Our Musical Year

Songs of Faith, Freedom and Fun
Book cover: 'Our Musical Year: Songs of Faith, Freedom and Fun'
Author(s): 
Sandra Harrison
Laura O'Kelly-Farrell
Copyright: 
2001
Publisher: 
High Note Solutions
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Resource Type: 
Review: 

Level 1 (1st and 2nd grade) includes 93 songs 130 pg. spiral-bound manual and two CDs - one learning CD and one sing-along (instrumental) 

Level 2 (3rd-6th grade) includes 91 songs 142 pg. spiral-bound manual and 3 CDs. Includes music instruction and basic theory lessons 

We've had a lot of frustration with finding a good music program for our family. We were unable to use the songbook that came with our package curriculum because I did not know most of the songs and we don't have a piano or the ability to properly play them if we did. When I tried to find recordings of the songs from the songbook, I was told it was out of print. I looked for other songbooks with tapes or CDs to go along with it but I was not happy with the ones I bought. They either did not have the traditional Catholic songs for children or when I was able to find some of the music for the songs I wanted my children to learn, there was no words for it to help them follow along. Also, it was very difficult to teach them when there was other children singing on the tape. I had a hard time getting them to put forth any effort and participation in music class and felt they were not learning much about music.

Finally, we purchased Our Musical Year at a homeschool conference. Since we have started using the book and music in this program, our children have increased their participation so much because they enjoy it and I feel they are really learning. Now they want to use it not only for music class, but also for fun. They are already singing some of the songs around the house and we have only used it a few times. I feel it is well worth the money because I can use it for more than one year and for more than one student. Also I think of all the money I wasted on other things to try to help me teach music class. I really like how the book is set up to go along with the liturgical year and the fun and patriotic songs are great too. I feel these are the kind of songs I want my children singing instead of what they hear on the radio. They are not just learning songs to sing either. They are learning about how music works with the notes going up and down. The learning CD is slow enough and clear so they can really hear the notes and they can understand the musical terms I teach them. This is my first year home schooling my 7 year old and 4 year old. We also have a 1 1/2 year old and a baby due this summer. This is just what I have been looking for all year long. Now I will feel better prepared for next year.

Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
6-5-02