Goss Homeschool Academy

Rhapsody in Blue turns 100 years old this year! I'm so glad we are going to hear it live at the Nashville Symphony next week! There are also some amazing pieces that showcase the blend of classical music with the "American Experience." To read more about the anniversary of Gershwin's classic click here.  Nashville Symphony Curb Dress Rehearsal   Florence Price, arr. Still: Dances in the Canebrakes  (read about it here ) 10 min - The first movement is called Nimble Feet and is a "rag" - I will direct my students to listen for the low brass, cellos, and basses when they have the melody. I also love the back and forth "walking" or stepwise motive that is passed between the glockenspiel and harp. - The second movement is called Tropical Noon and has a great syncopation motive repeated throughout. When I teach this syncopation to my piano students I have them say "peanuts and popcorn" while clapping the rhythm (synco-pa-ta-ta.) In this piece I...

 In July of 2023 we enjoyed a 3 day trip to the Knoxville area for a fun summer vacation with friends and a little bit of school!  Oak Ridge, TN has been on our mind this year after spending the year learning about Chemistry - especially the developments in the periodic table of elements during Marie Curie's life. It's amazing to me how fast things seemed to move in the development of chemistry and physics from 1910-1940! As we finished our biography of Marie Curie and looked into the development of the atom bomb I knew we needed to take a trip to the Knoxville area to learn more! The Oak Ridge site is made up of several locations. We took the American Museum of Science and Energy tour (ages 10 and up only) and it was very thorough and a great tour.....but long! And not really geared to the ages of 10-13! If you want to go with your kids I will give a suggested itinerary below. If you want to take the bus tour which gives you access to multiple sites you can purchase tickets a...

We first visited the  "Forest Giants" at Bernheim Forest in Kentucky  in 2021. I had never been to Bernheim Forest but had seen the signs for the park over the years. The very Germanic name of this forest in Kentucky brought back memories of traveling through forest and mountain scenery through Germany, Switzerland, and northern Italy when we were in our early 20s! Although there aren't any impressive mountain ranges in view, the 16,137 acres of land give you plenty of awe inspiring moments in nature! We made our first trip on our way home from Kentucky Kingdom and enjoyed seeing the amazing art by Thomas Dambo. "Forest Giants" is an installation art project that was set up in 2019 in celebration of Bernheim's 90th anniversary. Click here to read more! Eva Mae loved Little Elina and all the trinkets left at her resting place! We went back again a few months later to enjoy the giants and the amazing natural playground that they have at the park! It's so r...