Let loose

It’s spring! With the return of warm weather and sunny days, we are bringing you an issue that’s full of energy and vitality. First, we will introduce you to some musical activities you can enjoy as a family to let loose. We’ll suggest a few songs in a variety of styles, all about spring. Finally, we’ll share an original musical story with you.

Music games to let loose before bedtime

As the days get longer and the sun sets later and later, it’s not always easy to get the kids to bed. “Yes, yes, even if it’s still light out, it’s time for bed!”

Here are a few activities to let your kids burn off some energy as a family—hoping that burning off a good amount of energy will make bedtime easier.

1) Bike ride

In Vanessa’s family, the Program Manager at Carrefour francophone, whenever a child complains that they are not tired, the nursery rhyme “Violette en bicyclette” comes to the rescue. The whole family lies on their backs on the floor and pedals with their legs in the air while singing:

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
Violette, Violette,
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
Violette en bicyclette

And if they still aren’t feeling tired, they repeat the bicycle ride a few more times.

2) Musical chairs

Classics never go out of style. For this musical game, place one or more chairs in the centre of the room. Play some upbeat music. As long as the music is playing, the players must walk. When the music stops, everyone must sit down on a chair as quickly as possible.

3) At a walk, at a trot, at a gallop

This action rhyme features the three gaits in which horses move: walking (slowly), trotting (at a moderate pace), and galloping (at a fast pace). It is sung by gradually increasing the tempo.

While singing, encourage the child to move along with the rhythm. They can dance, jump, or clap their hands, whichever they prefer. For very young children, you can have them bounce on your lap in time with the rhythm.

À Paris, à Paris

Sur un petit cheval gris
Au pas, au pas
Au trot, au trot, au trot, au trot
Au galop, au galop, au galop…Et hop!

À Nevers, à Nevers
Sur un petit cheval vert
Au pas, au pas
Au trot, au trot, au trot, au trot
Au galop, au galop, au galop, au galop…Et hop!

À Montrouge, à Montrouge sur un petit cheval rouge
Sur un petit cheval rouge
Au pas, au pas
Au trot, au trot, au trot,
Au galop, au galop, au galop, au galop…Et hop!

À Rouen, à Rouen, sur un petit cheval blanc
Sur un petit cheval blanc
Au pas, au pas
Au trot, au trot, au trot, au trot
Au galop, au galop, au galop, au galop…Et hop!

A hint of spring

References to the four seasons can be found in many songs and musical pieces. Spring, summer, fall, and winter each have a distinct atmosphere and evoke a variety of emotions. The cycle of the seasons reflects the constant changes in our lives. We go through periods of growth and peace, as well as times of slowing down or rest.

We invite you to listen to a selection of musical pieces in various styles, all loosely inspired by spring.

As you listen, try to identify how the theme is reflected in the rhythm, key, lyrics, and choice of instruments. What gives this piece a spring-like feel? How does it convey a sense of lightness, renewal, gentleness, or joy?

Printemps by Richard Petit. 

This song by Quebec singer-songwriter Richard Petit features a ska-influenced musical style that draws a connection between the lightheartedness of love and the arrival of spring. The off-beat rhythms are accentuated by the electric guitar and drums, while the singer belts out the lyrics with all his might. The addition of brass instruments and a vocal chorus lends the song a lighthearted and joyful feel.

Perrenial by Mimi O’Bonsawin

The Abenaki singer-songwriter, a native of Northern Ontario, presents a wordless musical piece loosely inspired by perennials, which return every spring. In this folk piece, she plays with a gentle, rhythmic style, evoking that sense of renewal that comes with spring. The vocals, which are introduced midway through the piece, help create a sense of elevation.

Le Printemps, by Antonio Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons

This very popular classical piece was composed in the 17th century by the Italian composer Antonio Vivaldi. The violins begin by playing trills, which evoke the song of birds. The violins, cellos, and harpsichord then evoke the flow of rivers as they rush by. Then, the thunder and lightning of the storm roll in, before calm and the birds return.

The night is filled with sounds

To wrap things up, Antoine has created a short audio story especially for this Music Notebook. Read the text to your child, inviting them to make the sounds along with you to bring the story to life and add rhythm.

Écoutez bien, la nuit est remplie de bruits.
Le hibou chante HOU HOU,
en prenant un bain de boue.
La grenouille grouille dans les quenouilles
SPLISH SPLASH PLOUF.
Les cigales gazouillent et grésillent
TSSSS.
Le vent vole et virevolte
FOUUUU.
Et nous nous dormons sur nos deux oreilles ZZZZ

See you very soon for another Music Notebook!