THE OCARINA!
Did you know...
The ocarina is a traditional Russian folk instrument?
Here are some interesting facts about this vessel flute:
• Ocarinas are often made from clay.
• Air is forced through the body (it is a woodwind instrument!)
• The air causes the instrument to vibrate.
• The vibrations resonate throughout the inside of the ocarina.
• Holes are covered and uncovered to raise and lower the pitch.
We took a look at an ocarina today, and colored a fact sheet! I played some simple songs for the children, and we also reviewed an additional Russian folk instrument, the psaltery or zither, as well as our pictures of Russian culture and the super fun nesting dolls, or "Matryoshka" dolls.
Ask your child about the ocarina below! (FYI--JN two-year-olds will have music class on Thursday, August 25th at 11:30 a.m.)
In addition to learning about Russia and Russian musical culture, the kids also got a kick out whistling the "Hello" song today. =)
Check out the mp3 here:
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR CHILD
1) How do you make noise with the ocarina? You blow in it!
2) What Russian animal did you see a picture of today? Hint: it likes to be in the cold! Answer: a tundra fox!