Whip Activity

[Jean]

For those of you who have never heard of a whip activity, it is really easy. This is an activity that is totally off-topic and meant to bring about a cohesive group (when used in a face-to-face setting). I found it works well with online groups by making the group more interactive and allowing for the social nature of the group to come out.

So, for this week's whip, we want to get to know each other beyond what we have read in your profiles. So, what is your favorite type of music and who is your favorite group/artist/person?

[Jean]

Since I posted this, I will go first. I like a very eclectic mix of music, but primarily listen to country music. I have more Tim McGraw in my collection than any other. However, I also love Blue Man Group and play it as loud as I can - without breaking any laws. If you have never heard them or seen them, I highly recommend it. As an educator, I was fascinated by their show because it was very visually stimulating and used some of the brain-based research about perceptions. It was amazing.

[Sarah McPherson]

I like country too. Reba McIntyre is one of my favorites. She usually has a message that rings true. I've seen her in concert twice and in the Annie Get Your Gun Broadway show. She was terrific in all, although dancing isn't her strong suit. I'm not crazy about her TV show either - she should concentrate on her singing.

[Jean]

I have gotten into the television show. I think it is funny and talks about some of the real issues parents face with their children.

I also like her music and some songs have really hit home.

[Sarah McPherson]

I should have said I like Tim McGraw too. I think most of country music has a good message for life, love and relationships.

I'll have to see Blue Man Group. I'm right here in NYC but have not been to see them. Reminds me of a funny story. On my trip to Taipei I met a language professor who told us that on his last visit to New York he meant to see Blue Man but ended up at Naked Boys Singing. Was he shocked! Language barriers bring out a sense of humor.

[Becky Grube]

Sarah,
Blue Man Group is fabulous! If you enjoy percussion and if you have a sense of humor, this is a "must" to see. I saw them in Boston a couple of years ago with my son and his wife! We had a blast!

[Sarah McPherson]

I have to see them. I keep hearing how good they are.

[Michelle Gilmer]

Well, if you look at my iPod you will see a wide range of music - from stuff my parents listened to and I grew up on (Beatles, James Taylor, Paul Simon) to my first music loves (Madonna, Hall and Oates, BonJovi, Def Leopard) to country (Faith Hill, Sugarland) to top40 (Rhianna, Fergie, Daughtry, Linkin Park) and even a little R&B (love John Legend). But my top two that are played the most are Keith Urban and Maroon 5.

[Becky Grube]

It would be difficult for me to focus in on one type of music! I have music on for most of the day . . . all types. Presently, I am listening to the Saturday afternoon broadcast of opera live from the Met. Today's broadcast is of "Lucia di Lammermoor," and this is a new one to me, but it is beautiful! I have recently acquired a taste for opera, and I love it. Some of my favorites are any music by Gilbert and Sullivan, "The Marriage of Figaro," "The Barber of Seville," Hansel and Gretel," and too many others to name. I also love country music, especially what I call "fun country" music which include songs by Garth Brooks, John Michael Montgomery, Ray Kennedy, and Confederate Railroad, to name a few. I love all types of classical music and enjoy pop music, jazz (including Swing/Big Band, New Orleans Jazz, and more modern singers/musicians such as Tony Bennett and anything by drummers Max Roach and/or Buddy Rich). I have other favorite jazz musicians such as Count Basie, Louis Armstrong, Nat King Cole, etc., I could go on forever. Gospel music and Broadway musicals are favorites, especially if I have seen the Broadway shows and film soundtracks; some "older" ones include but are not limited to Les Miserable, Peter Pan, A Chorus Line, Thoroughly Modern Millie, The King and I, Cats, and too many to name! Orchestras I love to hear are the Boston Pops, The London Symphony Orchestra, The National Symphony Orchestra from Kennedy Center, and Andre Rieu's performances on PBS. A program on NPR that focuses on "America's Best Young Classical Musicians," from ages 9 through 18 years of age is "From the Top," and I would recommend it to all of you! It is broadcast weekly on NPR, and here is the homepage of the program so that if you are interested in hearing it, you can find out when it is broadcast in your area: http://www.npr.org/templates/rundowns/rundown.php?prgId=43
I guarantee that if you hear it just one week, you will be "hooked." The young musicians are absolutely outstanding!

[Jean]

Thanks for sharing. I bought my husband a satellite radio for our anniversary two years ago and then we subsequently purchased a vehicle with satellite radio and I love listening to the Broadway channel. I have not acquired the taste for opera, but last year when I was working on my dissertation I would listen to the Broadway channel for most of the day and then switch to country or the 70s classical station after my kids came home just so I could have a variety of music to listen to during the day.

[Jean]

I actually have a CD on my iPod that comes up in Chinese characters. I also really enjoy Chuck Mangione. Great list.

[Bryan Naas]

Like others have said, I enjoy a very eclectic range of music. I have everything from Paul Simon to Guns n Roses to Snoop Dogg. I really like a bit of everything depending on my current mood. If I had to pick a favorite though I would have to say Rock. My favorites include Aerosmith and John Mellencamp. My wife and I have seen each several times and love each and every show!

[Jean]

Perhaps liking an eclectic collection of music is a must for an educator. It seems to be something we all have in common - at least of those who have posted.