App Review: "Fingerings" for iPad, iPhone & iPod

There are several apps that have proved to be invaluable to my teaching that it is hard to separate them from my pedagogy. One of these apps is "Fingerings" by Patrick Q. Kelly (https://appsto.re/ca/7mRfv.i)

Overview

Fingerings provides a visual chart for woodwind and brass instruments. Though there are several variations of the app that are specific to brass or woodwind, but I prefer the full Fingerings app that has all the charts. A convenient piano is provided as well as relative and concert pitch. The diagrams of each instrument are clear and precise. 

In-Class Use

I regularly mirror this app from my iPad through an Apple TV and onto a projector and sound system. This provides me with the flexibility of a wireless chart that I can display for the entire band. Along with the freedom of being wireless, Fingerings also provides a generous keyboard to not only find notes but to tune as well. I no longer need a piano readily available During rehearsals because I can instead, use the Fingerings keyboard to sound. For example, I can show the fingers of a concert Bb to the flutes and tune aurally as well. Very convenient, very well done. 

Caveats 

There doesn't seem to be to many things I would like changed or added to the app other than two minor things. I would like the developer to add fingering charts for Guitar and bass guitar. It would be much more efficient if I could use the same app to show the guitarist in jazz band an F# minor 7 chord in the same app rather than having to switch to another. The other minor change I would like to see is the addition of a proper tuner. I would love for students to be able to see the Fingerings and then visually see how in tune they are when they perform the note. 

Overview 

I believe this a must have app for any band teacher who has access to an iPad. As I mentioned at the start, this app has become such an integral part of my pedagogy that it is difficult to imagine directing a beginning band without it!  It has an intuitive design, wonder visuals and the keyboard (which you can hide as well) is a perfect addition. Overall I give this app a 5/5 and strongly recommend it. Well done Patrick! 

*Please note: All photos taken from iOS App Store iPhone edition.

"Fingerings" is available on the App Store for iPad, iPhone and iPod. For more infor Marion please visit:

www.patrickqkelly.com

https://appsto.re/ca/7mRfv.i

Kayaking with Jellyfish: Day 2

I have learned over several of these field trips that the unexpected quickly turns to the expected. However, this particular morning I didn't foresee what was in store for us at Tod Inlet. 

We began the morning with a great pancake breakfast and then students had their chores to do! (Parents, your children can all clean toilets and swab the deck!). 

We departed the Boats and headed to shore for a short hike and a kayak trip. The hike was great, we walked along the inlet and found a small squid! But the unforeseen experience was the chance to kayak along thousands of Jellyfish. As these jellyfish don't sting, we were able to putout hands in the water and touch all the jellyfish as they swam beside us! Definitely an experience I will never forget! But as it always seems to go, I did not have my camera with me for fear of dropping it in the ocean! 

After the kayaking, we made our way back to the boats and boarded for a quick lunch and set out for Musgrave Landing on Salt Spring Island. 

Just about to set sail for Musgrave Landing.

Learning about the Rainforest.

Docked for the night. Another amazing day on the ocean but I am definitely ready for bed!  Tomorrow I am expecting the unexpected! More to follow! 

  

Going to the West Coast

Departing for our first day of our "West Coast" field trip to Vancouver Island. Over the next 5 days we be sailing around the southern part of the Island (Juan de fuca and Straight of Georgia). Students will learn about the geographic region, ocean ecosystems and how to sail. I must give a huge thank you to the Calgary Board of Education for facilitating this amazing experience for our students and the teachers from Balmoral TLC for organizing the trip. 

Day One:

4:30am - On any other day, this would be a painfully early time to wake up at. However, the students excitement make this a great start to the day of travel

Students are early to the airport and very excited for their parents to leave so their trip can officially start! We are flying Westjet from YYC to YYJ and they have been amazing so far. Thanks Westjet!

Flights are on time and the students have boarded the plane. Very exciting time for several of the students as this is their first time on a plane! 

The students were able to get in a quick visit to the Royal Museum of British Columbia. We had a wonderful tour and then quickly made our way to the Ocean Discovery Centre in Sidney. 

Always fascinating to see instruments in historical perspectives and their influence upon culture. 

The discovery centre is a great place for students to touch and experience marine life that they would otherwise never have the opportunity too. 

We boarded our two ships, the "Duen" and "A Fine Madness". We will be spending the next 5 days on these beautiful vessels and the students couldn't be more excited.

After a thorough overview of the boat from our Captain we set sail for Tod Inlet where we would spend our first night on the ocean. 

As we passed a buoy on route, a sea lion as tying to sun bathe!

Ilfe long learning! I have been waiting for this book to come out for quite sometime.  Luckily, it was released just in time for this trip! 

The Duen anchored in Tod Inlet for the night. For a day that started out so early and tightly scheduled, it couldn't have gone better and most importantly, our students had an amazing day! Before lights out, they spent 45 minutes of quiet time journaling about their day. By the end of the 45, most students were asking for more journal writing time! A great start to a great time! More to follow soon!