2nd Grade Blues

2nd graders just finished a unit all about the blues and where all those swingin' rhythms come from.  

We started in Africa, learning a folk dance called "Pata Pata."  We can trace some of our swingin' blues rhythms back to our Ancestors that came from Africa.

Next, we talked about how music played a big part in the lives of slaves in America.  We learned how to sing "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" and listened to Kathleen Battle sing it in her unique way.

Next on our journey, we learned how music influenced the underground railroad.  Did you know that some slaves escaped to freedom in Canada by following the lyrics of a song like a map?  That song is called "Follow the Drinking Gourd," and slaves in Mississippi learned the song from a man named Peg-Leg Joe.  He helped slaves escape and travel the underground railroad.  2nd grade students read the story of "Follow the Drinking Gourd," and then learned how to sing the song themselves!

Finally, we arrived at the blues!  All of these experiences in American history led to the creation of the 12 bar blues and blues and jazz styles (along with many others, like the French influence in New Orleans)!  

We listened to B.B. King sing about his guitar, Lucille. 

Second graders learned the 12-bar blues progression on boomwhackers

Then, students learned how to improvise over the 12-bar blues using swingin' rhythms!

Finally, 2nd graders wrote their own blues lyrics and put all of the parts together!  Here are some of our 2nd graders' blues songs:

Homesick Blues
By Ms. Otto's Class

I'm traveling on the road homesick for my home.
I'm traveling on the road homesick for my home.
It seems like blues are bugging me,
Now that I'm all alone.

I wish I hadn't left, I want to go back in time.
I wish I hadn't left, I want to go back in time.
Right now my heart is hurtin, 
I wish the world was mine

The Hurtful Blues
By Mrs. Makinster's Class

As I cry I see you walking by
As I cry I see you walking by
I want someone to comfort me,
I wouldn't want to lie.

When I cry you see me through your eyes
When I cry you see me through your eyes
I've got tears running down my cheeks,

That's why I'm wearing a disguise

The Bully Blues
By Ms. Gumm's Class

Bad, bad bullies always laughing at me.
Bad, bad bullies always laughing at me.
Don't make me cry,

Let's talk over tea

The Puppy Blues
By Mrs. Ahles' Class

Yesterday my dog ran out the door.
Yesterday my dog ran out the door.
He's gone forever,
I can't take it anymore.

I miss him so much I could cry.
I miss him so much I could cry.
Why did this happen,

I don't want to say goodbye.

Ice Cream Blues
By Mrs. Clement's Class

I dropped my ice cream, what will I do?
I dropped my ice cream, what will I do?
And worst of all,
It fell on my shoe.

I've got the ice cream, ice cream blues.
I've got the ice cream, ice cream blues.
It made me so sad,

I said boo hoo