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The Art of Music

December 10, 2025 by szachik@pvs.org Leave a Comment

Part of thebirdonfire.org feature series on Art Live!

By Sami Alnabelsi and Mason Conway

Art is something that can be looked at, or listened to. It provides a feeling whether that be happy, sad, angry, or a mix of all. Not anyone can do art; art takes skill and persistence that takes years to perfect–making art isn’t easy; in fact, it’s quite challenging. The challenge applies to making music. It takes skill and hard work to make an audience feel a variety of emotions. 

Music is a very complex form of art that includes so many different styles and artists. Music has existed for tens of thousands of years, evolving and developing new ways to express emotions. Here we conduct surveys to figure out what types of music people in our Palm Valley School community like best. 

For me, Sami, my favorite style of music is a mix of everything, while Mason’s style is rap, and his favorite artist is Kanye West. But, what does our survey prove? We asked PVS students who their favorite music artist was, what specific music genre they liked best, and why?

Millie Flemings from 8th grade said she liked the music artist Tyler the Creator. She also liked RNB and hip hop. Millie says she likes this artist and these genres of music because she finds them very pleasing to the ear, there’s a good mix of vocals, and overall everything is well mixed. 

Gabe Rodriguez Portugues, a senior, says his favorite singer is Prince. Gabe’s favorite style of music is vaporwave–an electronic music subgenre and visual art style because it encompasses many different genres, and often samples music from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s, so it gives Gabe a nostalgic feel. 

Fellow blogger Sarah Alnabelsi said that she liked Katy Perry and felt the best style or genre of music was rap. When we asked her why, she said that the rhythm in the music was something she really liked. 

Logan Lackey from the 6th grade says his favorite band is the Eagles. And his favorite genre is rap because it rhymes. 

Lastly, 7th-grader Roman Mathews says that his favorite music artist is Tupac, and if he had to choose a genre of music it would be hip hop as he enjoys the melody of the music. 

Where do we find our favorite music? Spotify. Photo Credit: Sami Alnabelsi.

To conclude, Palm Valley School is home to many peoples’ unique and interesting favorite artists and genres. Music is expressed in so many ways–whether it be at a party in the summer listening to some hip hop, or walking downtown having earbuds playing rap, or even a rainy day inside your house listening to jazz. The possibilities are endless. Song can literally be the background music of our lives. Daniel Bagheri of 7th grade says when he walks his dog he listens to some jazz and happy tunes. Music can dictate how we feel, or represent it.

Filed Under: Aesthetic, Art, Music Tagged With: Mason Conway, Sami Alnabelsi, The Art of Music

What’s Your Favorite Song?

May 2, 2025 by szachik@pvs.org Leave a Comment

By Sixth-Grade Bloggers Dior Halum & Sophia Nayfack

We’re talking about favorite things this week. Sophia Nayfack and Dior Halum turned to music. Everybody’s got a favorite musical something. So, they surveyed the Middle and Upper School, asking Palm Valley students, teachers, and staff such questions as, “Who is your favorite musical artist?” and “What is your favorite genre?” As expected, there is a wide variety of opinions at Palm Valley School.

Our Music Correspondents talked to the following:

Senior Rachel De La O 

Dior: “What is your favorite song, and who sings it?”

Rachel: “‘Lover, You Should’ve Come Over’ by Jeff Buckley.”

English Teacher Ms. Maguire

Sophia: “What is your favorite nursery rhyme and why?”

Ms. Maguire: “‘One Misty Moisty Morning’ because it is so fun to say.”

Sophomore Olivia Puetz

Dior: “What is your favorite song and why?”

Olivia: “My favorite song is ’Promise’ by When in Rome because it’s from my favorite movie.”

7th-Grader Emmy Kaminsky

Sophia: “Who is your favorite singer and why?”

Emmy: “I have two–Megan Moroney because she is a queen and Morgan Wallen because he’s a huzz.”

Sophomore Brooklyn Hatrak

Dior: “What is your favorite song, and who sings it?”

Brooklyn: “‘Headfirst Slide into Cooperstown on a Bad Bet’ by Fallout Boy.” 

8th-Grader Zoe Groendyke

Sophia: “What is your favorite genre of music, and what is your favorite song in that genre?”

Zoe: “My favorite genre of music is classical and the song is Prokofiev’s ‘Peter and the Wolf of 67 Saint Saens.’” 

7th-Grader Sarah Alnabelsi

Dior: “What is your favorite nursery song and why?” 

Sarah: “‘Hey Diddle Diddle’ because it rhymes nice.”

Sophomore Rylie Conway

Sophia: “What is your favorite song and why?”

Rylie: “‘Oakland Island’ because I like the beat.”

Sophomore Evan Wang

Dior: “What is your favorite nursery rhyme and why?”

Evan: “‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ because it is nice and calming.”

Senior Lily Jones

Sophia: “What is your favorite song and why?”

Lily: “‘Ivy’ because it talks about spring, and that’s my favorite season.”

Math Teacher Mr. Gil

Dior: “What is your favorite genre of music, and what is your favorite song in that genre?”

Mr. Gil: “Pop and ‘Birds of a Feather.’”

Ms. Emma 

Sophia: “What is your favorite song, and who sings it?”

Ms. Emma: “‘I Fall Apart’ by Post Malone.”

Freshman John Webster

Dior: “What is your favorite song, and who sings it?”

John: “‘Beautiful’ by U2.”

Sophomore Louisa Richardson

Sophia: “What is your favorite song, and who sings it?”

Louisa: “‘Gypsy Woman’ by Crystal Waters.”

Freshman Nevan Owsley

Dior: “What is your favorite song and why?”

Nevan: “‘My Way of Life’ by Frank Sinatra because his music is nice.”

8th-Grader Ryder Gardner

Sophia: “What is your favorite genre of music?”

Ryder: “Rap.”

Sophomore Leah Ferreira

Dior: “What is your favorite song, and who sings it?”

Leah: “‘Pink and White’ by Frank Ocean.”

History Teacher Mr. Satterfield 

Sophia: “What is your favorite nursery rhyme and why?”

Mr. Satterfield: “‘Humpty Dumpty’ because of the rhyme.”

Senior Kiera Nash

Dior: “What is your favorite song, and who sings it?”

Kierra: “‘West Coast’ by Lana Del Ray.”

Sophomore Shayan Habibipour

Dior: “Who is your favorite singer, and why do you like them?”

Shayan: “Bad Bunny because me and my sister both like him, so it’s a good bonding experience.”

7th-Grader Julian Berumen

Sophia: “What is your favorite song, and who sings it?”

Julian: “‘Sloppy Seconds Pt 2’ by Lay Bankz.”

6th-Grader Levy Laberge Ranger

Sophia: “Who is your favorite singer, and what is your favorite song by them?”

Levy: “‘Earfquake’ by Tyler the Creator.”

6th-Grader Mikel Lomsky

Sophia: “Who is your favorite singer, and what is your favorite song by them?”

Mikel: “‘Midnight City’ by M8T.”

6th-Grader Charlie Joyce

Dior: “Who is your favorite singer, and what is your favorite song by them?”

Charlie: “‘Outkast’ by Ms. Jackson.”

6th-Grader Daniel Bagheri

Sophia: “What is your favorite song and who sings it?”

Daniel: “‘Franchise’ by Travis Scott.”

6th-Grader Miller Bacal 

Dior: “What is your favorite song, and who sings it?”

Miller: “‘Peach Fuzz’ by KMD.”

There is a variety of music taste throughout the entire school. Some people like Rap and some like Country, but there was not one person who had the same favorite song, which is very interesting. We would like to thank all the people who let us interview them!

Filed Under: Music, Readers Respond, The World Tagged With: Dior Halum, Sophia Nayfack

Music To My Ears

April 29, 2025 by szachik@pvs.org 1 Comment

By Middle-School Blogger Soleil Antle 

Music, a harmony of emotion in which people listen to escape their lives and be free, often brings comfort. Music comes in many forms, enough to fit anyone’s personality. From the intense beats of hip hop to the soft melodies of classical symphony, music soothes and moves. I’ve asked my fellow seventh graders about what soothes and moves them. 

PVS 7th-graders Emmy Kaminsky, Max Pretorius, and Ben Rouche have music tastes as varied and eclectic as they are.

What is your favorite song?

Morgan:

Right now I’m loving “Revolving door” by Tate McRae. 

Max:

I need to think about that for a little. . . . “California Gurls” by Katy Perry.

Gavin: 

Uhhhhh, it would be “Quarentine” by Tim Montana.

Grace: 

Right now “Mrs. Whitman” by Bhad Bhabie.

Sarah: 

Uh, what’s it called . . . . ”Luther” by SZA.

Julian:

“Heather” by Conan Grey.

Calum: 

My favorite song is “on one tonight” by Gunna. 

Ivana: 

“Boomerang” by Jojo Siwa!

Silvanita:

I don’t really have one, but if I had to choose one it would be “Chess Type Beat.” 

Jaxon:

“Peppa Pig” theme song.

Emerson Dunn:

Ummm, “Notion” by The Rare Occasions.

Millie:

“Birds of a Feather” by Billie Ellish. 

Ben: 

I don’t really have one, but if I had to choose it would be “Billie Jean,” by Michael Jackson.

Mason:

“Veggietales” theme song!!!!

Devlin:

“Immortal” by Fall Out Boy; it’s a good song.

Emmy:

”Noah” by Megan Moroney, for surezies. 

Peter:

Idk, “Fireball” by Pitbull.

Jackie:

I like the Happy Birthday song. 

These answers were nothing short of what was expected of the crazy, chaotic, and lively seventh grade class. All students of the graduating year of 2030 have personality and aren’t afraid to speak their mind. Maxwell Pretorius was jamming out early that day to the sounds of his favorite song “California Gurls.” Katy Perry definitely made him smile. My favorite song is anything by Tate McRae, but if I had to narrow to one, I’d have to choose “Siren Sounds (bonus).” I’ve linked the song “Siren Sounds (bonus)” below. Give it a listen. At the end of the day everyone is different, but music is a thing everyone can enjoy. 

Filed Under: Aesthetic, Culture, Music Tagged With: music to my ears, Soleil Antle

Indy’s Favorite Christmas Songs

December 6, 2023 by szachik@pvs.org 2 Comments

By Senior Indiana Behr

It’s December, so it’s the holiday season! Or, it’s been the holiday season for months if you shop at Costco. Some people think starting the celebration in November is too early, but I disagree. I mean, Mariah Carey said “It’s time,” and she is the Queen of Christmas. Here at thebirdonfire.org, we decided to direct our creative energies toward our “Favorite” something. I was feeling festive, so I decided to write about what I think are the best Christmas songs. I am gonna rank the top 8, and I will add a couple honorable mentions. There will be some classics like the very popular “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” by Darlene Love but also more modern tunes like “Underneath the Tree” by Kelly Clarkson. Here we go, . . . in reverse order, #8 on the Indy Scale all the way to #1.


8. “Silver Bells” – Stevie Wonder

This song was originally written in 1950 for Bing Crosby, but my favorite version of this song is Stevie Wonder’s 1967 rendition. This song is about Christmas decorations and, of course, silver bells being put up throughout a city. Wonder sings about anticipating Christmas day’s arrival as it gets closer and closer. His voice is so powerful and a great fit for this song, and it has become one of my favorites over the last few years.

7. “Cozy Little Christmas” — Katy Perry

You might not be familiar with this one, but I really like it. It’s not a very emotional, powerful song about the past. It’s just about enjoying present time with family on Christmas. It was released in November 2018 only on Amazon Music, which I, as well as many others, do not subscribe to, so I had not heard of this song until she re-published it everywhere the following year. I wish this had a wider release earlier because it’s so catchy and pleasant, and it is one of my favorite songs when I don’t want something that is super intense. 

6. “Christmas Tree Farm (Old Tymey Version)” – Taylor Swift

“Christmas Tree Farm” by Taylor Swift was released only five days after it was written. It was 2019; her album Lover had been released just a couple months before, and it was December 1. She decided she wanted to write a Christmas song. She chose to write about growing up on what became a Christmas tree farm during the holidays, and how those are her best memories of Christmas. She talks about how now she is experiencing “Stress and holiday shopping traffic \ But I close my eyes and I’m somewhere else \ Just like magic.” She sings about mistakes being forgiven and “kids dreaming of sleighs.” I think it’s a very fun song, and the Old Tymey Version she released with more traditional instrumentals in 2021 is even better in my opinion. 

5. “Winter Wonderland” — Darlene Love

Darlene Love is the only artist to appear on this list twice, and it shouldn’t be a surprise. This song originally came from legendary music producer Phil Spector’s Christmas album A Christmas Gift for You, which contains so many classics. Unfortunately, Phil Spector was convicted of murder in 2009 and died in prison two years ago, but that album is nevertheless perfect. Some of today’s most iconic songs, like the Ronnettes’s renditions of “Sleigh Ride” and “Frosty the Snowman,” and another song coming up are from this album. Darlene Love performs four songs on this album, and this is my second favorite from it. This song was not originally written to be a Christmas song, but it has become a staple. There are many renditions of this song, and I think this is the best. The instrumentals are amazing, and the vocal performance is great, too.

4. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” — Mariah Carey

I don’t even need to recommend this song, because of course you know it. No other modern Christmas song’s success even comes close to “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” I bet that when you hear those first 13 chimes in the intro, you know what’s coming, and that is one of the best Christmas songs ever made. Even though Carey laments that it won’t be Christmas without “you,” I think it isn’t Christmas without this song. Carey and co-writer Walter Afanasieff have stated that the song only took 15 minutes to both write and compose, which is truly insane considering how well put together this song is. 

3. “Santa Tell Me” — Ariana Grande 

“Santa Tell Me” by Ariana Grande was only released nine years ago, but became a pop Christmas hit almost immediately, and for good reason. It has a nice blend of Ariana Grande’s usual style with a touch of Christmas. In the song, Grande addresses Santa about how she feels like those she falls in love with never reciprocate fully. The lyrics, though, are not sad, and actually pretty fun. The chorus of “Santa, tell me if you’re really there \ Don’t make me fall in love again \ If he won’t be here next year” is super catchy, and I am a big fan. As per usual with Grande, the vocal performance is very impressive. I highly recommend giving this song a listen. 

2. “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” — Darlene Love

In my opinion, “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” is the best song from Phil Spector’s 1963 Christmas album. This song is sad, but it is so good. I can never help but sing along. The “Please, please, please” in the outro is heartbreaking, but so well done. She describes being alone on Christmas, and states that in spite of the “pretty lights on the tree” and the “town all ringing in song,” “it’s not like Christmas at all.” The lyrics are certainly sad, and yet the song is made in a way that never makes me sad. This might be the first Christmas song I became familiar with, as it’s always been a favorite in my family.

1. “Underneath the Tree” — Kelly Clarkson

Photo Source: thedailybeast

Finally, my favorite Christmas song. This song is perfect. The twinkling instrumentals in the intro are incredible. It holds the same power as the intro to Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You.” The lyrics are almost like the opposite of Darlene Love’s classic “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).” Clarkson reflects on previous Christmases, and even if there is snow and presents, “It just wasn’t the same \ Alone on Christmas day.” Later in the song, however, she is not alone and commits that “Tonight, I’m gonna hold you close \ Make sure that you know \ I was lost before you.” This song has been compared to Mariah Carey’s modern classic and has been called one of the best modern Christmas songs, but I genuinely think it is the best one of all time. I don’t think Christmas is Christmas without it.


A Couple Honorable Mentions in No Particular Order

“Carol of the Bells” — John Williams

Fellow thebirdonfire.org writer Gil mentioned this song when we were discussing my article. This song is great, but always has been kinda eerie in my opinion. I think the John Williams version from classic Christmas movie Home Alone makes this song even more haunting, and it is my favorite.

“Sleigh Ride” — The Ronnettes 

Once again from Phil Spector’s Christmas album rears its festive head; this is my favorite take on this song. The background “Ring-a-ling-a-ling-a-ding-dong-ding” makes this take on the song very special, and it has the same magic that so many of the other songs on this album have. 


If there was a song on this list you haven’t heard of, I encourage you to give it a listen. If you disagree with one of my selections or think I left an important piece off this list, leave a comment. Even better, let me know of a song that doesn’t get much as much attention as it deserves. Happy holidays.

Filed Under: Aesthetic, Culture, Entertainment, Festivities, Music Tagged With: Indiana Behr, Indy's Favorite Christmas Songs

The Aesthetics of Paranoia

November 9, 2023 by szachik@pvs.org 1 Comment

Occasionally, we at The Bird on Fire are gifted with contributions from guest bloggers. One of our favorite guests is the apparently mild-mannered Mr. Hesson from the Math Department. We find Mr. Hesson has many layers and many passions. He shares with us here his interest in a particularly uneasy music genre.

By Middle-Upper School Mathematics Teacher Mr. Eric Hesson

In some small way, I believe that an essential part of the modern human experience is our attraction to fear. As much as we may hate the feeling, we seem to delight in confronting it on our own terms. Art and entertainment has thus been fashioned to sate this hunger, to deliver an experience of fear within the bounds of relative safety. This is seen most obviously in horror, a genre typified by portrayals of intense shock and terror. But there is also art which incorporates a more subdued sort of fear. A muted dread, a slow suspense, a gentle lacing of anxiety into the mundane. This is the aesthetic I wish to explore here – a style in art (and particularly music) which I truly love – an aesthetic of paranoia.

Paranoia is an omnidirectional fear – a fear of everyone and everything, of danger lurking around every corner. But since it is diffused so broadly, its potency can be diluted, allowing it to fade into the background. Paranoid art uses fear in this way – as a constant, a ubiquitous tonal center. While horror juxtaposes extremes of tension and release, paranoid art marries the two, weaving tension in consistently with the calm. It makes the fear inescapable, but dials down its intensity so it can be appreciated merely as ambiance.

In certain eras in recent history, an aesthetic of paranoia has found its way into mainstream popular culture, driven perhaps by sociopolitical unrest or widespread fear of the future. The 1990s were one such time. As the decade went on and the millennium drew closer, fear seemed to creep into the zeitgeist more and more – fear of the rapid transformation of society via computers and the internet, fear of the year 2000, fear of catastrophe and apocalypse. Many films and series produced at the time echoed this anxiety, perhaps most notably The X-Files. Its opening credits sequence is a perfect encapsulation of 90s paranoia.

The X-Files Intro (1993)

We see the same kind of paranoid futurism in much of the electronic music produced in this era. Records by The Orb, Meat Beat Manifesto, The Future Sound of London and others leaned into a dark, anxious tech-noir aesthetic, reflecting both the excitement and the fear surrounding rapid technological growth.

Dead Cities
ORBITAL — P.E.T.R.O.L — Paul and Phil Hartnoll

To this day, the paranoid aesthetic continues to thrive in electronic music. I find it works especially well within the realm of ambient techno, a genre characterized by hypnotic rhythms and atmospheric soundscapes. While the simple, repetitive beats in these tracks create a bedrock of comfort, paranoid vibes can be woven into the mix through the pads, reverberations, arpeggios and melodic loops.

Into the Maze

Andy Stott — Posers

Spore

This is the style that appeals to me the most – a manifestation of paranoia within an atmosphere of relative calm; a subtle soundscape suffused with creeping dread. I find this muted, surface-level exploration of fear to be incredibly captivating. Indeed, it gives me a sense of confidence – it reflects the anxiety I experience in my daily life, but in a way that is safe, comfortable, easy. It makes the anxiety feel less oppressive by recontextualizing it as a part of something beautiful.

Filed Under: Alternate Realities, Entertainment, Music Tagged With: Mr. Eric Hesson, The Aesthetics of Paranoia

Study with me–to music

December 16, 2022 by szachik@pvs.org Leave a Comment

By Upper-Schooler Alyna Rei

In my last post, I talked about studying for your exams. In one of my hacks of studying, I suggested that studying with music is recommended. Studying is one of the many things that take up my life. It’s not one of my favorite things so I try to make myself as comfortable as I can. That being said, listening to music helps me calm my mind down and helps me retain information. Here are some of my musical picks that aid me while studying.

Classical Music

Classical music is one of the many music genres that help me get in the zone. Since there are rarely any words, you can just focus on the music without getting distracted. Instrumental piano pieces are definitely a pick of mine. Any instrument that is on the calmer side or that complements the piano is also a favorite of mine. Pictured are my favorites at the moment.

Calm Music

I’m not really sure what genre of music these songs would be called. R&B? Ambient music? All I know is that these calm me down and put me into the zone of studying. Even though there are lyrics to these, the music and lyrics complement each other and don’t distract me. The lyrics are subtle and aren’t so “ in your face.” Here are some of my favorites.

Lo-Fi Music

I feel like Lo-Fi music is really meant for studying. It’s a lot different from classical music. It’s just calm electronic music with no lyrics. You can find a lot of these on YouTube. All you have to search is “study music” or Lo-Fi music and you can find some playlists–some that last up to ten hours long! The music gives off a cool and relaxing vibe that easily puts you at ease.

When I am studying or just doing homework, I tend to use calm music the most. But, if I feel like it, I branch out to  these other genres as well. Try it; see if the studying improves. Come January, you have a whole new semester to get studying in.

Filed Under: Advice, Music Tagged With: Alyna Rei, Study with me--to music

My Favorite Eastern European Bands

December 14, 2022 by szachik@pvs.org Leave a Comment

By Junior Remy Haring

We’re embarking on Winter Holiday. It’s a good time for sleeping, holiday gathering, and exploring new music. Feel like listening to some Eastern European bands? Remy’s got some bands to start with.

Since quarantine, I have delved into the rabbit hole that is Eastern European bands. Originally, it started off as a curiosity and a way to find sad music from another part of the world and gradually evolved into about half of my taste in music. The following, in reverse order, are some of my personal favorite bands from Eastern Europe. Try them; expand your repertoire; you might like them.

4. Padkarosda (Bench Seat)

Photo Source: lastfm.freetls

Hailing from Budapest, Hungary, Padkarosda is a nihilist punk band. It is a trio consisting of Gergő Vitéz, Rómeó Veréb, and Viktor Böcskey (discogs.com).

With shrieking vocals, frantic guitar and drums, and dark lyrics, I would recommend this band for anyone who enjoys emo or punk. My personal favorite albums are Sötét Végek (Dark End), Visszatérő Rémálom (Returning Nightmare), and Tétova Lelkek (Hesitating Souls).

The album cover for Visszatérő Rémálom 
The album cover Sötét Végek
Tétova Lelkek‘s album cover

       

3. Chernikovskaya Hata

Photo Source: discogs.com

Little is known about Chernikovskaya Hata. All I can find about them is that they are based in Ufa, Russia; they do post-punk covers of old 80s pop songs; and that the “band” seems to consist of one person by the name of Ryan Shpirtz. That being said, I think their covers sometimes surpass the original in terms of quality. Shpirtz has a deep, melancholic voice and is a talented guitarist and synth player. My personal favorite songs are “Chio-Chio San,” “Nazhmi Na Knopku” (Press the Button), and “Belaya Noch’” (White Night).

2. Moy Drug Magnitofon (My Friend Tape Recorder)

Photo Source: Мой друг магнитофон

Hailing from Saint Petersburg, Russia, Moy Drug Magnitofon is an odd little experimental electronic band that consists of Nikita Savra for the vocalist and guitarist, Artem Morgunov, as the bassist and Ira Lapteva as keyboardist and vocalist (rateyourmusic.com).

All of their songs have a great beat and backing track and… interesting vocals. My favorite songs have to be “Obosranniy Geroy” (Crap Hero), “Mërtviy Vecher” (Dead Evening), and “Petlya” (The Loop).

1. Kino (Film)

Photo Source: luxpro.mc

If there is anything you know about me, I love this band. Kino was a rock band that was popular in the 80s and was also based in Saint Petersburg. To give you an idea of how big this band was, it was like the Soviet version of Nirvana. The songs deal with a variety of themes from love and freedom to war and wanting change. The headman, Viktor Tsoi, wrote all of the songs himself and even at the height of his band, still worked in a boiler room.

Personally, I recommend his songs “Gruppa Krovi” (Blood Type), which is about a man fighting in the Soviet-Afghan war, and “Khochu Peremen” (We Want Changes), which is about life in the Soviet Union and the desire for it to change. Viktor Tsoi had a very distinctive voice, was a really talented acoustic guitarist, and his lyrics remain very poetic. Viktor Tsoi died in 1990.

Above: Viktor Tsoi

I hope you enjoy this little list and hope that you check out these hidden gems.  There is truly a massive treasure trove of music that I have only scratched the surface of.

I have found all of these bands through YouTube. Kino and Moy Drug Magnitofon are on Spotify; Padkarosda is on Bandcamp, and Chernikovskaya Hata is only on YouTube as far as I am aware.

Filed Under: Music Tagged With: My Favorite Eastern European Bands, Remy Haring

Beethoven is de-composing

December 8, 2022 by szachik@pvs.org Leave a Comment

By Middle-Schooler Penny Andreas

Palm Valley students discover new music, make beautiful music, critique recently released
music, share compelling music. When streaming or listening or exploring music, we often search by musical genres. Penny shares her favorite genres, and one not-so-favorite. She has eclectic taste and may have some listening “finds” for you.

Out of the millions and billions and trillions of songs and albums, there are different genres. Basically, a genre is just a broad type of music. Many genres are  awesome, but these are some of my favorites, and one not-so-favorite. 

Number One: Indie Music

This is my absolute favorite genre of music because of its chill, slow-down vibe. I love the instruments they use, along with the subtle echo-y lyrics. It generally has a slow-ish and steady beat. This music is great to listen to while studying, reading, or basically doing anything mellow. My favorite artists in this genre are Em Beihold, Tame Impala, The Alvvays, and Giveon.

Photo Source: freepik.com

Number Two: Hip Hop and Rap

Hip hop and rap is a classic genre that has been around for a long time. I love hip hop because the sounds and the lyrics are good; some of them tell stories, while others may be about life. Though I do not recommend this type of music if you are not allowed to listen to “explicit lyrics.” There are some words that you might rather not want to ask your parents about….Anyways some of my favorite artists are Dr. Dre, Eminem, G-Unit, 50 Cent, Kendrik Lamar, Jay-Z, and Snoop Dogg. 

Number Three: Soul

Soul is one of the absolute greatest genres of all time. It first started in the early 1950s, with the rise of gospel music. This was very popular in Black churches, but it quickly spread beyond churches, and it evolved into what is now called soul. Soul is a very broad word for a variety of musical albums and artists, but it is mainly music with a steady beat and a symphony of trumpets, saxophones, and trombones with amazing vocal riffs. Some of my favorite artists in soul are Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, James Brown, and Marvin Gaye. 

And . . . One Dislike: Pop

Pop is pretty much just popular music all mushed into one genre. Honestly, I actually hate pop. There’s one specific sound that is just repeated over and over and over again. Also, so many people use samples that were made for original songs, by the original artist, which sounds like total plagiarism, though somehow they get away with it. 

Filed Under: Music Tagged With: Beethoven is de-composing, Penny Andreas

What the flute?

October 6, 2022 by szachik@pvs.org Leave a Comment

By 7th-Grader Penny Andreas

I’ve come to learn our PVS bloggers are skilled in surprising arenas: fencing, appearing to listen without truly listening (teachers and parents, take note), winning at Monopoly always. Penny, we come to find out, has been playing the flute for years. She shares with us the history and basics of making beautiful sounds come out of this reedy instrument.

Blog Advisor Zachik

Flutes are one of the earliest known instruments. There is record of them back in Germany over 35,000 years ago. Many cultures and traditions have their own style and version of flute playing. One of the oldest traditional flutes is the Japanese Shakuhachi.

The Shakuhachi

A Shakuhachi is a very ancient Japanese and Chinese flute. It is a wide, end-blown flute that is made out of madake bamboo with five finger holes. The bamboo flute was made in Japan in the 16th century, and it was called Fuke Shakuhachi. It was used often when meditating. Not many people play the Shakuhachi nowadays, but there are many soundtracks and songs that incorporate this peaceful flute. Try listening to Shakuhachi Japanese Bamboo Flute Meditation & Relaxation Music.

Western Concert Flute

This flute is very well known in places like the U.S. It is usually referred to simply as “the flute.” Western Concert Flutes are very common and are used as beginning instruments for bands. These flutes are mainly made out of metal, but really expensive ones can be gold or copper. The Western Concert Flute is again a very old flute. Did you know that George Washington, James Madison, and Leonardo da Vinci played the flute? (earlylightmusic.weebly)

I have been playing the flute for two years now. I started when I was 10, joining my school band. About three months in, I started to take lessons. My teacher taught me so many “flute hacks” and helped me become confident with my flute playing and performing. I was very self-conscious about my performance, until I did my first one. Hearing the trombones and all of the other instruments behind me was thrilling, and playing along, hearing the notes in symphony, was beautiful. (The celebration at the end was exciting, too.) 

Penny Andreas

Beginner Basics

    Now that you know at least some background on the flute, these are the first things to know when you are playing the flute. The flute can be very complicated. Playing the flute relies on moving your hands without seeing them. Want to play the flute? Make sure you have a lot of time because flute playing can be hard to master and learn.

The Three Main Parts

    One important thing about playing is setting up. The common flute has three parts: the head, the body, and the bottom. The head is obviously at the top, the body in the middle, and the bottom at the bottom. You can simply put these pieces together by just connecting them through the holes.

quora.com

Position

    Most people think that there is no wrong way to handle the flute. This is wrong. There is a special order to place your hands so you can reach all of the finger holes to create different notes. You always want your left hand holding the upper body, and facing behind you. Your right hand however will hold the lower part of the body AND the bottom. This hand should be facing in front of you. If you are sitting or standing while playing,  make sure that your back is straight. If you are slouching, it can affect your breathing and will make playing much harder.

Making a Sound

    When you first get your flute, trust me, you will automatically want to make noise. To be able to do this, you will need to know the key parts to making beautiful noise. Number one is your embouchure. This fancy word embouchure actually just means your mouth shape. This is very important because you simply can’t make a sound by just making a random circle shape with your mouth. A simple way to describe your embouchure is making your mouth look like you are about to whistle. Then slightly curve the ends of your mouth. This is what an embouchure for the flute should look like.

drcatesflutetips.wordpress.com

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    Now that you get the basic idea of flute playing, I recommend taking lessons or watching YouTube tutorials. For taking lessons, I would choose Amanda Barro. Even though she is in Idaho, she is a great teacher. You can work with her via Zoom or Facetime. For YouTube videos, you could watch basically anyone; they should all help you. A good site to start with is, Dr. Selfridge’s Flute Tutorials @ drselfridgemusic.com. I know flute playing requires a lot to take in, but it is definitely worth it. Playing the flute can calm you and is a great subject for bragging!

Filed Under: Advice, Learned Something New, Music Tagged With: Penny Andreas, What the flute?

The Art of Collecting Vinyl

August 24, 2022 by szachik@pvs.org 2 Comments

By Luke Sonderman

Why Vinyl Records Are Still Relevant

Vinyl records were released to consumers almost 90 years ago, giving everyday people the ability to listen to the exact music they want without having to turn on a radio (thevinylrevivers.com). This revolutionary invention changed the way people could enjoy music forever! 

To this day, vinyl records have been one of the most prominent ways to listen to music amongst the pickiest listeners. Now, you may think that vinyl is dead because of streaming and downloading music, but YOU ARE MOST UTTERLY WRONG! Mark Michalek of Fluance, a home theater company, said, “[A] proper vinyl pressing will reproduce an uncompressed signal with no additional artificial sound processing such as dynamic compression resulting in a greater effective dynamic range for a more life-like sound” (techradar.com). Through the uncompressed vinyl sound we can allow our ears to hear all of the frequencies of the music as if it was being performed in front of us. With streaming and downloading, we do not get the same live effect. 

Collecting Vinyl

Listening to the sound on vinyl records isn’t the only part of the massive appeal. Vinyl records have become collectables, and some even sell upwards of two million dollars! (hmv.com) Many vinyl stores sell their records pre-owned which creates a large vinyl scavenging frenzy. When a collector walks into a vinyl store, they have no idea what treasure they may walk out with. You may buy a first edition Led Zeppelin print worth thousands, or you may find an old worthless Zappa album that isn’t worth skat. 

Personally, I don’t search for valuable gems. I just look for pre-owned cheap records from groups I like because the new prints are wicked expensive.

What To Look For When Buying Pre-Owned Vinyl

  1. Inspect the vinyl record’s cover. If the cover is in good condition, it is a good sign that the record will also probably be in good condition. If the cover is in bad condition, the record will most definitely be in bad condition. When you find a record in perfect condition with a very beat-up cover, there is a large chance that the cover is not original to the record and the same can be said vice versa. 
  2. Check if the record has a sleeve inside the cover. Never buy a record without a sleeve. The vinyl cover will scratch the record if there is no sleeve protecting it. Of course, if a sleeve is very torn and worn, the record was probably taken in and out of the cover many times. Usually, record stores will replace the sleeve if it is torn, which is good because when you buy a record you want to be able to maintain its condition. 
  3. Of course, you need to check the condition of the record itself. Often, used records in record stores have accumulated lots of dust and grime which you will want to brush off before purchasing the record. After dusting off the record, look for any scratches on the record. As a general rule of thumb, if you can feel a scratch with your finger, then the stylus (needle) will be able to feel it too. Also check to make sure that the record isn’t warped and is completely flat. 

If all of that checks out,  then you should be good to buy the record. When spending large amounts of money on vintage records, I would recommend you ask the store owner if you can play the record before purchasing it, but I buy my records for less than 10 dollars, so it’s not a big deal to me. 

Here is a list of recommendations for used vinyl albums you should buy:

  • Houses of the Holy – Led Zeppelin
  • Appetite for Destruction – Guns and Roses
  • Wasting Light – Foo Fighters
  • Shout At The Devil – Motley Crue
  • Physical Graffiti – Led Zeppelin
  • 2112 – Rush
  • Too Fast For Love – Motley Crue

Filed Under: Advice, Culture, Entertainment, Music Tagged With: Luke Sonderman, The Art of Collecting Vinyl

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