I wrote this song over two weeks ago, but just now got around to recording it after getting sick and then going on vacation. It’s been running through my head all this time, so it feels good to get it out and share it with you.
Christmas is only days away, and yet this is the only holiday song I’ve written so far this year. It has a much different feel than others I’ve written in previous years; it’s more laid-back and sounds a little more grown-up to me. I think that fits with the subject matter, though — this song makes me want to take a stroll through my neighborhood and admire all the lights twinkling at night.
This is my last week with students before the holiday break, so I’m going to be getting as much use out of my holiday repertoire as possible. My original songs and all the traditional standards have been in high demand all month, not that I’m complaining!
I’ve been busy this week wrapping up the year in my studio and spending time with my friends and family…all of which means no new Sunday Singalong video this week. But I have something special to share with you tomorrow which will hopefully make up for that! Until then, may your Christmas be merry and bright.
Every year, I struggle with what to give my students as a token of my appreciation for their hard work when the holidays roll around. This year was no different, but as it turns out, I didn’t have to look any further than the top of my piano.
These framed signs (which I wrote about here) have been conversation pieces amongst my students since I decorated my piano with them back in June. So as my holiday gift this year, I gave my students their own “keep calm” sign in a simple frame, to be placed in their practice area. Kellan (pictured above, thanks to his mom!) and most of my other students have been happy to receive their gift, and excited to display it just as I do in my studio.
I gave different framed signs to my students, based upon whether they study piano, voice or guitar. For my music therapy students, I went a bit of a different route:
A tambourine might not be the definition of “calm” (quite the opposite, actually!) but hopefully it will inspire my students to keep making music during the holiday break.
I still have some gifts to give out this afternoon, after which my studio will officially be closed until 2012! It’s hard to believe that the first semester of the school year is coming to an end, but I’m looking forward to a fresh start in January. I’m also looking forward to lots of zen-like, well-practiced students, thanks to their “keep calm” gifts! ;)
I love everything about the holidays: giving gifts, singing Christmas songs, the general cheeriness of the season. But putting up my Christmas tree and seeing it all lit up at night is probably what I look forward to most every year. Matthew agrees with me on that, which is why he chose to include “O Christmas Tree” in his holiday repertoire.
Although he has been taking piano lessons from me for many years (he was actually the first official Music Therapy Connections student!), Matthew only recently began taking voice lessons here at the studio as well. This 5th grader is on his way to becoming quite the musical double-threat:
There are only a few days left before my studio closes for the holiday break. I’m sure going to miss hearing my students’ sweet voices singing the sounds of the season!
The other day as I was getting ready for work, this song came on the radio. Before I knew it, there I was — performing the accompanying show choir moves I learned in middle school. 15 years ago.
I posted about it on Facebook, only to find out that I wasn’t the only former Generalette (of the Grant Middle School Generals & Generalettes, G&G for short) who still busted out these moves from time to time.
“Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer” amuses my students just as much as it amused me back in the day. Sure, it’s corny and a little crude (I left out that second verse for good reason), but it’s a classic.
Welcome! I’m Rachel Rambach, board-certified music therapist and creator of Listen & Learn Music — educational songs and musical materials for children. I love sharing my work with you, along with my behind-the-scenes creative process, adventures in business ownership, and life as a mom of two.
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