Vol. 2 Issue No. 9
May, 2016
Lifelong Listeners Newsletter
This month's newsletter is all about early rock and roll music. Through videos of famous 1950s rock and roll artists, you can clearly hear the influence of jazz, blues, country, gospel, and many other American genres that came together to create rock and roll. In this issue we will look at some examples of 1950s rock and roll and examine how they were influenced by various musical genres. Then we will take a look at how this uniquely American music influenced artists overseas and became a worldwide phenomenon. We hope you enjoy these great songs that are still influencing popular music today. Happy Listening!

Music 101
Music 101 News! backlit-singer-sm.jpg
 
Recital Registration - May 15th is the final day to register for the annual recitals. Click on the link for recital info/registration form.

Summer 2016 - Registration is now open for our summer session! In addition to our flexible-schedule private lessons, we have added group classes to our summer programming. Pick up our summer programs brochure at the front desk for more information on these exciting programs! 
Live Concerts! mic_retro.jpg
(Use this section with Listener Worksheet #1 and Listener Worksheet #2) 

*This symbol indicates that Music 101 faculty will perform in this concert!
 
5/7 (Sat.), 8 P.M. - Melrose Symphony (Melrose) Don't miss your last chance to see our hometown symphony this season.  For this special pops concert, the orchestra will play Scottish and Celtic tunes with fiddle champion Katie McNally along with popular music from movies and TV. Best of all, Music 101 families get 50% off their tickets!  Just enter coupon code "Music101" at the online checkout. 
 
*5/13 (Fri.), 6 P.M. - Joshua Garvey in Recital (Cambridge) Hear Music 101's very own countertenor Josh Garvey perform his Graduate Performance Diploma recital. The recital will take place at Longy School of Music's Rey Waldstein Building, room N-1 (33 Garden Street Cambridge, 02138). Support our faculty and hear some great music in this FREE concert! 
 
*5/14 (Sat.), 8:30 P.M. - Leah Dominy performs in "Zenkora" multimedia concert (Boston)
Music, visual art, film, and poetry come together in this unique concert experience.  Hear Music 101's Leah Dominy perform on the piano and experience this one of a kind event at New England Conservatory. Best of all, tickets are FREE! Click the link for more information.
 
6/3 (Fri.) or 6/4 (Sat.), 7:30 P.M. - Polymnia Choral Society (Melrose) Join our hometown chorus for their last concert of the season. The chorus will perform Andrew Lloyd Webber's famous musical Jesus Christ Superstar along with a full orchestra and tenor soloist Danny Zolli.
Listen Online! guitars_electric_sale.jpg
(Use this section with Listener Worksheet #1 and Listener Worksheet #2 )
 
Jazz Influence
Bill Haley and the Comets "Rock Around the Clock" It is hard to say what the first rock and roll song was, because many emerged simultaneously, but this song was among the first. Rock and roll emerged from many different genres including jazz, country, R&B, gospel, and blues. In this video you can hear jazz influences like the acoustic string bass and the saxophone solo.
 
Blues Influence
Chuck Berry "Johnny B. Goode" Chuck Berry is one of the most famous rock musicians of all time. He was known not only for his music but also his showmanship on stage. Many musicians still play his music and imitate his stage antics today. He got his start listening to and playing blues music, and in this video you can hear the heavy blues influence in his electric guitar solos. 
 
Country Influence
Elvis Presley "Blue Suede Shoes" Elvis Presley is another very famous name in rock music. Born in Mississippi, Elvis was heavily influenced by country and gospel music. In this video you can especially hear the country influence. Even though this is a rock song, Elvis sings about blue suede shoes almost like they are cowboy boots and uses an acoustic guitar. 
 
World Influence
The Beatles "I want to Hold your Hand" By the 1960s, rock and roll music from America had traveled overseas and influenced the rest of the world. The Beatles were inspired by 1950s American artists like those listed above when they formed their band in England. They played their music in Europe first, but it quickly became popular in the US and all over the world. Rock music has been a worldwide sensation ever since.
In This Issue
Composers & Artists
(Use this section with Listener Worksheet #3)
 
 
 
 
Other Links
(Use this section with Listener Worksheet #4)
 
 

How to Earn Listener Points!
You can earn Listener Points by exploring this newsletter, completing worksheets, and redeeming them for great prizes!  Here is how:

 

1) Download Listener Worksheets from our website or pick up copies at the studio. 

 

2) Go to a concert!  See our "Live Concerts" section for ideas. Turn in your program for 10 points.  Turn in Listener Worksheet #1 or Listener Worksheet #2
about something you heard for 10 additional points. 

 

3) Listen online!  Listen to one of the videos in the "Listen Online" section and turn in Listener Worksheet #1 or Listener Worksheet #2 for 10 points.

4) Click on a link in the "Composers & Artists" section. Turn in Listener Worksheet #3   for 10 points.
  
5) Click on a link in the "Other Links" section.  Turn in Listener Worksheet #4 for 10 p oin ts.    

6) Look up any music topic that interests you.  Turn in Listener Worksheet #5 for 10 points.

 Have a question? Email Jenny Herzig at [email protected]