Mr. Morrow's rock band....

Students!

Following up on our first posts, I thought I'd give you all a little more of an idea of my performance background.

I play in a band called "Ryan's hope." (You've probably noticed the big road case in the music room.) We named the band after a close friend that we sadly lost in a car accident in 2002.

We have been all over the US and Canada on tour, played the Van's Warped Tour in 2003 and 2006, played the metro and congress theater and many more Chicago venues, and have recorded and produced many albums. We are pretty much a straight forward punk band that has heavy metal "moments." I play the guitar and sing in Ryan's hope.

If you click here, you will have access to every song we have ever recorded, and you can stream or (if you enjoy it,) download it to your computer for FREE!

I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on my music. Please feel free to post comments below, and see you in class!

Good news and bad news...

The bad news: a few of you have not completed your first blog post....

The good news: because it's the first post of the year, I'm giving you until Tuesday at 11 pm to complete the assignment for half credit. 

You do NOT want a zero on such a piece of cake assignment, people! 

Please get this done no later than Tuesday at 11 pm. 

Again, if the blog for whatever reason doesn't work, email your submissions to tmorrow@gordontech.org

Guitar 1, Hard at work.....

We rock.
Quiz Friday.
Blog Assignment due Friday.
Scroll down to post.

Blog Assignment #1-Introductions and links

Guitar one students,
This will be your first graded blog assignment. Please post below in the comments section by FRIDAY, August 23rd.

There are no wrong answers, simply follow directions and receive full credit for your post. You may personalize your posts with pictures, and please always use complete sentences!

1. Tell us all a little bit about yourself.
Why did you sign up for guitar?
Who are some of your favorite guitar players?
What are your hobbies?
Tell us one funny thing about your first week of school this year.

2. Please copy and paste one youtube link of a song or riff that you would like to learn this semester.

I am VERY open to your suggestions :)

REMINDER: This IS a grade, so don't procrastinate, and have your post completed by this Friday. I'm looking forward to reading them!

Here's mine, to give you an idea of what I expect, format wise.

I have been playing music since the age of 9, when I got my first guitar. In high school, I fell in love with singing, and now I play the drums, guitar, bass, piano, and I sing constantly. I play in a punk band and I also perform as a solo guitarist for weddings and private events.

I listen to everything from Scandinavian Metal to Flamenco guitar and sacred a Capella choir music. Music brings me joy, and I always say, the more variety, the better! Right now I'm listening to both Civil Wars albums, "Wasting Light" from the Foo Fighters, and a classic rock band called Thin Lizzy from Ireland.

Some of my favorite guitarists are Brian Setzer from the Stray Cats, Chris Cheney from The Living End, and Mikael Akerfeldt from Opeth. Here's a link to Chris Cheney rocking out.

My hobbies include recording music, performing live with my band, teaching private lessons, cooking (I love to make fried chicken) and Sci-Fi movies. Right now, I am all about ALIEN.... I also love taking my dogs for a run at the park, and doing yoga. Also, my wife and I love horror movies, the cheesier, the better.

One funny thing that happened to me the first week of school is upon entering my classroom for the first time, I dropped a box filled with books and musical gear, because I was walking up the stairs too fast... I was a little too pumped...
Remember, last year, I bounced around 3 schools, had 3 different classrooms, so you can imagine how excited I am to have ONE room that I can put all of my support and energy into. 

Did I mention I'm already proud of you all?
Happy posting!

Now that we've all met.....

Hello Guitar 1 students!

Well, we have officially had at least one class together (Period A has now had 2 classes,) and I have to say, it's been a pleasure meeting you all and I look forward to getting to know you all.

How is everyone feeling about the first couple days of Guitar?

I have been very impressed with the amount of focus during class and the way some of you have been helping your neighbors, keep it up, people!

Remember, if you own a guitar, you are welcome to bring it, I can keep it locked up for you.
-Morrow

Paint it BLACK!

Mr. Bryant and I spent the morning painting the music room black, check it!

Also, thanks to Misha for helping paint!

The room is getting there, people.

See you soon....

Welcome!

Greetings guitar students! This will be our shared blogspot for the 2013-14 School year.

Please check back for updates, but in the mean time, here's a picture of my dog wearing glasses.
-Mr. Morrow