Music As a Way to Express Feelings
Thoughts for the Week:
Music is sometimes called the beginning of language. Early
communication between children and parents often includes soft lullabies and
rhythmic lap games like pat-a-cake. Music has always been an important part of
my life; the adults around me encouraged me to appreciate and play music. As a
child, I found that music was one of my best ways to express how I felt. And
that's one reason why music is such an important part of Mister Rogers'
Neighborhood. The songs I sing on the programs are songs about the way people
feel - when they're happy, angry, sad, or just unsure. I hope that our
Neighborhood songs will help children talk with you about things that are
important to them.
-- Fred Rogers
Summary of the Week:
It's a musical
week in the Neighborhood, exploring how music is both performed and
appreciated, including visits with cellist Yo-Yo Ma, Broadway composer and collector
of unusual musical instruments, Tom O'Horgan, The Empire Brass Quintet, and
folk singer Ella Jenkins.
In the
Neighborhood of Make-Believe, King Friday XIII calls for a Bass Violin Festival
even though he is the only one who is able to actually play the instrument!
The neighbors are stumped at first, but they soon find their own creative ways
to join in.
