Just the merest hint of sunshine reminds us that spring is on the way -- and that's a perfect excuse for the big band sounds of Glenn Miller! Born 105 years ago this Sunday, March 1, Miller picked up the trombone as a teenager, setting his heart on a musical career right out of high school. After years of touring and working in various groups, he finally formed his own band and the rest is musical history: "Chattanooga Choo Choo," " In the Mood," "Tuxedo Junction," "Moonlight Serenade"...his name is synonymous with swing and big band music from the 1930s and 40s.

On his way to France in December 1944, to entertain troops, Miller's plane mysteriously vanished. To this day, his official military status is "missing in action," since the plane and passengers were never found. A memorial to his life and service stands just up the road in New Haven.

Those new to his music might want to start with The Essential Glenn Miller or In the Digital Mood. After that, we have plenty of other titles to explore, which all sound great as we get ready to open windows and let some fresh spring air in. It's that perfect combination of carefree, jazzy melodies and expert musicianship that makes Glenn Miller an all-time favorite across the generations. 105 years and counting!


 

Kids have a natural love of music. They love to dance, shake and explore sounds and movement. Like with so many things in their lives, music is much more fun when it is shared with the grownups and siblings in their lives!  Music can help focus their attention, music can lift their spirits and research shows that music can help make them smarter!  

Many researchers believe that the earlier kids are exposed to music, the more their sponge-like brains absorb and respond to tones. In Early Literacy research, this is beneficial to their pre-literacy development and is known as Phonological Awareness. There are lots of ways you can help build this skill in and with your child including:

• clapping with the syllables
• using spoons to bang on pots and pans (note: do this with asprin handy!)
  
• making shakers by putting rice into and empty water bottle with a secure screw cap
• using scarves or sticks or anything to play! There are more ideas about making your own instruments here

Good Kids music is not something that is easy to find. A lot of the albums are hit or miss with quality and enjoyableness for the grownups who have to listen to it too.  We read a blog called Kids Music that Rocks and are introduced to lots of new artists and albums through there. Kiera wrote a piece a while back with links to some of her favorites from our collection like Elizabeth Mitchell, They Might be Giants and the Terrible Twos.  To her list, I'd to add some World Music presented by Putumayo (Kids):

Hawaiian Playground	Reggae Playground	Folk Playground	African Playground

 And now I leave you with some fun music from Feist from a guest appearance on Sesame Street. Have fun listening to music with your little one!!!

Here's what's new to our shelves today!

Books

DVDs

Even if your team didn't make the Super Bowl, it's still one of those times when the entire country seems to stand still for a few hours, this time to watch some football. During the past season, we saw the Arizona Cardinals make an unexpected run all the way to the championship game, while the Pittsburgh Steelers are back for the second time in four years.

These two franchises have an amazing connection: during World War II, with so many men serving abroad, the team rosters were combined to form "Card-Pitt" for one season. (Unfortunately, they went 0-10!)

No matter what the score is at halftime, both sides can sit back and enjoy a very special appearance by Bruce Springsteen. Rumors are flying about his setlist, but there's a pretty good chance that we'll hear a number or two from Working On a Dream...released just five days before the Super Bowl. We'll be adding that title to our collection here at the Darien Library very soon, and are still working to get the entire CD collection out of the packing boxes and available to borrow as fast as we can. Thanks for your patience, and enjoy the game and mini-concert on February 1!