to be able to share music with such amazing children.
