This is the first webpage in a series of experiments. There are several goals to each page:
- Have fun.
- Learn something new.
- Create topics for families to discuss.
Nick Nack Paddy Whack
Have Fun
Hopefully you're getting to hear a version of This Old Man. You can also see a video of Wally playing the guitar. First, you need to have a version of a Real Audio Player that supports video. If you need help, please click here.
CLICK HERE to start watching the video.
In case you can't see that file format... or you would like a better quality picture, CLICK HERE for an .avi video clip. (1.4M .avi file)
If you need a whole bunch of help with multimedia, visit the multimedia
help section.
And, remember... don't forget to have fun! Join in and sing along.
Learn Something New
Folk music consists of tunes developed and performed at home, on the porch, in the basement or the attic... and, amongst friends, family, and strangers... often the song will tell a story, too... or shed light onto a new way of thinking. It can offer individuality and unity at the same time.
This song is an example of modern day American folk music. It is performed live... during the evening bedtime ritual of two children. The song takes on a story telling aspect by including the kids in the lyrics.
This song also exhibits traits of a style of music know as Dixieland Jazz - a form of music in which an old familiar tune is played in a spontaneous fashion. Did you notice that Wally says he doesn't know the song at the beginning, yet he joins right in? And, did you notice how the lyrics were adapted for the environment?
Topics for Families to Discuss
A. When is it a *good* time to act spontaneously? When is it better to carefully plan ahead?
B. Of course, you can talk about counting when it comes to this song - "He played one... two, three, etc." Of course, you can talk about the art of rhyming when it comes to this song. But, how often in the real world do we see the combining of the sciences (mathematics) with the arts (poetry/lyrics)? If you try making up your own lyrics for this song, you need to be able to count higher while continuing to figure out a word that rhymes with the next number. Go ahead... try it at home.
MegaEpix Enormous Presents