Summer Learning and a New Partnership
This summer, S’Cool Sounds (SCS) partnered with Pearson, a global leader in education and online learning, to bring music programming to their Island Adventures summer camp. SCS Teaching Artists Berta Moreno and Ruaridh Pattison connected with more than 200 students from around the world through joyful, interactive sessions.
Berta led Alegría Musical—Island Rhythms, where she “flew” PreK-5 students to Puerto Rico, and they learned the traditional Bomba song “Estoy Buscando un Árbol” and expressive piquete dance movements. Students brought the vibrant tradition together by singing and dancing with skirts, scarves, and even paper towels.
Ruaridh led Beat Science: Summer Soundtrack, where grades 9-12 students created drum beats and composed original music in Soundtrap. Experimenting with different sounds and patterns, students created original pieces that capture the feelings, energy, and memories of summer. The session was a building block for music production and music collaboration—developing students’ developing students’ confidence and creative possibilities.
Beat Science, originally developed by Ruaridh and now taught by various SCS Teaching Artists, including Maksim Perepelica, offers an entry point for students to explore rhythm and beat through music they already know. Students learn to write drum beats, compose melodies, craft chord progressions, and record and mix sounds. By connecting familiar listening experiences to music-making, students who may not see themselves as musicians begin to express themselves creatively with sound.
Your generosity makes it possible for us to develop SCS music curriculum and programming that expands hands-on learning opportunities with students. Please consider donating today!
Your generosity makes it possible for us to develop SCS music curriculum and programming that expands hands-on learning opportunities with students. Please consider donating today!
VIDEO HIGHLIGHT
We continue to celebrate the new release of Sheet Music for the Recorder, the companion resource to Recorders Without Borders (RWB). Watch Ruaridh Pattison (“Mr. Ru”) perform the beloved Swahili love song “Malaika,” a teacher and student favorite! Ruaridh, the star of RWB, created backing tracks for our free recorder lesson plans, allowing students to play along with a full ensemble sound.
COMMUNITY MEMBER HIGHLIGHT
Originally from Kirkcaldy, Scotland, Ruaridh Pattison is a jazz musician, educator, multi-instrumentalist, and Senior SCS Teaching Artist since 2016 who travels the world as a specialist in improvisation. Ruaridh has been essential in developing educational resources for Recorders Without Borders and Sheet Music for the Recorder—creating sheet music, backing tracks, and audio accompaniments. His passion for teaching brings music and joy to students in NYC and Kenya.