2006 Winterlude Theme - RHYTHM

Rumblin' Rhythm Comes to Oak Lane

What do plastic buckets, metal pails, tin cans, a wok and a toilet seat all have in common? They all make great percussion instruments! The entire school was treated to a rollicking, rhythmic assembly on Wednesday, Nov. 29, when "Rumble," a bucket drum ensemble made up of a dozen students from the University of the Arts, entertained and educated us using objects found more often in a Home Depot than on the concert stage.

Under the direction of teacher Marc Dicciani, the Arts students performed as a group, then briefly demonstrated each of their "instruments." Mr. Dicciani encouraged our students to expand their idea of "what is music?" and to think about the ways in which each of us creates rhythm every day. To demonstrate, he called on PK4 volunteer, Josh. As Josh walked across the gym floor, the Arts students drummed to the pace of his walk. They also showed us how they could mimic the rhythm of his speech.

For their finale, the group pulled out an extra bucket and drum sticks, and invited one of our own drummers, sixth grader, Ben, to join them. The piece they performed had a number of spots for solos, and Ben did a great job improvising and playing along. All in all, the assembly was a huge crowd-pleaser and a great way to highlight our Winterlude theme, RHYTHM!

Winterlude runs from Thanksgiving until the last day of school before Winter Break when the School community will assemble together to participate, hear and enjoy themed performances, music, and dance all in honor of RHYTHM.

12/01/06