We at West Music live by our motto, “Play now. Play for life.” Even though the world is in a state of uncertainty right now, music is a cord that connects us all. Over the next few weeks, the Play Now Challenge will encourage fun and creative ways for us all to continue making music — it is something that can bring us together even as we practice social distancing. Below, we have created a list of musically focused hashtags that encourage everyone to play now, and share a bit of joyful music-making with the world.
#playnowchallenge
We have all heard that in order to keep as healthy as possible right now, that we should wash our hands for at least 20 seconds – and that that 20 seconds of time is the equivalent of singing the ‘Happy Birthday Song’ twice. We don’t know about you, but we are ready for a different earworm. What else can we, as musicians, play for 20 seconds that is not ‘Happy Birthday’? Let’s get creative.
Here’s where the challenge comes in: we want to see a video of you playing 20 seconds of music. Any music! Any instrument! You can play a phrase from your favorite symphony on a viola or make up a groovy beat with your cajon from the comfort of your couch. Heck, you can even record a 20-second clip of you practicing something on the piano that you’ve never played before.
Once you’ve got your 20 second video ready, post it to your favorite social media channel, use the hashtags #playnowchallenge and #nothappybirthday, and make sure to tag us so we know you’re playing along:
Suggested Hashtags: #playnowchallenge #playnow #playforlife #washyourhands #westmusic #nothappybirthday #notmybirthday
#musicteacherchallenge
Are you up for the challenge? Lauren Staniszewski, Band Director at Stoney Creek High School, created the music teacher challenge as a way encourage people to “get back to the craft that inspired us all in the first place.” She asks music teachers, students, and anyone who has “a desire to honor a music teacher you may have had” by making a bit of music and sharing it with the world. Because as Staniszewski says, “If there’s anything the world needs right now, it’s beauty, understanding and joy. (And hand sanitizer.)”
Suggested Hashtags: #musicteacherchallenge #playnow #playforlife
#practicemusic
Calling all current and lifelong students! When was the last time you actually practiced your instrument? Take a moment and strum a few chords, play a few notes. It doesn’t matter if you’re a little rusty, or even classically trained – just grab your instrument and go.
Suggested Hashtags: #practicemusic #playnow #playforlife
#miosm®
Did you know, March is Music in our Schools Month®? This month is going to be especially taxing for all teachers, whether they are remote or still in session. So, let’s support our teachers by sharing videos of music making, teaching resources, classroom video chats, and generally uplifting content for all of our teachers out there.
Suggested Hashtags: #miosm® #playnow #playforlife #musicedonline #teacherresources #makemusic
#20secondsongs
This hashtag is a great way to find new songs to sing while you wash your hands. Plus, you get a good laugh seeing people being goofy while practicing good hygiene habits! What’s your favorite song to sing while washing your hands? (Psst, the chorus of “No Scrubs” by TLC is 20 seconds.)
BONUS: Wash Your Lyrics will generate hand washing infographics based on your favorite lyrics. Need to make some helpful but amusing memes? Visit washyourlyrics.com
Suggested Hashtags: #20secondsongs #makemusic #washyourlyrics #nothappybirthday #notmybirthday
#playontheporch
It’s the beginning of spring, let’s get outside and play! Even though we’re all practicing social distancing – we can let our music and voice travel while we aren’t able to. Grab a seat outside and start playing, but don’t forget to hit record!
Suggested Hashtags: #playontheporch #makemusic #playnowplayforlife
Aaron Hansen is an experienced K-6 General Music educator, passionate about bringing music to life through the Orff Approach. He holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Northern Iowa. Aaron has completed comprehensive Orff Teacher Training, including three levels at the University of St. Thomas and an Orff Master Class. His dedication to the Orff method took him to the Summer International Course at the Orff Institute in Salzburg, Austria. Aaron also shares his expertise by teaching movement at various Orff Teacher Training Courses and conducting workshops for local Orff Chapters.
I love this. I listened to several of the clips and many made me smile. Keep it coming. I don’t have twitter, so email to let me know of new posts will be helpful.
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