In the Greek Music unit, we listened to a song called Tik Tik Tak. This song is sung by a Greek pop singer, Glykeria. Children loves the rhythm and would join in everytime when the music sings "tik tik tiki tiki tak," which depicts the beating of of the heart. This is the original version they hear in class. (Lyrics and translation can be found in the Putomayo World Playground P.8)
The Greeks are very musical; they sing their way to all kinds of ceremonies and celebration. (as you may have seen on "Mama Mia!") Despite the economic situation they're going through now, I can imagine how music still play a part in the people's lives. And of course, how would I miss introducing the bouzouki? If you close your eyes and listen to bouzouki music, you can really feel that you're chilling on a Greek Island. =)
I showed my Year 2 a video recorded from a local Greece TV show. A young boy is singing and playing the bouzouki at the same time. At first, children laughed because they've never heard the special way Greek sing. Soon, they quiet down and are amazed by the boy's talent. =)
Not only do the Greeks sing and play music, dancing is one of their pastimes, especially among the outcasts. Poor people may not have the money to buy NDS' and they certainly they can't afford a computer, but they still find many ways to have fun. This was how a unique form of Greek dance, Rembetiko, emerged in the 1920's.
