Summer Reading Week 3: Music

This week I thought we'd take a look at some great music books and websites. We have many books on all the different kinds of music in the library so you definitely want to come by and have a look. Most are in our non-fiction collection in the j780s. Ask a librarian if you need help finding what you are looking for!

Here are just a few music book you might enjoy...

The Composer is Dead by Lemony Snicket (jE Snicket + CD)

The composer is dead...so who killed him? Was it the stringed instruments? Was it the flutes? Or could it have been the conductor? Join the Inspector as he interrogates every member of the orchestra to find out whodunnit! Includes a CD with music and a narration by Lemony Snicket.

Nifty Thrifty Music Crafts by Felicia Lowenstein Niven (j745.5 Nil)

Instructions for creating 10 different musical instruments including finger cymbals, maracas and rhythm blocks!

The Long Gone Lonesome History of Country Music by Bret Bertholf (j781.64 Ber)

A journey through the history of country music. Includes instructions on how to yodel(!), proper country attire, pets you might want to own if you're a country music fan, different country dances and an explanation of some cool country words like "crick" and "hanker." Also includes "The Big List of Country Nicknames" and a Who's Who in country music. So come on y'all and check this one out!

Those Amazing Musical Instruments!: Your Guide to the Orchestra Through Sounds and Stories by Genevieve Helsby (j784.19 Hel + CD-Rom)

"From the cello to the clarinet to the trumpet to the drums, Those Amazing Musical Instruments! takes readers on a musical tour, with notes on the history, construction and sounds of the instruments from each of the major instrument 'families.' They can see the parts of the violin working together, read about the flute in Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro," or hear the different sounds of the tuba on the included CD-ROM. This interactive CD-ROM includes individual musical samples giving readers an audible taste of each instrument, as well as full orchestra pieces showing how they play together."

Sing My Song: A Kid's Guide to Songwriting by Steve Seskin (j782.421 Ses)

With examples and step-by-step instructions, kids can learn how to put together a song. Includes an explanation of musical terms, information on how to write a song and a CD of samples.

Musical websites:

Creating Music - "Creatingmusic.com is a children's online creative music environment for children of all ages. It's a place for kids to compose music, play with musical performance, music games and music puzzles. Come discover fun and easy ways to make music!"

New York Philharmonic Kids Zone - Includes an instrument lab, musician's lounge and game room!

Radio - Ever wondered how a radio works? Or who invented it? Check out this site for the complete history of the radio.

And here are a few more music links from our Summer Reading Website!