Fun Friday: Video, Hawaiian Style

Aloha!

In 4th and 5th grade the students have learned a song from the beautiful state of Hawaii. It may be cold with snow in the forecast here in New Jersey, but at least we can sing and bring to mind the sunny skies and ocean waves of the tropical islands.

The students have learned the song and discovered a new-to-us rhythm pattern. It happens to be my favorite rhythm pattern.  Yes, that's right, music teachers are such big music geeks that we have favorite rhythm patterns. This one in particular helps give the song it's Hawaiian flavor.  Take a listen to hear the song played with the ukulele, an instrument native to Hawaii, and to learn a bit about this fun, funky rhythm pattern.

After the students learned the song they started to learn the game that goes with it. Since the nickname for the song is "The Hawaiian Stick Game," it is safe to assume the kids got to use sticks.  Here they are trying it out for the first time.

During the next class they were asked to enter the room and to practice the stick pattern with a partner of their choosing. What an amazing surprise when they came in and all started singing while practicing!  Quite by accident they created harmony!