Bushfire Press Activities

Welcome Back - 2012. What's New?

2012-01-18T16:15:00.000+11:00

Welcome Back!
Just a quick post to let you know about our new titles for Term 1 2012.

ORFF BEATS
An Orff approach to djembes and hand drums by internationally-renowned Orff practitioner Christoph Maubach.

CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS
A brand new descant ensemble for 3 parts, adapted and arranged by Lauren Fairbairn (+ brand new poems by Rob Fairbairn).

URBAN DANCE STYLES FOR BEGINNERS
From the Rewind Dance Crew. A fabulous instruction DVD that will teach your kids the basics of Hip hop and other contemporary urban dance forms.

You can find out more an purchase at www.bushfirepress.com

Find us on Facebook! Like our page to keep up to date with news from Bushfire Press. www.bushfirepress.com

New Activity - Reindeer on my Roof

2011-10-27T20:23:00.001+11:00

This month’s activity comes from Christmas with Jamo, a magical collection of new Christmas songs from Paul Jamieson with Rockin' Reindeers, funky feels, and loads of Reggae & Caribbean flavours. Includes songs about Santa Downunder and a stranded reindeer on the roof.

Purchase Christmas with Jamo.

You may have seen London born Carribean musician Paul Jamieson demonstrating reggae on Music Room 6 Or you may have seen him singing Calypso on Foxtel Or you may have seen him entertaining children at festivals around the country.

Paul’s original collection of new Christmas songs is uplifting, joyous, sometimes hilarious and always full of infectious rhythms and contagious grooves. Your kids will love it ... And YOU’LL love it!

You will find the free track here.

You will also find four demo tracks here.

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URBAN DANCE FOR BEGINNERS

2011-10-27T15:13:00.000+11:00

Hi Everyone
Mark Leehy here.

Coming in Term 1 2012
URBAN DANCE FOR BEGINNERS
From the Rewind Dance Crew. A fabulous instruction DVD that will teach your kids the basics of Hip hop and other contemporary urban dance forms.

Stay Tuned

See you next time
Mark Leehy

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ORFF RESOURCES - coming next year!

2011-10-21T20:30:00.000+11:00

Hi Everyone
Mark Leehy here.

Two exciting ORFF publications coming up next year!

ORFF BEATS
an Orff approach to djembes and hand drums by internationally-renowned Orff practitioner Christoph Maubach.
Feb 2012.

WE’RE ORFF!
5 easy Orrf-based units for lower primary from rhyming guru Dr Mark Carthew and award-winning Australian composer Tamara O’Brien.
Term 2 2012.

Stay Tuned

See you next time
Mark Leehy

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The 2011 Half Price Sale catalogue is out!

2011-10-17T18:23:00.000+11:00

Download the catalogue for up to 50% off selected items. Ends early December and conditions apply (see catalogue).

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Music Craft - Digital Versions in 2012

2011-10-14T22:57:00.000+11:00

Hi Everyone
Mark Leehy here.

We are pleased to announce that we will have interactive digital versions of our Music Craft and Music Theory student books in 2012. The Music Craft series will be first, with the digital interactive version available mid-term 1. It will work with iPads and Android devices as well as notebooks, Macs and PCs.

A straight PDF version of the books (non-interactive) will be available in February, for those schools that want to start immediately.

To show you what we mean – check out the free interactive activity we posted earlier this month.

See you next time
Mark Leehy

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The SPACE NOTES - puzzle from Music Craft Book A

2011-10-04T19:57:00.000+11:00

This month’s activity comes from the E-book version of Music Craft Book A - currently under development.
It is a puzzle from Unit 5 - Sharps and Flats - and you won't need your coloured pencils this time.

It is a prototype and by the time the E-book edition is ready, we will be making more use of sounds and animations.

In the meantime, why not try the puzzle. It will work on your computer or your iPad. We would love your feedback.

You will find the puzzzle here.

We are also working on paperless and interactive versions of many of our publications which will include embedded music and videos and interactive worksheets and puzzles. These are intended to be used on iPads and similar devices, notebooks, Macs and PCs. We will be trialing one or two titles to start with ... and we'll see where that takes us

Find us on Facebook! Like our page to keep up to date with news from Bushfire Press. www.bushfirepress.com

Bushfire Press Download Store

2011-09-30T22:42:00.001+10:00

Hi Everyone
Mark Leehy here.
We are busily constructing our ‘download’ store for the start of the next school year.
You will be able to purchase online and download all sorts of resources – from recorder ensembles and songs & activities to folk dances and mini-musicals … AND - you purchase only what titles you need (a bit like the iTunes store). We will be reissuing some of our back catalogue this way and also looking for new material that is suitable for download.

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New Learning Methods

2011-08-30T12:11:00.000+10:00

Kids lead the way to new schools of thought.
nteresting article that includes kids using iPads in primary school. Look out for some new and re-issued publications coming your way in electronic and interactive electronic formats!
The Australian 30/8/11

Groove E - a recorder piecefrom Cool Cats Red Hot Recorder Course – level 2

2011-08-18T18:34:00.000+10:00

This month’s activity comes from Level 2 of our recorder course.

It’s called GROOVE E and it’s a fun, easy and creative way of introducing the note, LOW E. There is a section for students to create there own rhythms and a mystery question for them.

A really fun feature of this piece is that is in 2 sections: rock and swing.
Loads of fun to play.

You will find

The lesson page from the book
The demo track
The backing track

by clicking here.

Find us on Facebook! Like our page to keep up to date with news from Bushfire Press. www.bushfirepress.com

Bushfire Express

2011-08-16T18:37:00.033+10:00

We are busily constructing our 'download' store for the start of the next school year.
You will be able to purchase online and download all sorts of resources - from recorder ensembles and songs & activities to folk dances and mini-musicals.
AND
You will be able to purchase only the titles you need (a bit like the iTunes store). We will be reissuing some of our back catalogue this way and also looking for new material. Contact me through the website (www.bushfirepress.com) if you have any ideas!

We are also working on paperless and interactive versions of some of our publications which will include embedded music and videos and interactive worksheets and puzzles. These are intended to be used on iPads and similar devices, notebooks, Macs and PCs. We will be trialing one or two titles to start with ... and we'll see where that takes us.

* The photoshopped photograph makes no implication of any endorsement by the other Steve or Apple

Kooroli - Aboriginal music and movement... this month's free activity

2011-07-22T13:40:00.000+10:00

We are so excited about Music Room Book 7 that we are giving you another comprehensive activity to try.
The lesson is song called Koolori (meaning Coroboree)
and we have

Lyrics chart

The vocal audio track

A video clip from the DVD discussing the gumleaf and didge to introduce the song

A video clip of the song presenting the lyrics to help sing along

A video clip on Movement, Beat and Rhythm with the song

Links to a goldmine of background information including more video clips. (Check out the gumleaf competition from the 70s)

Here is Wayne Thorpe's intro ...

You will find the rest by following the links from our facebook page (don't forget to like us ;) or from our website if you are blocked out of facebook.

Look out for more news and activities soon. Enjoy this one - it's also great for history and social studies lessons!

You can order your copy of Musicroom Book 7 here.

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RECORDER WITHOUT TEARS - IN THE SUNSHINE STATE

2011-07-22T13:09:00.000+10:00

Hi Everyone
Mark Leehy here.
Just got back from sunny Queensland, where Kev and I attended the Maryborough Music Conference. This biennial event runs for 5 days and has to be the best primary and secondary music conference in Australasia. It just keeps on getting bigger and the quality keeps improving. Many thanks to Ken Hodgkinson and Mike Tyler for such an outstanding achievement. They're expecting 900 delegates in 2013, so my strong advice - no matter what state you're in - is to see if you can get your school to help you fund a trip. It's the best PD you'll get. People from all over Australia agree. And you won't believe the magnificent weather. Oh - and book your accomodation well ahead of time.

Find out more about the conference here:
www.maryboroughmusicconference.com.au

Kev and I were pretty flat out up there this year, finding potential authors, getting valuable feedback from customers, sitting in on sessions and presenting workshops on

Music Room 7

The Interactive Music Room 1 & 2

... And Recorder Without Tears

Notes, PDFs and MP3 music files from the session can be found here

Many thanks to those who were at the session and contributed ideas - we had a lot of fun and learned a thing or two.

See you next time
Mark Leehy

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Bumper Activity from Musicroom 7 - rap and hip hop

2011-05-29T22:49:00.001+10:00

Music Room Book 7 is now available - and to celebrate, we are offering the first lesson IN FULL for you to try.
The lesson is Rap Rhythm
and we have

Full lesson plan

2 audio tracks - vocals and backing

6 video clips

2 charts
Mal Webb shows you how to Beat Box
Jacqui Yuan shows you how to dance Hip Hop
Rob and Mark demonstrate Rap Rhythms.

This is exciting stuff and and your students will love it!
And it's all there ready for you at ...
www.bushfirepress.com/musicroom

You can order your copy of Musicroom Book 7 here.

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Music Room 7 is ready!

2011-05-27T00:07:00.001+10:00

Music Room 7 has just come back from the printers and is ready to send out to you!

We are really pleased that it has all come together so well. A massive amount of work but all well worth it.

If you know and love Music Room we are sure you will get straight in and order. You can do that here.

If you are new to Music Room and want to find out what all the fuss is about, order a perusal copy today. You will see what fantastic value it is for a full year's upper primary music course!

Check out the videos we have already posted in this blog and look out for a free sample activity from Unit 1 Lesson 1. This will be posted in a couple of days.

Intro to Music Room 7 DVD

2011-05-23T21:57:00.002+10:00

MUSIC ROOM - Book 7

Not long now!
We just can't wait.

We have posted the introduction to the MR7 DVD. This will give you an idea what you'll be getting with Music Room Book 7 - Upper Primary.

We will also be sending out your free activity later in the week - so look out for it. It is from Unit 1 Lesson 1. You can get a sneak preview in an earlier post in this blog.

You can also pre-order your copy of Musicroom Book 7, or find out more about it, here.

You can order your copy of Musicroom Book 7 here.

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Putin' it Out There from Musicroom Book 7

2011-05-18T11:51:00.003+10:00

MUSIC ROOM - Book 7

Just getting the next free activity together.
It will be from the new Music Room Book 7. Unit 1 Lesson 1 - "Puttin' it Out There"

We have a Youtube version of the song from the lesson here for you. When we release the activity, it will include vocal and backing tracks, the lesson, and charts for the activity as well as a bonus classroom version of this video with lyrics projected over the backing track. So look out for it. Like us in facebook so that we can let you know as soon as it is available.

You can pre-order your copy of Musicroom Book 7 here.

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Making the video for MR7

2011-05-17T18:51:00.002+10:00

MUSIC ROOM - Book 7

We have had fun making the video tracks for Music Room 7. Just a few little "moments" captured.

It won't be long now - looks like mid June for the launch. The final proof of the book has been passed and it is in the hands of the printers. Post production of the audio and video tracks is coming on well.

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Drama Activity for you

2011-05-10T10:42:00.000+10:00

Take 2 Drama Resources

Our activity this month is from Take 2 by Diana Greentree
2 actors - 2 pages - 2 minutes
A fabulous collection of 14 fun and easy drama sketches for the classroom.

We have the Teacher's Notes for the package, and the script and video
from one of the drama sketches.

The scripts can be used either as film scripts or as stage scripts
(in the classroom or at assemblies/concerts). Their short length (
approximately 2 minutes reading time) means they can be read within a lesson.
They can also be used as springboards for students to write their own scenes.

The Teacher's notes are a great help if you want to video these productions.
Follow the links from here

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The New Cover for MR7

2011-05-03T19:01:00.001+10:00

MUSIC ROOM - Book 7
And here is the finished cover art!

What do you think?
Click on the image to get a better view.

Login with your Google account and leave a comment!
or let us know on facebook.

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MR7 Cover Design

2011-04-29T14:25:00.001+10:00

From the crowded desk of Mark Leehy, Publisher at Bushfire Press

Music Room book 7 (upper primary) is in the last stages of post-production and on track for a mid-year release. Among other things, we have been finalising the cover. This is pretty important because, apart from needing to be fun and inviting, it needs to tell the user what to expect inside!

Over the years, the covers of Music Room have been a music room door with a window showing a group of students in their music lesson. The students get older as the years progress. They also progress in their musical explorations – from simple circle work to making music on classroom instruments and found & made objects, to exploring genres & styles. We also had a note pinned to the door on each cover: EVERYONE WELCOME! COME ON EVERYBODY! LET’S GO! LET’S GET THE FEELING! LET’S MAKE A NOISE! LET’S PUT IT TOGETHER! These slogans addressed the general ‘feel’ of each level.

What to do for book 7 … ?
Our artist, Bradfield Dumpleton, was keen to ‘open the classroom door’ and let the kids out. Which is pretty much how all of us had been thinking. And – as the slogan for this level was LET’S PUT IT OUT THERE! it seemed the perfect idea. Now all we had to do was get the actual look right – to give a hint as to the contents.

Here’s Bradfield’s first pencil rough. You can click on it to see it in more detail.

Not quite there. Let’s see … hip hop and rhyming techniques are covered in this book … and students are encouraged to bring guitars and keyboards into their work … and the program ends with a musical party …

Here’s the second pencil rough.

Much better. Again, click on the image to see it in more detail.

Stay tuned for the final pic – we’ll blog it as soon as it’s got the green light.

Mark Leehy
Publisher, Bushfire Press

The Last Music Room

2011-04-27T19:06:00.001+10:00

From the crowded desk of Mark Leehy, Publisher at Bushfire Press

Hi All

It sure has been a busy term 1 for us here at Bushfire Press. We have been recording and filming material for Music Room book 7 – upper primary. This is the final instalment in the series and has been the hardest but most rewarding level of the program. It was so important to keep up the standard and to keep up the level of student engagement – which, as you know, is trickier with senior primary students. So we retained the services of some wonderful and outstanding experts. The result is a fabulous set of units:

Rhythm & Rhyme - rap & hip hop rhythms & rhyming loops, turnarounds, chords,

Body & Beat - rhythm, movement & choreography, body percussion, found objects

Words & Music - generating lyrics, making melodies, using tempo, creating songs, grooves & colours

Fun ‘n’ Games - a cracker of an ending to the program, with musical puzzles, musical art, listening & singing games, moving games, musical parlour games, battle of the bands … and a class party!

As usual there are 4 audio CDs of music (one per unit) and over an hour of DVD footage – including a premier hip hop crew, an introduction to gumleaf and didgeridu from Gunnai Man (and recent ‘Spicks & Specks’ guest) Wayne Thorpe, the art of beatboxing demystified by vocal gymnast Mal Webb … and a host of dance steps, theory and playing techniques.

We'll keep you posted as we get into production.

See you next time

Mark Leehy
Publisher, Bushfire Press

Video from Take 2 Drama Resource

2011-04-27T18:49:00.001+10:00

We are about to post an activity from our new drama resource, "Take 2"
Here is a sneek preview of the video track.

This is a sample 2 minute drama sketch from
Take 2 Drama Resources
by
Diana Greentree
from Bushfire Press
www.bushfireress.com/primary/plays.html
2 actors - 2 pages - 2 minutes

A fabulous collection of 14 fun and easy drama sketches for classroom drama.

All sketches for 2 actors;
all sketches max 2 minutes.

ALL SCRIPTS PHOTOCOPIABLE FROM CDROM
ALL SCRIPTS DEMONSTRTED ON DVD

Simple video methods explained.

THE CONCEPT OF TAKE 2
TAKE 2 is a series of study pieces.
Each script contains 1 scene.
Each script is roughly 2 minutes duration.
Each script requires 2 actors.
Each scene is a conversation between 2 people.

HOW TO USE TAKE 2
There are 2 main ways to use Take 2:
Students in pairs -
each pair prepares a different scene. or
more pairs prepare the same scene - for contrast and discussion.

The scripts can be used either as film scripts or as stage scripts (in the classroom or at assemblies/concerts). Their short length (approximately 2 minutes reading time) means they can be read within a lesson. They can also be used as springboards for students to write their own scenes.

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2011 Musicals SALE extended

2011-04-04T11:59:00.000+10:00

We have extended our 2011 Musicals sale to the end of April.
20% off our musicals - and a free resource to boot.
Just go to our website and follow the links.
www.bushfirepress.com

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Did you get the March Activity?

2011-04-04T11:53:00.000+10:00

We announced the March activity on Facebook - and thought we should remind you here.
It's from the ...
"Best of What's Left of the Great Southern Songbook"
The song we have for you is
My Pet Chook
We have the music, lyrics, and a drawing activity -
All downloadable in pdf form directly from the book.
... and we also have a music track for you to download.

You can find the activity here

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Feb activity from Interactive Music Room Book 2

2011-02-03T15:38:00.000+11:00

We have a demo lesson for you from our new publication - Interactive Music Room Book 2
You can try this lesson, even if you don't have an interactive whiteboard! It can be run from your computer and you can download all the software you need free.

Check out this demo video

You can find the activity here

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New Publications for 2011

2011-01-23T15:44:00.000+11:00

Been quiet for a little while!
So now it's time to let you know about our new offerings for 2011.
* Interactive Music Room Book 2
* The best of the rest of The Great Southern Songbook
* Take 2 Drama Resources.

Find out about these new publications by visiting our wbsite at www.bushfirepress.com

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October activity arrives in time for Melbourne Cup!

2010-10-31T23:59:00.000+11:00

October has come late - The October activity that is.
Just in time for the Melbourne Cup.
Our facebook friends were the first to get access - and now it's your turn.
(Why not like us on facebook - check the link below). If you can't do this at school, forward the link, or our email, to yourself at home.

The activity is from one of our Cool Cats Recorder Ensembles - The piece we have chosen for you is 'THREE MINOR MICE'.
It is an arrangement of a tune the students all know ('Three Blind Mice'). HOWEVER - this arrangement is in a MINOR key (E minor).
Your students will love hearing how the mood and feel of a tune can be altered by a shift in tonality from major to minor.
The tune is also 'swung' - given a jazz syncopation.

You will find the activity by following this link

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Special Offer - up to 40% off some Music Room and Dance Room titles.

2010-10-06T01:56:00.002+11:00

Not available on our website.
You can find the offer on our Facebook page.

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Know colleagues who may be interested?
Tweet this!

Sneak Peek at what's in store in 2011

2010-10-05T08:08:00.000+11:00

Take a look at what's coming up next year.

The Interactive Musicroom Book 2
Great Southern Songbook revisited
Take 2 Drama Resources
Music Room Book 7

Click here to find out more.

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Know colleagues who may be interested?
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September 2010 Activity available - Big and Little from Songs to Grow With

2010-09-17T07:06:00.002+10:00

This month's activity is from Songs to Grow With Volume 1

It is called "Big and Little".

Although big and little are maths concepts, this song also provides other teaching opportunities. It combines both structured and creative movement, and the extension of vocabulary through the creatures that each verse introduces.

The child's experiences are expanded from their immediate environs to include, and perhaps introduce, the worlds of whales, elephants, fleas and birds.

There are words and an MP3 track ready for you to download.

You will find the activity by following the link from here

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Tweet this!

Come and join us on Facebook!

2010-08-17T07:58:00.000+10:00

Don't forget to tell us you like us!
Click here

August 2010 Activity available - Voice Exploration from Start Singing

2010-08-14T00:16:00.000+10:00

This month's activity is from Start Singing with the Cool Cats Kids .

It is from the 'Voice Exploration' section.
Students use voice to imitate cymbals, electric bass and trumpet.

There is a music score and an MP3 track ready for you to download.
Your students will be instantly engaged and we guarantee they'll have a lot of fun (as well as learn a thing or two).

You will find the activity here

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July 2010 Activity available - Off on a Holiday from Cool Cats Cross Arts Adventures level 3

2010-07-26T03:11:00.000+10:00

This month's activity is from
the Recreation and Leisure unit
of Cool Cats Cross Arts Adventures level 3

This program integrates music, dance, drama, media and visual art in thematic units.

It is a piece of really EASY choreography for the song ‘Off on a Holiday’. Your students will LOVE the song and have a ball putting the simple dance steps together.

Find out more about Cool Cats Cross Arts Adventures here.

We are giving you part of the level 3 unit 'Recreation and Leisure'. We have a CD track and a PDF for a great song, 'Off in a holiday', including lyrics and movement and dance activities.

Another great activity to have fun with!
You will find here.

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More news on Seventh National Interactive Teaching and Learning Conference

2010-07-05T00:07:00.001+10:00

Kev O'Mara will be doing a presentation of The Interactive Musicroom at the Seventh National Interactive Teaching and Learning Conference on the Gold Coast.

The Conference is being held from 12th-14th August
Kev will be presenting on Friday 13 August 11.25 - 12.15

Abstract

Who is this presentation for?
Primary All Levels of Expertise

The Interactive Music Room - Book 1 (beginning primary)

This product is the first of a 7 level classroom interactive music program that will cover the primary years. The second level will be available early next year. Inspired by the popular Music Room series, this new interactive software has been adapted and designed by South Australian teacher and accredited Easiteach® presenter Cheryl Burgemeister. The Interactive Music Room contains 30 Easiteach® lessons (up to 5 activities each), audio ans video files embedded in the lessons, Easiteach® Player software (with software licence), a music player with pause and search functions, visual images, animations, large lyrics, BLMs for assessment, worked solutions and examples, teacher notes, a teacher manual and an instructional DVD.

Students can touch the screen to animate characters, touch and reveal, drag and drop, start and stop music, play virtual sounds and music, write and draw on-screen with finger or pen.

This is the first interactive developmental music program in the world. It is physically and mentally interactive, engaging aural and visual areas of the brain (brain-based learning). If you haven’t seen this program in action, come and touch the screen at Kevin’s demonstration.

Bushfire Press will also have a display in the Trade Exhibition where the product will be available for purchase. In the meantime, go to their website, bushfirepress.com for a sneak preview. There you can see a video demonstration with creator, Cheryl Burgemeister, and her students. You can download a free activity to play around with either on an IWB or on your computer.

You can download a conference brochure here

For further information about the Conference and to register go to:
www.iwb.net.au/conferences/australian10/

all the best
Steve Vermont
Bushfire Press

The June Activity is now available

2010-06-23T21:13:00.001+10:00

The Interactive Musicroom Book 1

We have another activity for you this month from the Interactive Musicroom.

You don't actually need to have an Interactive White Board (IWB) to see how this activity works. You can try it out on your computer with a free copy of Easiteach Reader - or you can watch the demo video and download the accompanying resource material we have for you.

You will find the activity here
Enjoy!

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Seventh National Interactive Teaching and Learning Conference

2010-06-22T16:12:00.000+10:00

Kev O'Mara will be doing a presentation of The Interactive Musicroom at the Seventh National Interactive Teaching and Learning Conference on the Gold Coast.

The Conference is being held from 12th-14th August and Kev will be presenting on the Friday or Saturday - we'll keep you posted.

You can download a conference brochure here

For further information about the Conference and to register go to:
www.iwb.net.au/conferences/australian10/

all the best
Steve Vermont
Bushfire Press

Interactive Whiteboard workshops

2010-06-22T15:43:00.002+10:00

Hi All

Kevin O’Mara (on the computer in the picture) and I have just completed a very rewarding series of workshops for iJam. We went to Sydney, Brisbane and Perth, workshopping Music Room, Dance Room and The Interactive Music Room. It is always important to us to get out there and work with teachers and we are always excited to hear what they are doing in their schools. Australia is certainly blessed with enthusiastic and creative music teachers. We made many friends, renewed a few old acquaintances and have brought back a swag of ideas and suggestions. Thank you Drew and Jasmine of iJam and a huge thanks to all the teachers.

And here I must send our special thanks to the people and companies that provided Interactive Whiteboards for the workshops.

In Sydney – Patrick McComish of Command Integration (www.commandintegration.com.au);
in Brisbane – Glenn Searle of Envisage Training (www.envisagetraining.com.au);
in Perth – Allan Bowes (pictured) of Tecsound (www.tecsound.com.au).

These guys have all your Interactive Whiteboard questions covered and are well worth a call. They’ll certainly look after you.

See you next time

From the crowded desk of Mark Leehy,
Publisher at Bushfire Press

P.S. More about Interactive Music Room here

Music Room Interactive - Errata

2010-06-07T20:21:00.000+10:00

IMPORTANT ERROR IN 'THE INTERACTIVE MUSIC ROOM BOOK 1
We have been alerted to an error in the teachers book for 'The Interactive
Music Room book 1'.
On p 41, the BLM is incorrect - it refers to tempo and should refer to
dynamics.
Follow the links in "Support Material" on this page for a copy of the correct BLM

May Activity from Music Room Book 6

2010-05-18T19:57:00.004+10:00

MUSIC ROOM book 6
(upper primary)

We have had a great response to Music Room Book 6 - the first of the upper school levels. Exciting new features have been added, such as full-length (over 60 min) DVD of musicians from the different musical genres in the book, an exciting music quiz game for the class (MusikWizz) and extended background and links on our website.

The new Music Room has 7 modules, covering reggae, Celtic, Pacific Island, latin, blues, jazz, gospel and MusikWizz to finish the year!

If you don't have it yet, why not try out a couple of the activities from the book.
We have a new one this month ...

WHAT EXCUSE WOULD YOU USE FOR BEING LATE FOR SCHOOL?

This month's activity has the best excuse ever - your students will love it!

It's a crazy, wonderful song called 'Late for School Blues' and it comes from the 'BLUES CHANGES' module of the book. This song is built on the famous 'Bo Diddley beat', a rhythm developed by African American blues legend, Bo Diddley.

You can find out more about Bo - and about the blues -
at the web support pages for Music Room 6

The vocal track and projectable lyrics chart are available with this activity.
We have a PDF chart from the Music Room Book 6 Data CD-ROM with the words - print it or project it and an MP3 of the audio track.

And of course we have the "REGGAE RHYTHMS" activity from a couple of months ago.

You will find links to both activities at www.bushfirepress.com/musicroom

Enjoy!

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THE INTERACTIVE MUSIC ROOM - MAC VERSION

2010-04-27T16:11:00.000+10:00

The Interactive Musicroom Book 1
Some teachers have been requesting a MAC version and we are working hard on
right now. Watch this space! If you purchased the PC version and have a MAC
system, we'll exchange it for you as soon as the MAC disk is ready.
We are also in production with BOOK 2 (lower primary) and this will be
available for both PC and MAC. We sincerely thank our MAC customers for
their patience.

April activity from HMS Pinafore

2010-04-22T13:18:00.000+10:00

HMS Pinafore
This month's free activity is a song from our new musical HMS PINAFORE

Officially sanctioned by the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company of London. Now also published in the USA!

Faithful adaptation of Gilbert and Sullivan for younger performers (middle primary to middle high school years). Instrumental backings adapted from Sir Arthur Sullivan's original orchestral score.

It's our third Gilbert and Sullivan adaptation and, like The Pirates of Penzance and The Mikado it has been adapted for primary school performers, with SINGABLE keys and manageable dialogue.

The story follows Able Seaman Ralph Rackstraw, who is love-struck with a lass above his station - the Captain's daughter. But the Captain has promised her hand to The Rt. Hon. Sir Joseph Porter, KCB (1st Lord of the Admiralty - followed everywhere by his sisters and his cousins and his aunts). A Common Person can hardly expect to compete with a High Born person - but are Ralph and the Captain really from different Classes? Poor Little Buttercup, the bumboat lady has a secret - Who will end up with whom?

It's a wonderful romp and an excellent introduction to comic opera.
The orchestrations on the backing CD are faithful adaptations of Sir Arthur Sullivans original score and have been done with the cooperation and support of London's D'Oily Carte Opera Company (Gilbert and Sullivan's original publishers).

The results you can hear on the MP3 tracks in this month's free activity.

Everything you need to give your students a wonderful theatrical experience with the most enduring music theatre team of all time!

This month's activity includes the vocals, backing and lyrics to "Ruler of the Queen's Navee" - enough resources to have great fun putting on a little piece of the operetta yourself! You can download the full activity here
Enjoy!

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Cheryl’s 2 new babies

2010-04-08T19:41:00.001+10:00

Cheryl Burgemeister’s 2 new babies.
Natalia Faith Burgemeister arrived on Saturday 27th February.
A couple of weeks later, Cheryl’s next baby, The Interactive Music Room book 1, arrived.
Here they both are at Cheryl’s workshop on interactive whiteboards at Klemzig Primary School last Saturday.
Natalia is already working with Mum (and sleeping though the night).

Congratulations on both your babies Cheryl!

Interactive Music Room - Now available!

2010-04-02T01:00:00.006+11:00

The Interactive Musicroom Book 1

Technical glitches sorted - Interactive Music Room is now available for delivery.
If you haven't ordered your copy yet - now is the time to do so!

Did you pick up the free activity in March? Check back in the blog for details.
More activities for you to try shortly.

March activity from The Interactive Music Room

2010-03-17T13:41:00.009+11:00

The Interactive Musicroom Book 1

The Interactive Musicroom Book 1 is due to be released in the next couple of weeks and we have a free activity for you to try out.

You don't actually need to have an Interactive White Board (IWB) to see how this activity works. You can try it out on your computer with a free copy of Easiteach Reader - or you can watch the demo video and download the accompanying resource material we have for you.

You will find the activity here
Enjoy!

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February activity from Music Room Book 6

2010-02-11T20:57:00.006+11:00

MUSIC ROOM book 6
(upper primary)

The first of the upper school levels is here! Exciting new features have been added, such as full-length (over 60 min) DVD of musicians from the different musical genres in the book, an exciting music quiz game for the class (MusikWizz) and extended background and links on our website.

The new Music Room has 7 modules, covering reggae, Celtic, Pacific Island, latin, blues, jazz, gospel and MusikWizz to finish the year!

Book 6 is bigger than Ben Hur!

This month’s activity is the from the reggae module, REGGAE RHYTHMS. It features the opening song, GET IT TOGETHER. The song was co-written with the wonderful Jamaican-born musician Paul Jamieson and has great reggae rhythms and vocal parts.

You get a PDF of the song, an MP3 of the audio track AND you get a movie of Paul demonstrating Reggae guitar techniques, wah-wah pedals and even singing the song for you.
You will find the activity by following the links from here

Enjoy!

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Celtic Heartbeat

2010-01-24T18:24:00.000+11:00

Some more support material for Music Room Book 6 (out in February).

This time we have some resources and links for your lessons on the Celts. You will find the information here.

Look out for more support material as it gets published. We will shortly be publishing a lesson from Book 6 which includes a music track, lyrics chart and an accompanying video.

Also Coming up -
Additional background for the music styles covered in the first seven modules
Module 1: Reggae Rhythms
Module 2: Celtic Heartbeat
Module 3: Pacific Harmonies
Module 4: Latin Grooves
Module 5: Blues Changes
Module 6: Jazz Colours
Module 7: Gospel Voices

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Reggae Rhythms

2010-01-19T18:40:00.001+11:00

We have started publishing support material for Music Room Book 6 (out in February) and thought you might like to have a look.

If you are doing lessons on Reggae Music, you might like to use some of the resources on offer.
You can find the information here.

Look out for more support material as it gets published. Coming up -
Additional background for the music styles covered in the first seven modules
Module 1: Reggae Rhythms
Module 2: Celtic Heartbeat
Module 3: Pacific Harmonies
Module 4: Latin Grooves
Module 5: Blues Changes
Module 6: Jazz Colours
Module 7: Gospel Voices

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The Interactive Music Room at the National Orff Conference

2010-01-06T12:11:00.001+11:00

The Interactive Music Room book 1 (beginning primary) made its first public appearance at Creating New Blends, the National Orff Conference in Adelaide Jan 3-8.

We have some pics of author and South Australian teacher, Cheryl Burgemeister, presenting her workshop. The delegates were as excited as us about this stunning new way of combining classroom music education and technology and The Interactive Music Room was certainly one of the big buzzes of the conference. A big thank you to Glennys Gysbers & the team for having us there and to Richard Gysbers for wonderful tech support.

We’ll also be demonstrating it in Brisbane (May), Sydney (May), Perth (June) and Melbourne (May & Aug). Interactive whiteboards are amazing teaching tools and enormous fun (at least, that’s how we’ve approached the Music Room software). Come along to one of the PDs and have a play with it. Check here for details.

From the crowded desk of Mark Leehy,
Publisher at Bushfire Press

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Music Room 6 ready soon!

2010-01-05T12:17:00.002+11:00

For all those upper primary teachers who have been hanging out for book 6 – it is just about ready (just some film editing to do for the DVD) and will be out in Feb.

It has a cracker of an end-of-year module – ‘MusikWizz’ (a cross between Spicks & Specks, RockWizz and the national curriculum).

Why not preorder now!

From the crowded desk of Mark Leehy,
Publisher at Bushfire Press

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Can’t wait to show you the Interactive Music Room!

2009-12-12T10:53:00.002+11:00

Well, folks we’re nearly there with The Interactive Music Room book 1 (beginning primary).

Its first public appearance will be at Creating New Blends, the national Orff conference in Adelaide Jan 3-8.

We’ll also be demonstrating it in Brisbane (May), Sydney (May), Perth (June) and Melbourne (May & Aug). Interactive whiteboards are amazing teaching tools and enormous fun (at least, that’s how we’ve approached the Music Room software). Come along to one of the PDs and have a play with it.

From the crowded desk of Mark Leehy,
Publisher at Bushfire Press

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PD dates for 2010

2009-12-12T10:40:00.000+11:00

Professional Development
Workshops on our developmental classroom music program MUSIC ROOM and The Interactive Music Room as well as many other publications.

You will find dates and times here as they become available.

May 2010

VIC
7th May 2010, Darebin Arts Centre:
Melbourne Living Music & Dance - VOSA (display only).
Contact Glenys Gijsbers
glenys@stockdaleacs.com.au
www.vosa.org

NSW
28th May 2010, Sydney:
Workshops on Music Room, Dance Room and the Interactive Music Room.
Contact IJAM Music PO Box 5404, Canning Vale Sth, WA, 6155
jasmine@ijam.com.au
www.ijam.com.au

QLD
31st May 2010, Brisbane:
Workshops on Music Room, Dance Room and the Interactive Music Room.
Contact IJAM Music PO Box 5404, Canning Vale Sth, WA, 6155
jasmine@ijam.com.au
www.ijam.com.au

JUNE 2010

WA
12th June, Perth:
Workshops on Music Room, Dance Room and the Interactive Music Room.
Contact IJAM Music PO Box 5404, Canning Vale Sth, WA, 6155
jasmine@ijam.com.au
www.ijam.com.au

AUGUST 2010

VIC
21-22nd August
2010 Early Childhood Conference of Performing Arts (ECCPA) (display only)
Contact Glenys Gijsbers
glenys@stockdaleacs.com.au
www.vosa.org

Would you like us to run some professional development for you and your colleagues?

Contact us here

Silent Night

2009-11-25T12:26:00.018+11:00

A free Activity from
Start Singing
A singing resource from Bushfire Press

THIS YEAR’S FINAL ACTIVITY comes from Start Singing.

Start Singing with the Cool Cats Kids is designed to be a useful resource for any choral application, from classroom singing to choirs. It contains sections on voice exploration, warm-ups, exercises in breathing, tone, pitch, diction and harmony. There are also sections on troubleshooting, performance ideas, frequently asked questions - and even microphone technique. And there is an easy recipe for singing sessions.

The sections are arranged in an order for ease of location and use but are not intended to be necessarily used in a sequential way. Use whatever activities, exercises or songs suit your needs, in any order you like.

Many of the songs make excellent performance pieces.

The CD has vocal demonstrations (particularly useful for harmony) and backing tracks (great for performance).

THE FREE ACTIVITY: Silent Night

One of the world’s most well-known and much loved Christmas carols.

You can find the activity by following the links on this page

If you have not already done so - register to receive our free activities every month.

First Name :
Family Name :		(optional)
Email :

You will find this activity by following the links from here.

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Music & the interactive whiteboard

2009-11-23T14:32:00.005+11:00

We have some fantastic news for all of you with interactive whiteboards (IWBs). We are about to launch our first interactive title. IWBs are an exciting new teaching tool and so easy to use. Cheryl Burgemeister, a primary music teacher from South Australia, has been busy creating exciting IWB adaptations of our ‘Music Room’ program. The first one is called ‘The Interactive Music Room – book 1 (beginning primary)’. It has been created with EasiTeach and will be out in Feb 2010. More information on our earlier blog post.

Grappling with new technology is always a headache for authors and publishers alike and we are most grateful for the support the EasiTeach and RM Pacific have given us and have been most fortunate to have IWBs and technicians supplied by the good folk at ‘Well Imagine That!’. There’s nothing these guys don’t know about classroom use of IWBs and we recommend them for hardware software and in-servicing. Check them out at www.wellimaginethat.com.au and tell ’em we sent you.

It’s exciting to see this new and accessible technology becoming a part of classroom music programs. I’ll have lots more to tell you about it next time.

From the crowded desk of Mark Leehy,
Publisher at Bushfire Press

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A Christmas Pageant (then and now)

2009-11-13T13:30:00.001+11:00

A Christmas Pageant
(then and now)
A Musical by Lynne Bartlett, Mark Leehy and Kevin O'Mara
Duration: 60 minutes.

A fun-filled journey from Bethlehem to Bondi that takes the audience through the traditions of Christmas from the Nativity, through the origins of the Christmas Tree and carol singing, the legend of Good King Wenceslaus, the coming of Santa Claus ... and ending up with an Aussie celebration!

Carols and Songs: Silent Night, O, Come, All Ye faithful, We Three Kings, Away in a Manger, The First Noel, Joy to the World, Good King Wenceslaus, Jingle Bells, O, Tannenbaum/ O, Christmas Tree, Deck the Halls, The Night Before Christmas, 12 Aussie Days of Christmas, We Wish You a Merry Christmas.

Click here for more.

Check out some free activities
O Tannenbaum
12 Aussie Days of Christmas

The Interactive Music Room

2009-11-13T13:03:00.007+11:00

We are very excited to announce the arrival in 2010 of our first title for Interactive Whiteboard!
Teachers no longer need juggle a CD player, DVD player and Data projector with this "all in one" package.
Students can:

touch the screen to animate characters
touch and reveal
drag and drop notes, characters and icons
start and stop music
play virtual sounds and notes and perform a host of other Interactive functions.

Available Feb 2010
Find out more and preorder now!

The famous Bushfire Press Half Price Sale

2009-10-27T21:52:00.005+11:00

Massive clearance sale
ex-display and ex-perusal stock –
50% off!
WHILE STOCKS LAST.
Offer closes 12th December.
All titles complete. Some with marked covers.

Late each year we have a bit of a cleanup around here. We find our display merchandise, the few returns we get from perusal requests, and some of the titles we may have a long hand in, and offer them to you at a fantastically reduced price.

This is your opportunity to stock up on music, dance and drama resources.

You can download the catalogue and order from our special half price sale price list.
(You can also find more about Christmas and end of year resources other specials offers in the catalogue).
You will soon see more about this here as well.

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October Activity: Gamelan Music

2009-10-06T20:42:00.006+11:00

This activity is from
Cool Cats Cross Arts Adventures Level 3

Gamelan music

The gamelan is the Javanese and Balinese orchestra.
It uses from a few to several dozen musicians, playing different melodic and rhythmic patterns on tuned and untuned percussion.
Find out more using the links at the bottom of this page.

Some examples of patterns can be heard on the audio file Gamelan Music.
Download scores and mp3 track below
The score and music are from
Cool Cats Cross Arts Adventures Level 3

Gamelan orchestra
Students in 8 groups
Using the score, students make a gamelan orchestra.
Groups 1 - 4 play tuned percussion instruments
using a 1 bar repeating pattern.
Groups 5 - 8 play untuned percussion instruments
using a 1 bar repeating pattern .

Try bringing the groups in one at a time .
Also - have a conductor bring the different groups in and out (except for groups 3 and 7 who must play ALL the time, to provide the pulse).

Students can invent their own 4 beat patterns.

You will find the mp3 track and the page from the book with the score here
and you can purchase Cool Cats Cross Arts Adventures Level 3 here

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Musical Instrument Repairs

2009-10-02T13:57:00.003+10:00

Bill Vrijens is one of our great friends who always loans us his xylophones to record with.

He runs a small business called Musaics in Melbourne Melbourne, specializing in repairs, replacement parts and sales of tuned and non-tuned percussion instruments. This includes classroom xylophones, metallophones, glockenspiels, hand-drums etc, that are usually thought of as belonging to the Orff instrumentarium, as well as concert xylophones, vibraphones, marimbas, timpani etc.

He also replaces the velum heads on banjo style instruments, which include banjos, banjo guitars, banjo mandolins etc.

Musaics is able to supply a range of replacement parts, including various rubber components, xylophone, vibraphone and marimba bars for any instrument, pins (for classroom instruments) etc. I also retune instruments, refurbish frames etc. Repairs to tympani include adjustments, to repairing or fitting tuning mechanisms, pedal mechanisms etc.

He often has a number of instruments for sale, both new and second hand. If you are looking for something in particular, feel free to contact him, or keep an eye on his site for some bargains.
He is also willing to purchase instruments, particularly if they are incomplete or in need of repair.

His web address is www.members.westnet.com.au/billv

September 2009 Free Activity - Water Ballet

2009-09-09T14:00:00.009+10:00

The September activity also comes from Dance Room Level 2 lower primary edition, the second book in our New Dance Program by Barbara Snook

Dance Room 2 has now been released and there is still a special offer going with discounts off our Music Room and Dance Room 1 titles.

WATER BALLET

This activity certainly does introduce a differnt Dynamic! Water Ballet!

There is a warmup and a stretching exercise that leads into a water ballet you can do with your class without getting wet. We even help you with some of the splashing sounds to get your class into the mood. This can be quite a calming exercise as the music - and the challenge to be aware of the whole group's movements - can bring about that quiet "Different Dynamic"

When you have done this exercise, send us a video - we'd love to publish it here so that everyone can see how well your class has performed their Water Ballet.

You will find the activity here.

Try it out, and then order a perousal copy of the book!

More about Dance Room
40 LESSON PLANS FOR LOWER PRIMARY!!!
Full colour book and four audio CDs.
Here is your dance and movement course for the year ready made, planned and ready to go!

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Booklists for 2010 for Primary and Lower Secondary

2009-08-27T14:03:00.003+10:00

It’s booklisting time for many teachers – so here are some thoughts:

Are you looking for a music theory book that will complement your already successful practical classroom music program?
Do you want to ensure that written work in music is as fun and engaging as your practical work?

The Cool Cats series of music theory books is for you!
The series ensures plenty of reinforcement of concepts for young learners and will complement any specialist music program.
The series could be started as early as Year 2.
Books 3 and 4 in the series can be used to prepare students for the AMEB Preliminary Music Craft exam and so are suitable for upper primary or lower secondary students. Alternatively, they can be used to purely complement your own classroom program.
Please find attached a list of my books, with their prices for your information. Please contact Bushfire Press if you would like a perusal copy or go ahead and booklist now.

FREE sample activities for ALL books can be found on line at: www.bushfirepress.com
Books 3 & 4 have FREE teacher notes and worked solutions also available.
Get ready for 2010 now with something new for your students!

From the crowded desk of Mark Leehy,
Publisher at Bushfire Press

30% Discount off Dance Room 1 and all Music Room

2009-08-22T23:20:00.003+10:00

Purchase Dance Room Level 2 and you can claim a 30% discount off Dance Room 1 or any level of Music Room
www.bushfirepress.com/danceroom

Dance Room Level 2 is now available!

2009-08-22T23:07:00.005+10:00

Dance Room Level 2

lower primary edition
the second book in our New Dance Program
by Barbara Snook

This book is now available. Check back in the blog for the free activity we have published from this book - and stand by for a special offer to launch this title! www.bushfirepress/danceroom

Early Childhood Conference of Performing Arts

2009-08-19T14:22:00.003+10:00

Upcoming PD
We’ll be at the Early Childhood Conference of Performing Arts (ECCPA) 22/23 August at Genazzano College, Kew, Melbourne. We won’t, alas, be doing any workshops this time around, but we’ll be doing some ‘Resource Show & Tells’. We’ll also have a display – so come & say G’day.

More info here

From the crowded desk of Mark Leehy,
Publisher at Bushfire Press

Dance Room Update

2009-08-18T13:31:00.003+10:00

I know that some teachers are hanging out for Dance Room level 2 (lower primary) – and, yes, the release is behind schedule. But the news is good. I’ve just emerged from the recording studio with the finished masters and the videoing was completed last weekend (there is a DVD with this level).

The book is due back from the printer any day and the whole shebang will hopefully be packaged up this week! It has taken a little longer to put the finishing touches in place, but the wait will be well worth it: there are 40, full-colour, easy-to-use lesson plans for lower primary + 4 audio CDs of great music and guided examples etc … plus a DVD with 16 examples of dances, movements, actions and even some Auslan signing.

The package is beautifully presented and exquisitely illustrated by our artist, Bradfield Dumpleton, and Barbara Snook’s clear instructions make it easy to deliver a Dance program for any teacher.

I guess it’s obvious we’re pretty proud of it and we look forward to your thoughts.

Check out the activity from Dance Room Level 2 posted last week in this blog. We will notify you the moment the package is ready (there will also be some great deals).

From the crowded desk of Mark Leehy,
Publisher at Bushfire Press

August 2009 Free Activity - Marching Soldiers

2009-08-10T19:31:00.007+10:00

The August activity comes from

Dance Room Level 2

lower primary edition
the second book in our New Dance Program
by Barbara Snook

Dance Room Level 2 is about to be released! This is your chance to preview this exciting new publication.

Marching Soldiers

This activity focuses on the Dance Element of Space.

In pairs, students make up a march where they pretend to be soldiers and march around the room in time to the music.
They can march on the spot, march forward, turn to face a different direction and march forward again. They are encouraged to make up their own marching dance.

A fun activity that helps your students map out their positions in space while they are moving around the floor.

Try it out, and then order a perousal copy of the book!

40 LESSON PLANS FOR LOWER PRIMARY!!!
Full colour book and four audio CDs.
Here is your dance and movement course for the year ready made, planned and ready to go!
Dance Room Dance program from Bushfire Press.

We have the music with all instructions and a pdf from the book to download. Enjoy!
Download the activity

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Maryborough Music Conference ‘09

2009-08-08T20:09:00.003+10:00

A couple of weeks ago, Kevin O’Mara and I were in Maryborough, Queensland, for the biennial music teachers’ conference, held over 5 days in July. We presented workshops on Music Room and Dance Room. It was our second visit and once again it was a stunning achievement – this time bigger and better.

Congratulations to Ken Hodgkinson for amazing organization. We were treated to great weather, a sublime setting by the Mary River, fabulous guest speakers and presenters from Australia and the world, wonderful performances from local students and delegate’s bands, orchestras and choirs … and keynote speaker James Morrison reminded us all that, outcomes and Essential

Learnings aside, our most important job is to find ways to engage the student at the student’s level – to help the student make a connection to music. I realise it sounds a little trite when written down like that … but it is just so important for us all to remember, when faced with ever-changing planning, evaluation and reporting requirements, that music is still, fundamentally, about making that connection and using it for expression.

The next Maryborough Music Conference is in 2011 – maybe we’ll see you there.

From the crowded desk of Mark Leehy,
Publisher at Bushfire Press

July 2009 Free Activity - Making a Robot

2009-07-20T12:47:00.008+10:00

The July activity comes from

Dance Room Level 1

beginning primary edition
the first book in our New Dance Program
by Barbara Snook

Making a Robot

This is a great dance and movement activity

Students pretend that they are robots and move around the room to the provided music. They are invited to think and talk about their robot.

Dance Room Dance program from Bushfire Press. We have the music with all instructions and a pdf from the book to download. Enjoy!

40 LESSON PLANS FOR BEGINNING PRIMARY!!!
Full colour book and four audio CDs.
Here is your dance and movement course for the year ready made, planned and ready to go!

Download the activity

Up to 40% offer extended to July 31st

2009-07-08T17:25:00.000+10:00

Purchase Music Room Book 5 @ A$180.00 (+GST) and get up to a 40% discount off Music Room Books 1-4.

Hurry - this offer is only available for Web orders before 31st July

More information here

An easier way to peruse school musicals

2009-07-06T17:45:00.005+10:00

Bushfire Press began 20 years ago with the publication of Kids in Space and school musicals are still one of our great passions. We take great pride in providing quality shows that have been worked and reworked to make them as appealing and involving as possible to the students and as easy to use as possible for the production team.

Here's a bit of good news for teachers who are involved in the task of finding a suitable musical for their school's next production: We now have electronic perusal available for all of our titles.

You can peruse a large slab of the script, read the synopsis & production notes and check cast sizes, staging and costuming requirements etc ... and you can hear a sample (a minute or so) of all the songs. You can do this for all of our school musicals.

Go to www.bushfirepress.com

THE CHOICES
We have a Gilbert & Sullivan section, with Pirates of Penzance, The Mikado and ... coming soon ... HMS Pinafore.

We have a 'Classics' section including adaptations of Shakespeare (A Kidsummer Night's Dream), Mark Twain (Masquerade, Kids in Camelot), Hans Christian Andersen (The Little Mermaid), Carlo Collodi (Pinocchio) and a Sindbad romp (Kids at Sea - our all-time best seller).

We have our 'Old Favourites' section, including Dangerkids, Superkids, Dragon Girl, Kids in Paradise and Kids in Space.

We have a couple of Christmas shows, including a modern re-telling of the Nativity (The Jazz Nativity) and a look at Christmas through the ages and across the lands (A Christmas Pageant).

And we have an 'Australiana' section, including Currawong Creek (an outback station run by bush animals) and The Billabong Prank (a comic look at how the legend of Waltzing Matilda might really have happened).

So jump online and have a look and a listen. www.bushfirepress.com
You can order online ... and you can always still order a perusal copy to be sent by snail mail.

Have a great show
See you next time

From the crowded desk of Mark Leehy,
Publisher at Bushfire Press

Using Music Room Charts

2009-06-29T14:26:00.004+10:00

Large display charts are both a necessity and a headache in any classroom. Music teachers are even more affected than other teachers. They need display charts for teaching points or inspiration (like any other teacher) - but they also need loads of song lyric charts. And these chats need to be stored between usage. The storage alone was an issue for me in my teaching days. I was always getting bouts of sinusitis from dusty sheets of paper and cardboard stored either in open, wedge-shaped 'chart mangers' or in space-consuming drawer files. And then there was the rush of changing charts between classes (which was mostly chaotic with the constant stream of classes I had).

When we were developing Music Room, we decided to put all of our artist's beautifully created charts in the back of the book. We considered also producing large-format sets of them but decided against this as the manufacturing cost was so high and we would have had to charge a small fortune for them. But we knew that resourceful teachers would be able to take the charts in the book and 'blow them up' on the photocopier (and maybe even laminate them).

Then one day we got a request from a teacher in South Australia for what she called 'electronic file' versions of the charts. This had never occurred to us and we were very excited about the idea. So we now have a full set of CDROMs that contain the Music Room charts, lyrics, music, arrangements, certificates etc for each book.

If you haven't seen them, you can find them, you can find a chart sample with one of the free activities we have published. Also, more here.

The beauty of this format is that not only can you put the CDs into your computer and, using a data projector, display the chart or song lyric on a screen or whiteboard, but ... you can store all of them on your computer and simply summon up the song or chart that you need at will.

AND ... you can enlarge them in your computer and print them out for display purposes.

It certainly seemed like a brilliant solution to problems of storage, dust mites and ease-of-access. And it's inexpensive (especially compared to the cost of large-format charts).

Some teachers have asked why the CDROMs are not included in the Music Room package.
The answer is that not every teacher will use the charts in the above-mentioned ways or have access to a computer or a data-projector etc. So they won't need the disks.
And, of course, we would have to have to charge a higher price for the package.
The CDROMs are not essential, but are a convenient 'supplementary' tool. Hopefully, they make the teacher's job just a little easier.

Our basic aims in all our titles are:
Give the students material that is fun, engaging and inspiring.
Package it in such a way that it is easy for the teacher to use and makes their job easier.

If we achieve these aims it was a successful project.

Cheers till next time
Mark Leehy
Publisher - Bushfire press

Calling Queensland & NZ teachers

2009-06-26T17:35:00.005+10:00

Bushfire Press needs help with linking Music Room and Dance Room lessons to curriculum outcomes (‘Essential Learning Standards’ etc) for Queensland and New Zealand. There is a fee available. If you would like more info contact me at the email address on this page
Mark Leehy
Publisher - Bushfire press

The music program in the multi-age classroom

2009-06-24T13:42:00.009+10:00

One of the more tricky classroom management issues is the thorny question of "how do I use a program like Music Room with multi-age classes?"

Multi-age classes (or "mixed grade classes" or "composite grade classes") will always be with us and it is a challenge to keep giving the students lessons and activities that they "didn’t do last year".

Our classroom music program, Music Room is currently up to book 5. Eventually (in a couple of years) there will be 7 books. This equates with 1 full year of lessons for each of the primary years.

We decided to number each book, instead of giving them a grade level, because each Australian state has a different system. The beginning year is called variously ‘prep’, ‘kinder’, ‘reception’ etc. Some states have a ‘prep’ year and 6 primary years. Some have 7 years. And so it goes.

Music Room book 1 is designed to work with the first school year – whatever it is called – and the rest of the books follow on. But what if you have a prep/1, a 2/3 and a 4/5/6? How do you juggle the books?

Cheryl Burgemeister, a music/Arts teacher from South Australia, has kindly allowed us to share her system. You may like to post your own solutions on this blog.

You can find Cheryl's system here.

Cheers till next time
Mark Leehy
Publisher - Bushfire press

Expanding our Blog

2009-06-24T13:14:00.005+10:00

We’d like to start using this space to talk about issues and ideas related to music and performing Arts education.

Perhaps you’d like to send us your own thoughts and ideas.
Maybe we’ll feature guest editorials.

So, to kick things off, I thought I’d share a thought or two about multi-age classrooms.
This post will be up shortly.

Mark Leehy
Publisher, Bushfire Press

Up to 40% off MUSIC ROOM Books 1-4

2009-06-10T16:56:00.003+10:00

Purchase Music Room Book 5 @ A$180.00 (+GST) and get up to a 40% discount off Music Room Books 1-4.

Hurry - this offer is only available for Web orders before 30th June

More information here

June 2009 Activity - ODD ONE OUT (Flute or Recorder)

2009-06-10T00:00:00.001+10:00

THIS MONTH'S FREE ACTIVITY also comes from
Flute With a Twist Volume 1
By Marianne Broug

The book contains PHOTOCOPIABLE BLMs of Variations, Duets and Trios, musical games, puzzles in Classical, Jazz and Contemporary styles.
ODD ONE OUT is a puzzle for students to solve and the notes are easily played on the recorder. Can your students work out what the tune is and find the bar of music that doesn’t belong?
ODD ONE OUT is also suitable for recorder.

You will find the activity here

May 2009 Activity - Mushroom Magic (Flute or Recorder)

2009-05-17T16:14:00.006+10:00

THIS MONTH'S FREE ACTIVITY comes from
Flute With a Twist Volume 1
By Marianne Broug

The book contains PHOTOCOPIABLE BLMs of Variations, Duets and Trios, musical games, puzzles in Classical, Jazz and Contemporary styles.

MUSHROOM MAGIC is also suitable for recorder and is a nice, easy, slow trio.
It’s great fun – so enjoy!

You will find the activity here

April 2009 Activity - Space Boogie

2009-04-21T16:02:00.004+10:00

THIS MONTH'S FREE ACTIVITY comes from level 4 (upper primary) of our integrated Arts program: COOL CATS CROSS ARTS ADVENTURES
by Mark Leehy & Kevin O'Mara.

This song & activity is from the Space unit of Cool Cats Cross Arts Adventures level 4

We have just re-released the student books for levels 2-4 on CDROM. The CDROMs contain lyrics and student activity pages for music, dance, drama, media and visual art.
They can be used for data projection, enlarging, printing and copying etc. and replace the student books that accompanied the program.

We are giving you part of the level 4 unit 'Space'. We have a CD track and a PDF for a song and dance, 'Space Boogie', great electric guitar, lyrics and movement and dance activities.

This one's great fun and will have the kids really moving!

You will find the activity here

March 2009 Activity - Beautiful Soup

2009-03-09T00:00:00.000+11:00

THIS MONTH'S FREE ACTIVITY comes our level 3 (middle primary) of our integrated Arts program: COOL CATS CROSS ARTS ADVENTURES
by Mark Leehy & Kevin O'Mara.

This song & activity is from the Nutrition unit of Cool Cats Cross Arts Adventures level 3

We have just re-released the student books for levels 2-4 on CDROM. The CDROMs contain lyrics and student activity pages for music, dance, drama, media and visual art.
They can be used for data projection, enlarging, printing and copying etc. and replace the student books that accompanied the program.

We are giving you part of the level 3 unit 'Nutrition'. We have CD tracks and PDFs for a great song, 'Beautiful Soup', a percussion arrangement, lyrics and movement and dance activities.

Another great activity to have fun with!

You will find the activity here

Our Response to the Victorian Bushfire Tragedy

2009-02-16T11:06:00.005+11:00

We would like to make a difference.
And we invite you to help us.

Donate your Bushfire Dollars to the Salvation Army Bushfires Appeal before 31st March and we will match your donation. That means 20% of your purchase price goes to the Salvos.

If your school has been directly affected by the fires, we may be able to help you with donations of resources.

More information here

Why do we call ourselves Bushfire Press?

Why do we call ourselves Bushfire Press?

2009-02-16T10:48:00.005+11:00

It has been a sad beginning to the year for all Australians, particularly those living in Victoria. And a reminder of the natural dangers faced by all who live in beautiful, natural surroundings.

Bushfire Press was born in the late Eighties in the little village of Warrandyte, in Victoria's southeast - an area that has had its share of bushfires. Our logo is a red and a green leaf, shaped like musical notes. The red and green symbolised the green growth from the ashes of the red fire. Regrowth, regeneration, the overcoming of disasters and the strength of moving forward.

Initially, we were thinking about the struggles of small, independent businesses who battle sometimes seemingly insurmountable odds ... But I guess the logo really stands for the indomitable spirit of people. It is a spirit we cherish in this country - as shown by the generous support of Australians everywhere in this time of crisis.

We would like to make a difference - and we invite you to help us.
More in the next post.

Mark Leehy

February 2009 Activity - The Lollipop Lady

2009-02-10T00:00:00.001+11:00

THIS MONTH'S FREE ACTIVITY comes our level 2 (lower primary) of our integrated Arts program: COOL CATS CROSS ARTS ADVENTURES
by Mark Leehy & Kevin O'Mara.

AND IT'S A WHOPPER!

This song & activity is from the Our Local Community unit of Cool Cats Cross Arts Adventures level 2

We have just re-released the student books for levels 2-4 on CDROM. The CDROMs contain lyrics and student activity pages for music, dance, drama, media and visual art.
They can be used for data projection, enlarging, printing and copying etc. and replace the student books that accompanied the program.

To celebrate, we are giving you part of the level 2 unit 'Our Local Community'.
We have CD tracks and PDFs for a great song, 'The Lollipop Lady', a percussion arrangement and movement & dance activities.

We know your students will have loads of fun with these activities - enjoy!

You will find the activity here

REWARDS PROGRAM

2008-12-16T19:14:00.002+11:00

THE NEW BUSHFIRE PRESS REWARDS PROGRAM
Starting January 1st 2009

We will soon be introducing a new rewards program that will earn you a bushfire dollar for every $10 spent. This will allow you to to use your Bushfire dollars to supplement your personal teaching resources, or to purchase further resources for your school.

The rewards program will replace our 10% Internet discount.

November 2008 Activity - Good King Wenceslas

2008-11-26T00:50:00.000+11:00

The activity comes from Cool Cats Red Hot Recorder Band

The activity is ...Good King Wenceslas

Cool Cats Red Hot Recorder Band has 20 great arrangements by Jeff Mead for descant, treble & tenor recorders.
Includes expanded arrangements of some Cool Cats favourites + a grab bag of pieces from around the world, some jazz, blues & rock, a little consort work, pieces for special occasions + a special concert piece, Al E. Cat's 3 Piece Band.
Photocopiable book & CD of demos & backings.

Yule love the cool treatment of this old favourite!
Buy the title, and you can use it at school assembly or in a performance!
In any case, you are welcome to use it in your classroom free.

We have the demo track, backing track and music for you.

You can download the activity by following the links from here

Why not subscribe?

2008-11-24T00:28:00.003+11:00

You can subscribe to this blog by following the link

feed://bushfirepress.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Depending on your choice, whenever there is new post, it could show up in MAIL or SAFARI, your feed aggregator, Outlook or Explorer. Whatever you choose.

The activities can also be accessed using iTunes
Click Here

or you can subscribe copying and pasting the link below
http://www.bushfirepress.com/podcasts/activities.xml
For iTunes ...
choose Advanced > Subscribe to Podcast

This way, any racks we publish turn up on your iPod or iTunes - or whatever player you use for mp3s and podcasts.

October 2008 Activity - Beat Box Boogie from Music Room Book5 - Middle Primary

2008-10-21T00:00:00.002+11:00

The activity comes from Music Room Book5 - Middle Primary

The activity is ...BEAT BOX BOOGIE

Book 5 of Music Room introduces students to 4 roots feels: funk, calypso, hoedown and boogie-woogie.
This fun song is from unit 1 lesson 7 and introduces students to the 'boogie-woogie' feel and vocal harmony through simple singing parts..

We have the lyrics, a copy of the accompanying chart and the vocal CD track for you

You can download the activity by following the links from here

September 2008 Activity - Get Funky from Music Room Book5 - Middle Primary

2008-09-30T00:00:00.003+10:00

The activity comes from Music Room Book5 - Middle Primary

The activity is ...GET FUNKY

Book 5 of Music Room introduces students to 4 roots feels: funk, calypso, hoedown and boogie-woogie.
This fun song is from unit 1 lesson 1 and students can learn the song, write their own lyrics and use instruments to join in with some easy funk riffs.

We have the free lesson plan including music, lyrics, arrangement and activity notes, a copy of the accompanying chart and the vocal CD track for you

You can download the activity by following the links from here

August 2008 Activity - from Music Craft Preliminary Book B

2008-08-21T16:10:00.004+10:00

Music Craft
for Cool Cats
by Deana Dodds
illustrated by Jock Macneish
from Bushfire Press
Music Craft For Cool Cats
Deana Dodds
Preliminary Book B

We have ANOTHER two free sample activities available from this book.
You will find them here

Compatible with all major theory syllabuses:

The AURAL component of the Music Craft Preliminary level; each book contains
2 audio CDs.
Complements Preliminary Book A
Fun activities that challenge children to think
Whilst being geared towards the AMEB exam, the book is still perfectly
suitable for general classroom tuition.
Activities are child friendly and fun to do.
Complete FREE teacher notes are available on the website - suggestions for
getting the most out of this resource; suggestions for exam preparation and
for how to take students beyond the syllabus.
The Cool Cats series of music books now being utilised by thousands of students across Australia.

July 2008 Activity - from Music Craft Preliminary Book B

2008-07-23T17:15:00.006+10:00

Music Craft
for Cool Cats
by Deana Dodds
illustrated by Jock Macneish
from Bushfire Press
Music Craft For Cool Cats
Deana Dodds
Preliminary Book B

We have two free sample activities available from this book.
You will find them here

Compatible with all major theory syllabuses:

The AURAL component of the Music Craft Preliminary level; each book contains
2 audio CDs.
Complements Preliminary Book A
Fun activities that challenge children to think
Whilst being geared towards the AMEB exam, the book is still perfectly
suitable for general classroom tuition.
Activities are child friendly and fun to do.
Complete FREE teacher notes are available on the website - suggestions for
getting the most out of this resource; suggestions for exam preparation and
for how to take students beyond the syllabus.
The Cool Cats series of music books now being utilised by thousands of students across Australia.

May 2008 Activity - Meet the Wind Family

2008-05-13T20:30:00.006+10:00

The May activity comes from

Cool Cats Cross Arts Adventures Level 3

Students meet woodwinds, reeds and brass through some simple hands-on activities involving bottles, straws and hose!.

Download the activity

April 2008 Activity - Dance in the Olden Days - Camelot

2008-03-28T13:56:00.006+11:00

The April activity comes from

Dance Room Level 1

beginning primary edition
the first book in our New Dance Program
by Barbara Snook

Camelot

A very simple and fun activity from Unit 3, Lesson 10:
Form - narrative movements.

The students go back to the days of Camelot, performing dance movements that tell a simple story involving Knights, Ladies ... and horses!

Dance Room Dance program from Bushfire Press We have dance instructions, illustrations and 2 CD tracks (an instrumental version and a "guided" voice-over version) for you. Enjoy!

40 LESSON PLANS FOR BEGINNING PRIMARY!!!
Full colour book and four audio CDs.
Here is your dance and movement course for the year ready made, planned and ready to go!

Download the activity

March 2008 Activity - Rabbit Polka

2008-03-05T15:35:00.004+11:00

March 2008
The March activity comes from

Dancing 'Round the World

10 easy folk dances from France, Germany, Austria, Yugoslavia, Russia, Israel collected and presented by the legendary Christoph Maubach and Bill Vryens.

Rabbit Polka

We have a beautiful and very simple little dance called "The Rabbit Polka"
from France.

This dance is instantly learnable!

There are dance instructions, illustrations and a CD track provided for you.
Just follow the links from here

Enjoy!

Have you signed up to be notified about the free activities each month?
You can do so here.

February 2008 Activity - In the Dreaming

2008-01-28T20:00:00.000+11:00

The February activity comes from

Dance Room Level 1

beginning primary edition
the first book in our New Dance Program
by Barbara Snook

In the Dreaming

We have the warm-up and stretch from the first lesson of our New Dance Program, Dance Room.

Students create steady rhythmic actions to represent Dreamtime animals in a simple piece with a stunning music track.
It's a great introduction to the "Action" element of dance, the first of 5 dance elements: action, space, time, energy and form.

We are sure you will love doing this activity with your students - and its a great introduction to the new Music Program.

40 LESSON PLANS FOR BEGINNING PRIMARY!!!
Full colour book and four audio CDs.
Here is your dance and movement course for the year ready made, planned and ready to go!

Download the activity

Dance Room - New from Bushfire Press

2008-01-26T20:00:00.001+11:00

Dance Room
beginning primary edition by Barbara Snook

We are proud to announce that Dance Room will be available in mid February.

Like Music Room, this fabulous dance program is instant, fun, inviting, inspiring ... and perfect for dance trained and non-trained teachers alike!

Why not order Dance Room now and swing straight into the new year with everything you need to present this exciting course.

Click here for more.

Dancing 'Round the World - New from Bushfire press

2008-01-26T19:00:00.000+11:00

Dancing 'Round the World
by the legendary Christoph Maubach and Bill Vryens
Book and CD

Another new relaease from Bushfire Press.
10 easy folk dances from France, Germany, Austria, Yugoslavia, Russia, Israel collected and presented by the legendary Christoph Maubach and Bill Vryens.

Available in February - order Now!

Click here for more.

November 2007 Activity - 12 Aussie Days of Christmas

2007-11-05T17:17:00.000+11:00

The 12 Aussie Days of Christmas
from A Christmas Pageant
(then and now)
A Musical by Lynne Bartlett, Mark Leehy and Kevin O'Mara
Duration: 60 minutes.

The activity is a new, Aussie version of 'The Twelve Days of Christmas'.

The setting is Bondi Beach (or any other Australian beach) at Christmas time.

It's a lot of fun, and, since there is a backing track, why not use it as a springboard to get your kids writing their own version?

This is an ideal item to perform at your end-of-year concert or your 'Carols by Candlelight' evening, or even your class party or graduation ceremony

... and ... the whole thing can be performed to the backing track we've provided.

AND - IT'S IN A SINGABLE KEY FOR KIDS!
Click here for more.

October 2007 Activity - O Tannenbaum

2007-10-09T00:00:00.000+10:00

O Tannenbaum
from A Christmas Pageant
(then and now)
A Musical by Lynne Bartlett, Mark Leehy and Kevin O'Mara
Duration: 60 minutes.

We have the well-known carol sung firstly in German (O Tannenbaum) and then in English (O Christmas Tree).
There is a narration that explains the origins of the song and the tradition of decorating a Christmas tree,
as well as staging ideas for presenting the piece at your end-of-year concert or your 'Carols by Candlelight' evening ...
and ... the whole thing can be performed to the backing track we've provided.

AND - IT'S IN A SINGABLE KEY FOR KIDS!
Click here for more.

A Christmas Pageant (then and now)

2007-09-21T10:00:00.001+10:00

New in 2007 !
A Christmas Pageant
(then and now)
A Musical by Lynne Bartlett, Mark Leehy and Kevin O'Mara
Duration: 60 minutes.

A fun-filled journey from Bethlehem to Bondi that takes the audience through the traditions of Christmas from the Nativity, through the origins of the Christmas Tree and carol singing, the legend of Good King Wenceslaus, the coming of Santa Claus ... and ending up with an Aussie celebration!

Carols and Songs: Silent Night, O, Come, All Ye faithful, We Three Kings, Away in a Manger, The First Noel, Joy to the World, Good King Wenceslaus, Jingle Bells, O, Tannenbaum/ O, Christmas Tree, Deck the Halls, The Night Before Christmas, 12 Aussie Days of Christmas, We Wish You a Merry Christmas.

Click here for more.

September 2007 Activity - Jan Ken Pon

2007-09-10T20:00:00.000+10:00

September 2007
The September activity also comes from Music Room Book 4.

The activity is 'Jan Ken Pon'.

Jan Ken Pon is a traditional Japanese children's song, used in the 'hand game' of 'paper, scissors, rock'.

English speaking children will know this game well and will enjoy adding this simple song to it.

The will also enjoy a class or school 'Jan Ken Pon Championship'!

You will find the free activity by clicking here.

August 2007 Activity

2007-08-17T10:00:00.000+10:00

August 2007
The August activity comes from

Music Room Book 4.

The activity is the Rhymers' Waltz - Working in Threes
* Students learn a ¾ body percussion rhythm pattern to use with a simple song.
* Students learn how to rhyme - using only 2 words - and use their own rhymes in the song.
There is also a simple tuned and untuned percussion arrangement for them to add to the song. and vocal and backing tracks.

You will find the free activity by clicking here.