Indian Classical Music Residency

Creating a Raaga 

As we continue our study of Indian Classical music, students from 1st-4th grades continued to explore creating their own raagas (songs) based on the mohanam (Pentatonic in Western music) scale we have been learning in class. Students started by improvising on Orff instruments (xylophones, metallophones and glockenspiels) which were marked with the swaras (notes) from the scale. 

Afterwards, we shared these raagas with the class and we sang them as a group. 

Swaras (notes) on Orff instruments

Fourth grader experimenting with the swaras before composing his raaga. 

Fourth grader practicing her finished raaga. 

Students are also learning a song called Murali Adharai  for our culminating assembly. We will sing two lines of the song in Hindi and then Janani and her son, first grader, Rudy, will sing the remainder of the song. Janani composed an opening intro for all of us to sing, and we will sing it as an outro as well at the end of the song. All students in Lower School will be a part of this assembly!

Third grade learning Murali Adhara

Parents are welcomed to join us for our culminating assembly if you are able. We are also going to make a video of the assembly and will share the link in the blog.

You can join us on Friday, March 18th at 10:00 in the Muller Auditorium. 

We look forward to sharing this experience with you whether in person or via video!