Hello My Name Is...
David Richard Finlay

[email protected]
586-727-2509 Ext. 1401
Classes:
I am highly qualified to teach K-12 music Education at all K-12 levels. I am currently in my fifth year teaching elementary general music at Will Lee Elementary School as well as 6th grade music and 8th grade study skill at Richmond Middle School.
Education Experience:
Bachelor of Music, (Magna Cum Laude), 2011
Wayne State University, Detroit Michigan
Provisional Teaching Certificate Music Education, 2011
Affiliations: MENC, MSVMA
I taught one year at Pine River Elementary School in St. Clair School District and have taught in Richmond in the fall of 2012.
Why did I decide to teach elementary music? Music is one of my greatest passions fueled by many years of study and performance. I began by learning the piano at a very young age followed by professional voice lessons at the professional level. I have made it one of my life’s goals to increase my knowledge of my two instruments voice and piano and now to share my abilities with elementary school children is a rare and wonderful opportunity. Also, I love teaching and working with children. In the music classroom I am entusiastic and motivated to be creative and nurturing as I challenge my students to be the same. From Mozart to Carly Rae Jepsen I will expose your child to a variety of musical genres. It's a great time to be in music!
Outside of the classroom I have studied Jazz piano and have been a church pianist for 30 years I have accompanied vocalists and small singing groups throughout my career as a musician. I have arranged many concerts and performances involving both young people and adults in various venues and genres.
In my free time I enjoy, bike riding, hiking, kayaking, and traveling. I enjoy making new friends and spending time with friends and family.
Assignments for April 2020: Go to my webpage below and scroll down to your grade level.
Please visit my webpage at richmondmusicforkids.weebly.com
David Finlay
Music Teacher
Richmond Community Schools
Will L. Lee Elementary
68399 S. Forest Richmond, Michigan 48062
O: (586) 727-2509* F: (586) 727-9223
www.richmond.k12.mi.us
A Note to all parents for Music information and lessons during school closing please scroll down to the appropriate grade level of your child. THIS IS ENCOURAGED NOT REQUIRED!
ALSO NOTE: Jamie Thiel in the district office is able to print copies of any activity posted on my teacher page.
If you have any questions please email me at my above address.
Thank you and stay safe!
Kindergarten 2020
Note to parents
I’m not allowed to post recordings of songs on this website, but I can share lyrics so if you’re able to read the lyrics to your child I’m sure they’ll remember the tune and sing along.
But I can’t spell hippopotamus
I can spell hat H-A-T
I can spell cat C-A-T
I can spell fat F-A-T
But I can’t spell hippopotamus
I can spell top T-O-P
I can spell hop H-O-P
I can spell mop M-O-P
But I can’t spell hippopotamus
H-I-P-P-O I know
And then comes P-0-T
But that’s as far as I can go
And that’s what bothers me
I can spell dog D-O-G
I can spell log L-O-G
I can spell hog H-O-G
But I can’t spell hippopotamus
They were Tall
My parents took me to a party
And the people walked around with cups of tea
And they all talked at once
A very noisy bunch
And the worst of all is that I couldn’t see
For they were tall, they were very, very tall
And no matter where I stood I couldn’t see
And they all talked at once, a very noisy bunch
And the worst of all is that I couldn’t see.
When I grow up I’m going to have a party
And we’ll all walk around with cups of tea
And we’ll all talk at once
A very lively bunch
And the best of all is that we all will see
And we’ll be tall, we’ll be very, very tall
And the best of all is that we all will see
And we’ll all talk at once, a very lively bunch
And the best of all is that we all will see.
The Good Day Song
When cats get up in the morning they always say good day (x2)
Meow, Meow, Meow, Meow,
That is what they say, they say
Meow, Meow, Meow, Meow,
That is what they say.
When dogs get up in the morning they always say good day (x2)
Bark, bark, bark, bark,
That is what they say, they say.
First grade concert song lyrics
I’ve a pair of fishes, fishes,
They are washing dishes, dishes,
This is indeed a wonder
See the fishes washing dishes
This is quite a wonder,
This is quite a wonder.
I’ve a pair of puppies, puppies,
They are raising guppies, guppies,
This is indeed a wonder
See the puppies raising guppies
See the fishes washing dishes
This is quite a wonder,
This is quite a wonder.
I’ve a pair of foxes, foxes,
They are building boxes, boxes,
This is indeed a wonder
See the foxes building boxes
See the puppies raising guppies
See the fishes washing dishes
This is quite a wonder,
This is quite a wonder.
I’ve a pair of bunnies, bunnies
They are reading, funnies, funnies,
This is indeed a wonder
See the bunnies reading funnies
See the foxes building boxes
See the puppies raising guppies
See the fishes washing dishes
This is quite a wonder,
This is quite a wonder.
I’ve a pair of parrots, parrots,
They are washing dishes, dishes,
This is indeed a wonder
See the parrots eating carrots
See the bunnies reading funnies
See the foxes building boxes
See the puppies raising guppies
See the fishes washing dishes
This is quite a wonder,
This is quite a wonder.
I wanna be a friend of yours
And a little bit more.
I wanna be a pal of yours
And a little bit more.
I wanna be a bumble bee
Buzzin’ round your door.
I wanna mean a lot to you
And a little bit and a little bit,
And a whole lot more.
Oh you are a friend of mine
And a little bit more.
You are a pal of mine
And a little bit more.
You are a bumblebee
Buzzin’ round my door.
You mean a lot to me
And a little bit, and a little bit,
And a whole lot more.
A sailor went to sea, sea, sea,
To see what he could see, see, see.
And all that he could see, see, see.
Is the bottom of the deep blue sea, sea, sea.
2) chop, chop, chop.
3) knee, knee, knee
4) shoo bop shoo bop.
1-2-3-4-5 once I caught a fish alive
1-2-3-4-5 once I caught a fish alive
6-7-8-9-10 then I let it go again.
Why did you let it go?
Because it bit my finger so.
Which finger did it bite?
The little finger on my right.
(Air saxophone during solo)
1-2-3-4-5 once I caught a fish alive
6-7-8-9-10 then I let it go again.
Why did you let it go?
Because it bit my finger so.
Which finger did it bite?
The little finger on my right.
(Air saxophone during ending.)
In like a lion out like a lamb
In like a lion out like a lamb
Oh were gonna March in the month of march.
Oh were gonna March in the month of march.
Oh were gonna March in the month of march.
Oh were gonna March in the month of march.
Repeat then
In like a lion out like a lamb MARCH!
Snow is Falling Today
Snow is falling today
Snow is falling today
Snow is falling today
Snow is falling today
On my head, on my nose, on my hands, on my toes.
On my head, on my nose, on my hands, on my toes.
Repeat.
Some great youtube links for the children to watch and listen to.
Double this double that
https://youtu.be/bTR8seixIys
Fanfare for the common man listening guide
This helps children to identify musical instruments by their sound.
https://youtu.be/wGVGEY7IMHM
Second grade Concert Song Lyrics
The children know most of the songs pretty well.
For them to review them once or twice per week is
Sufficient.
1) Au clair de la lune
Mon ami Pierrot
Prete-moi ta plume
Pour écrire un mot.
Ma chandelle est morte
Je n'ai plus de feu
Ouvre-moi ta porte
Pour l'amour de Dieu.
2) At the door I'm knocking,
by the pale moonlight
Lend a pen, I pray thee,
I've a word to write
Dying is my candle,
my fire burns no more
For the love of heaven,
open up the door.
You've gotta friend in me
You've gotta friend in me
When the road looks rough ahead
and you're miles and miles
from your nice warm bed
Just remember what your old pal said
son,
You've gotta friend in me
Yeah, You've gotta friend in me
You've gotta friend in me
You've gotta friend in me
You got troubles, then I got' em too
There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you
If we stick together we can see it through
cause' You've gotta friend in me
yeah, You've gotta friend in me
Soap and Water
Soap and Water (x4)
Wash your hands with soap and water
Wash your hands with soap and water
Faucet on water flows
Get it nice and warm
Grab the soap Lather up
Scrub up to your arms
Count to 10 count again
Keep those bubbles showing
When you’re done
Rinse them off
Time to dry and go
If you’re washing then you’re
gonna get the germs away (x2)
Soap and water’s gonna
help you get the germs away
If you’re washing then
you’re gonna get the germs away.
Away ,hey, hey, hey, hey
Away ,hey, hey, hey
Away ,hey, hey, hey, hey
Away ,hey, hey, hey
Check it out
It's about respect check it out! check it out!
It's about respect check it out!
Gotta treat my friends like family
Gotta treat my family like friends
Treat 'em with respect
and they'll be there for me
They can count on me in the end!
It's about respect check it out! check it out!
It's about respect check it out!
R-- there's a reason people
treat you like they do
E --Everybody take a chance
S -- It's so simple and it all begins with you
P -- people gotta take a stand
E -- Even when you think the world isn't fair
C -- Come along and check it out
T -- Take a risk, take a ride, take a dare.
Take a breath of air and let's shout,
RESPECT! Check it out! RESPECT!
Check it out!
It's about respect check it out! check it out!
It's about respect check it out!
Mighty united
Mighty united, Mighty united
Mighty united, Mighty united
Mighty, Mighty united (x4)
We are mighty when we're united
Strong when we take a stand
Joined by freedom, called here together
Joined in this mighty land
Mighty united, Mighty united
Mighty united, Mighty united
Mighty, Mighty united (x4)
We are mighty when we're united
Mighty as can be
Different people working together
Working for liberty
Mighty united, Mighty united
Mighty united, Mighty united
Mighty, Mighty united (x4)
Here in America everybody knows
The way that it is, is the way that it goes
United we stand when we stand as one
United we stand, we will get the job done
Age,race,color, size
It really doesn't matter in America's eyes
Freedom is the core of America's dream
And all of us are part of America's team
Mighty united, Mighty united
Mighty united, Mighty united
Mighty, Mighty united (x4)
Listening experiences for the students
Fanfare for the common man by Aaron Copeland.
This has a listening map that the students will learn to identify musical instruments by their sound.
https://youtu.be/wGVGEY7IMHM
The Wavin’ Flag by K’naan.
https://youtu.be/WTJSt4wP2ME
Wavin’ flag with lyrics.
https://youtu.be/EBl2PVjVNqA
Third grade music and listening practice for during the school closing.
This is America. Ame - - - rica.
This is America. Ame - - - rica.
This is America. Ame - - - rica.
This is America. Ame - - - rica.
A land of courage, faith, and honor.
A land of true equality.
A land of hope and pride
A land of unity.
A land of liberty.
This is America. Ame - - - rica.
This is America. Ame - - - rica.
This is America. Ame - - - rica.
This is America. Ame - - - rica.
A land of courage, faith, and honor.
A land of true equality.
A land of hope and pride
A land of unity.
A land of liberty
A land of hope and pride
A land of unity.
A land of liberty
This is America
America!
Mighty united
Mighty united, Mighty united
Mighty united, Mighty united
Mighty, Mighty united (x4)
We are mighty when we're united
Strong when we take a stand
Joined by freedom, called here together
Joined in this mighty land
Mighty united, Mighty united
Mighty united, Mighty united
Mighty, Mighty united (x4)
We are mighty when we're united
Mighty as can be
Different people working together
Working for liberty
Mighty united, Mighty united
Mighty united, Mighty united
Mighty, Mighty united (x4)
Here in America everybody knows
The way that it is, is the way that it goes
United we stand when we stand as one
United we stand, we will get the job done
Age,race,color, size
It really doesn't matter in America's eyes
Freedom is the core of America's dream
And all of us are part of America's team
Mighty united, Mighty united
Mighty united, Mighty united
Mighty, Mighty united (x4)
Listening experiences for the students
Fanfare for the common man by Aaron Copeland.
This has a listening map that the students will learn to identify musical instruments by their sound.
https://youtu.be/wGVGEY7IMHM
The Wavin’ Flag by K’naan.
https://youtu.be/WTJSt4wP2ME
Wavin’ flag with lyrics.
https://youtu.be/EBl2PVjVNqA
Fourth Grade listening and activity lessons during school closing
Songs to sing from youtube try and pick 3 that you like and sing along or at least listen intently:
https://youtu.be/URbYAaAK9OQ
https://youtu.be/yH61hFsma24
https://youtu.be/xg47uuIG3eg
https://youtu.be/8cCrRGYK2rY
https://youtu.be/RMWp2f9TOo4
https://youtu.be/RMWp2f9TOo4
https://youtu.be/QCN893hzueQ
Fanfare for the common man by Aaron Copeland.
This has a listening map that the students will learn to identify musical instruments by their sound.
https://youtu.be/wGVGEY7IMHM
The Wavin’ Flag by K’naan.
https://youtu.be/WTJSt4wP2ME
Wavin’ flag with lyrics.
https://youtu.be/EBl2PVjVNqA
Fifth grade Recorders
Here is a link for the Recorder karate book for those who would like to practice while your at home.
https://vanekmusic.zohosites.com/files/Recorder%20Karate.pdf
Here are some tutorial (teaching) links for learning the songs on the recorder. Give it no more than either 5-10 minutes per day or a total of 45 minutes per week.
Old Macdonald had a Farm
https://youtu.be/EEYXJgeLo-c
Oh When The Saints Go Marching In
https://youtu.be/bn6T0XumIe0
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
https://youtu.be/TRN_RGU_BAM
Amazing Grace
https://youtu.be/c2H24KXaXRY
Ode To Joy
https://youtu.be/oK3iEZEUmVk
Here are some listening and singing links from youtube if you’d like to listen or sing along:
https://youtu.be/URbYAaAK9OQ
https://youtu.be/yH61hFsma24
https://youtu.be/xg47uuIG3eg
https://youtu.be/8cCrRGYK2rY
https://youtu.be/RMWp2f9TOo4
https://youtu.be/RMWp2f9TOo4
https://youtu.be/QCN893hzueQ
Fanfare for the common man by Aaron Copeland.
This has a listening map that the students will learn to identify musical instruments by their sound.
https://youtu.be/wGVGEY7IMHM
The Wavin’ Flag by K’naan.
https://youtu.be/WTJSt4wP2ME
Wavin’ flag with lyrics.
https://youtu.be/EBl2PVjVNqA
7th and 8th grade Choir
Encouraged Not required!
At the top center click “Exercises”
Scroll down and click on note identification
Go to the gear on the top right
Click on treble range
Make the top the end G above the staff
And make the low end middle C
Make key signatures to only C
Note names “Solfege (movable do).
Turn off accidentals
Go through these exercises for a few minutes.
For Key Signature practice
-
At the top left click the house
-
While still on exercises, click key signature identification.
-
Click the gear on the top right of screen.
-
Make Key Signatures C, F, and G only!
Please enjoy trying the website options!