Dave Finlay

Mr. Finley
Hello My Name Is...

<David Finlay>

 

<Classes:
I am highly qualified to teach K-12 music education at all K-12 levels.  I am currently in my sixth year teaching elementary general music at Will Lee Elementary School as well as 6th grade music and 8th grade study skill at Richmond Middle School.
 
Education Experience:
Bachelor of Music, (Magna Cum Laude), 2011
Wayne State University, Detroit Michigan
Provisional Teaching Certificate Music Education, 2011
Affiliations: MENC, MSVMA
 
 I taught one year at Pine River Elementary School in St. Clair School District and have taught in Richmond in the fall of 2012.
 
Why did I decide to teach elementary music?  Music is one of my greatest passions fueled by many years of study and performance.  I began by learning the piano at a very young age followed by professional voice lessons at the professional level.  I have made it one of my life’s goals to increase my knowledge of my two instruments voice and piano and now to share my abilities with elementary school children is a rare and wonderful opportunity. Also, I love teaching and working with children.  In the music classroom I am entusiastic and motivated to be creative and nurturing as I challenge my students to be the same.  From Mozart to Carly Rae Jepsen I will expose your child to a variety of musical genres.  It's a great time to be in music!
 


 
Outside of the classroom I have studied Jazz piano and have been a church pianist for 30 years I have accompanied vocalists and small singing groups throughout my career as a musician.  I have arranged many concerts and performances involving both young people and adults in various venues and genres.
 
In my free time I enjoy, bike riding, hiking, kayaking, and traveling.  I enjoy making new friends and spending time with friends and family.  
Assignments for April 2020:  Go to my webpage below and scroll down to your grade level.  

Please visit my webpage at richmondmusicforkids.weebly.com

David Finlay
Music Teacher
Richmond Community Schools
Will L. Lee Elementary
68399 S. Forest Richmond, Michigan 48062
O: (586) 727-2509* F: (586) 727-9223
Email

www.richmond.k12.mi.us  
  >
I encourage all to enjoy the activities on this teacher page simply scroll down to your appropriate grade level class!
ALSO NOTE: Jamie Thiel in the district office is able to print copies of any activity posted on my teacher page.
If you have any questions please email me at my above address.
Thank you and stay safe!

The activities below are encouraged but not required!

Fourth Grade listening and activity lessons during school closing

 

 

Songs to sing from youtube try and pick 3 that you like and sing along or at least listen intently:

https://youtu.be/URbYAaAK9OQ

 

https://youtu.be/yH61hFsma24

 

https://youtu.be/xg47uuIG3eg

 

https://youtu.be/8cCrRGYK2rY

 

https://youtu.be/RMWp2f9TOo4

 

https://youtu.be/RMWp2f9TOo4

 

https://youtu.be/QCN893hzueQ

Fourth Grade songs

For those who have no internet you know the tune just sing-a-long

America the Beautiful

Buffy Sainte-Marie

There were Choctaws in Alabama
Chippewas in St. Paul
Mississippi mud runs like a river in me
America 
Ooh, she's like a mother to me

Oh beautiful for spacious skies
For amber waves of grain
For purple mountain majesty
Above the fruited plain

America, America
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea
From sea to shining sea

There were cliff towns in Colorado
Pyramids in Illinois
Trade routes up and down the Mississippi River to see
America 
Ooh, she's like a mother to me

Oh beautiful for vision clear
That sees beyond the years
Thy night time sky
Our hopes that fly
Undimmed by human tears

America, America
God shed His grace on thee
'Til selfish gain no longer stain
The banner of the free

And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea
From sea to shining sea

 

 

God Bless The U.S.A.

Lee Greenwood

If tomorrow all the things were gone
I worked for all my life
And I had to start again
With just my children and my wife

I thank my lucky stars
To be living here today
'Cause the flag still stands for freedom
And they can't take that away

And I'm proud to be an American
Where at least I know I'm free
And I won't forget the men who died
Who gave that right to me
And I'd gladly stand up next to you
And defend Her still today
'Cause there ain't no doubt
I love this land
God Bless the U.S.A.

From the lakes of Minnesota
To the hills of Tennessee
Across the plains of Texas
From sea to shining sea

From Detroit down to Houston
And New York to L.A.
Where's pride in every American heart
And it's time we stand and say

That I'm proud to be an American
Where at least I know I'm free
And I won't forget the men who died
Who gave that right to me
And I'd gladly stand up next to you
And defend Her still today
'Cause there ain't no doubt
I love this land
God Bless the U.S.A.

And I'm proud to be an American
Where at least I know I'm free
And I won't forget the men who died
Who gave that right to me
And I'd gladly stand up next to you
And defend Her still today
'Cause there ain't no doubt
I love this land
God Bless the U.S.A.

 

 

If I Had a Hammer

Trini Lopez

If I had a hammer
I'd hammer in the morning 
I'd hammer in the evening
All over this land 
I'd hammer out danger
I'd hammer out a warning
I'd hammer out love between 
My brothers and my sisters, ah-ah
All over this land

If I had a bell
I'd ring it in the morning
I'd ring it in the evening
All over this land 
I'd ring out danger
I'd ring out a warning 
I'd ring out love between 
My brothers and my sisters, ah-ah
All over this land

If I had a song
I'd sing it in the morning
I'd sing it in the evening
All over this world
I'd sing out danger
I'd sing out a warning
I'd sing out love between 
My brothers and my sisters ah-ah
All over this land

I got a hammer
And I've got a bell
And I've got a song to sing
All over this land
It's the hammer of justice
It's the bell of freedom
It's the song about love between 
My brothers and my sisters
All over this land
All over this land
All over this land
All over this land
All over this land
All over this land
All over this land

 

There's a bright golden haze on the meadow,
There's a bright golden haze on the meadow,
The corn is as high as an elephant's eye,
An' it looks like its climbin' clear up to the sky.
Oh what a beautiful morning,
Oh what a beautiful day,
I've got a wonderful feeling,
Everything's going my way.
Repeat All the cattle are standing like statues,
They don't turn their heads as they see me ride by.
But a little brown mav'rick is winking her eye.
Repeat All the sounds of the earth are like music,
All the sounds of the earth are like music,
The breeze is so busy it don't miss a tree,
And an ol' Weepin' Willer is laughin' at me.
Repeat

 

Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah

Ray GilbertAllie Wrubel

Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, Zip-a-dee-ay!
My oh my, what a wonderful day!
Welcoming back Brer Rabbit today.
We always knew that he'd get away!

He's had enough of movin' on now.
It's where he's born and bred in.
The briar patch is where he's headin'.

Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, Zip-a-dee-ay!
Wonderful feeling, wonderful day!

Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, Zip-a-dee-ay!
My oh my, what a wonderful day!
Plenty of sunshine heading our way.
We never doubted he'd get away!

Moving on taught him a lesson.
You've learned it well, Brer Rabbit.
Gettin' caught's a nasty habit.

Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, Zip-a-dee-ay!
Wonderful feeling, feeling this way!

Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, Zip-a-dee-ay!
It's a time for celebratin' today!
Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, Zip-a-dee-ay!
Gathered together this wonderful day!

Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, Zip-a-dee-ay!
Brer Fox and Brer Bear are gonna get it today.
Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, Zip-a-dee-ay!
That hungry gator's gettin' his way!

Mr. Bluebird on my shoulder.
It's the truth, it's actual.
Everything is satisfactual.

Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, Zip-a-dee-ay!
Wonderful feelling, wonderful day!

Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, Zip-a-dee-ay!
My oh my what a wonderful day!

 

This Little Light of Mine

Gospel Dream

This Little Light Of Mine,
I'm gonna let it shine,
This Little Light Of Mine,
I'm gonna let it shine,
This Little Light Of Mine,
Yes, I'm gonna let it shine,
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine

The light that shines is the light of love,
Lights the darkness from above,
It shines on you and it shines on me,
And it shows what the light of love can do.
I'm gonna shine my light both far and near,
I'm gonna shine mine light bright and clear,
Where there's a dark corner in this land
I'm gonna let my little light shine.

This Little Light Of Mine,
I'm gonna let it shine,
This Little Light Of Mine,
I'm gonna let it shine,
This Little Light Of Mine,
Yes, I'm gonna let it shine,
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine

On Monday he gave me the gift of love,
Tuesday peace came from above,
Wednesday he told me to have more faith,
And on Thursday he brought me the gift of grace.
And then on Friday he told me "Watch and pray",
And then on Saturday what to say,
On Sunday he gave me the power divine
To let my little light shine.

This Little Light Of Mine,
I'm gonna let it shine,
This Little Light Of Mine,
I'm gonna let it shine,
This Little Light Of Mine,
Yes, I'm gonna let it shine,
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine

 

 

 

Fanfare for the common man by Aaron Copeland. 

This has a listening map that the students will learn to identify musical instruments by their sound.

https://youtu.be/wGVGEY7IMHM

 

The Wavin’ Flag by K’naan.

https://youtu.be/WTJSt4wP2ME

 

Wavin’ flag with lyrics.

https://youtu.be/EBl2PVjVNqA


Fifth grade Recorders

Here is a link for the Recorder karate book for those who would like to practice while your at home.

https://vanekmusic.zohosites.com/files/Recorder%20Karate.pdf

 

Here are some tutorial (teaching) links for learning the songs on the recorder.  Give it no more than either 5-10 minutes per day or a total of 45 minutes per week. 

 

Old Macdonald had a Farm

https://youtu.be/EEYXJgeLo-c

 

Oh When The Saints Go Marching In

https://youtu.be/bn6T0XumIe0

 

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

https://youtu.be/TRN_RGU_BAM

 

Amazing Grace

https://youtu.be/c2H24KXaXRY

 

Ode To Joy

https://youtu.be/oK3iEZEUmVk

 

Here are some listening and singing links from youtube if you’d like to listen or sing along:

 

https://youtu.be/URbYAaAK9OQ

 

https://youtu.be/yH61hFsma24

 

https://youtu.be/xg47uuIG3eg

 

https://youtu.be/8cCrRGYK2rY

 

https://youtu.be/RMWp2f9TOo4

 

https://youtu.be/RMWp2f9TOo4

 

https://youtu.be/QCN893hzueQ

 

 

Fanfare for the common man by Aaron Copeland. 

This has a listening map that the students will learn to identify musical instruments by their sound.

https://youtu.be/wGVGEY7IMHM

 

The Wavin’ Flag by K’naan.

https://youtu.be/WTJSt4wP2ME

 

Wavin’ flag with lyrics.

https://youtu.be/EBl2PVjVNqA


7th and 8th grade Choir
Encouraged Not required!

 

     At the top center click “Exercises” 

Scroll down and click on note identification  

Go to the gear on the top right 

Click on treble range  

Make the top the end G above the staff 

And make the low end middle C 

Make key signatures to only C 

Note names “Solfege (movable do). 

Turn off accidentals 

Go through these exercises for a few minutes. 

 

For Key Signature practice 

  1. At the top left click the house 

  1. While still on exercises, click key signature identification. 

  1. Click the gear on the top right of screen. 

  1. Make Key Signatures C, F, and G only! 

  1. Scales should be Major! 

Please enjoy trying the website options!  

Also I have prepared a Quizlet just for practice and NO it is NOT REQUIRED!
Here is the Link:

https://quizlet.com/_87yx6f?x=1qqt&i=2qkgn4

At First begin the activity as flash chards and then quiz yourself.  This will be very easy for some and more difficult for others.  Enjoy!


Next Activities you will need:

A working computer

2.My PowerPoint presentation

3.Copies of the Choral Listening Activity

Students should be reading the questions and answering



Copy and paste the link to open each listening activity. Each listening example will be on YouTube.

 

https://youtu.be/WdnPAIFn32A
https://youtu.be/_rNqWoOfN8A
https://youtu.be/fvPynMI6Umc


Questions to answer during listening activity

Name ____________________________________________________________

 Choral Listening Activity

Today you will be stepping into the role of choral judge for the following ensembles: Stellenbosch University Choir, Trinity College Choir, and BYU Men’s Chorus. Your job is to leave positive and constructive feedback to these singers. Remember –being a judge has many responsibilities! Listen and watch closely to give back specific feedback so they can grown even more as musicians.

Performance 1, Say Something sung by the Stellenbosch University Choir

1. What kind of voicing does this choir have?

a.SA

b.TTB

c.SATB

 

2. Are the singers remaining still or are the moving? Please leave them your thoughts.

 

3. Is the song they are performing a traditional choral song or is this something you would hear on the radio?

a.Traditional Choral Song

b.I would hear this on the radio

 

4. How would you describe the choirs vowels and vowel shape? Please leave them your thoughts.

5. Please write one positive comment and one constructive comment to the Stellenbosch University Choir

Performance 2, Indodanasung by the Stellenbosch University Choir

6. This is the Stellenbosch’s second performance. How is this song different from Say Something?

a.There are only treble voices singing

b.There are only bass voices singing

c.The song in in another language

 

7.Does singing in another language affect their vowel shape? Explain?

 

8. As a judge, do you feel the emotion the choir is expressing with their faces on stage fits the song or is distracting? Explain.

 

9. Please rate the Stellenbosch choir on their use of dynamics.

a.Superior

b.Excellent

c.Good

d.Average

e.Poor

 

10. Please write one positive comment and one constructive comment to the Stellenbosch University Choir

Performance 3, Only in Sleep sung by the Cambridge Trinity Choir

11. How is the choir arranged for this performance? Is this the normal way a choir performs on risers?

 

12. Only in sleep features a solo singers that sings throughout the song.

a.True

b.False

 

13. Do you feel that the soloist overpowers the choir? Or do you feel the choir sometimes overpowers the soloist? Explain.

 

14. The solo singer in this performance is a mathematics major in college. Would you encourage her to pursue music or stay with math. Why or why not?

______________________________________________________

15. Please rate the overall performance of  the Cambridge Trinity Choir

a.Superior

b.Excellent

c.Goodd.Averagee.Poor

 

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