Songs - Page 3 of 4 - Plymouth Rock School Musical

The Landing of the Pilgrims

As the celebration of the Landing of the Pilgrims approaches we think about the Pilgrims and their 400 year old story. The Landing of the Pilgrims told by Plymouth Rock itself is what The Secrets of Plymouth Rock is all about here at PlymouthRock.org. It’s an Early American story about a group of individuals in search of a better way of life. Did they find it? Most did, others perished sadly during the first year. Landing in Plymouth was a big thing but to survive the cold, long Winter in the New World, the Pilgrims needed the help of the Wampanoag Tribe. “Rockin’ The Secrets of Plymouth Rock.” Song #1 Secrets To Tell (karaoke version).

Remember The Wampanoag Way.

The Voice of Plymouth Rock

On December 18, 1620, everything changed for an ordinary rock when what started out as “A Speck In The Distance” from the shore became the ship Mayflower. 1620-2020 is a long period of time. During that time a lot happened to Plymouth Rock. Diane Finn’s “The Secrets of Plymouth Rock,” tells the story of what happened from 1620-1920.

In 1920 there was the “Voice Of Plymouth Rock” at the 300th Anniversary of the Landing of the Mayflower in Plymouth. 100 years later, the rock’s voice is heard once again. Only this time it sounds like 28 Plymouth elementary school students singing their hearts out. The album is coming out in October. We may even have a CD release party at the Mayflower Society House in the early Fall. Stay tuned!

1620-2020

With the 400th Anniversary of the Landing of the Pilgrims right around the corner “Rockin’ The Secrets of Plymouth Rock” is the perfect way for elementary students around the US to celebrate along with the students of Plymouth Massachusetts. The themes of the 400th celebration are innovation, exploration, self-governance, religious expression, immigration, and thanksgiving. “The Secrets of Plymouth Rock” and “Rockin’ The Secrets of Plymouth Rock Play together touch upon each theme, teaching Early American history through music.

Plymouth Children Bring “The Secrets of Plymouth Rock” to Life in Recording Studio

On Saturday, May 4, and Saturday, May 11, 2019, Plymouth elementary school students had a rare opportunity to experience what it’s like to sing in a professional recording studio. Twenty-eight students from Cold Spring, Nathaniel Morton, West Elementary, South Elementary, Federal Furnace, and Hedge elementary schools participated in a recording project by Candido Bretto titled The Secrets of Plymouth Rock.

Candido composed twelve original songs based on the children’s book of the same name written by Diane Finn and illustrated by Erin Finn Zell. The students recorded their vocals at Johnny Drama Alves’ Funk Lab recording studio right here in Plymouth. EdTV was also on site, capturing video of the sessions for future airing.

“From the time I began writing the songs, I knew they needed children’s voices to be complete. It’s like a dream come true to hear all of their sweet, precious voices.”
— Candido Bretto

A heartfelt thank-you goes out to all of the music teachers who recognized the importance of this project and made time in their busy schedules to support it. A special thank-you goes to Taylor Nardone of Federal Furnace Elementary School for enthusiastically introducing the project to the schools. Taylor attended each school’s recording session and assisted in countless ways—thank you, Taylor!

Another huge “thank you” goes to the parents who generously gave up a few hours on a Saturday to bring their children to the studio. And most of all, thank you to the students. Watching you step up to the microphones at the Funk Lab was truly unforgettable. You made me laugh, you made me cry, but most of all, you made me proud—and you should be proud too. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are now the new voices of Plymouth Rock and the Pilgrims, and from what I’ve heard so far, people will be enjoying your voices for many years to come.

You can hear snippets of the students’ recordings as they are posted here page.

The CD will be available alongside the book in local stores and gift shops. It will also be available for download here and through online retailers.

Mayflower Society House

The “Feel Good” hit of the Spring!

On Saturday, April 27, 2019 “Rockin’ The Secrets of Plymouth Rock” premiered at the historic Mayflower Society House in America’s Hometown Plymouth, MA, just up the hill from Plymouth Rock. April showers usually bring May flowers and the morning it started out that way but the afternoon rain held off to the delight of author Diane Finn, illustrator Erin Finn Zell and composer Candido Bretto. Mrs. Finn narrated the rock’s story and Mr. Bretto’s music seamlessly weaved its way in and out with uptempo numbers like “Fine Day” and “Madame Crab“.

A talking rock? Surely you jest.

No joke its true! In fact it sings too. Mayflower Society House Plymouth And this summer when the rock sings it will sound like 28 Plymouth children’s voices as we’re creating a music cd featuring their voices this and next Saturday.

It was a small gathering at the Mayflower Society House but they had fun! They tapped their feet and clapped their hands to the Caribbean beat of Mr. Seagull, the lilt of “Sights and Sounds of the Sea“, the rhythm of “Ouch Stop That“, and the beat of “Protect This Rock” and 9 more as Finn spoke and Bretto sang. The children in the audience were mesmerized as Candido was his usual animated self. Together he and Diane are on a mission to delight the hearts of children worldwide with a special rock’s story of innovation, exploration, survival and thanksgiving. “The Secrets of Plymouth Rock” is set to become a classic on the list of Early American based children’s music.

Mayflower Society House The author told (from “the rock’s” perspective) Mayflower Society House debut. of the “Landing of the Pilgrims” in 1620 as well as the some of the activities of the colonists up until 1920. The rock recalled how special it felt the day in 1920 it was given a “New and Wonderful Home“. You can see Plymouth Rock from the porch in the photo.”

“It felt very special to sing those songs in that historic place knowing what it represents. They were a joy to write and I am happy to be able to share Plymouth Rock’s story with the world in this way.”

Hamilton At The Boston Opera House

Hamilton Boston Opera House — L-R Candido Bretto, Michelle Booth, Erica Howland Ruska, Karen Howland

Plymouth Rock News you can use. Jefferson Elementary School Rockland music teacher Michelle Booth said, “Candido, I think you need to see Hamilton because of what you’re doing with “The Secrets of Plymouth Rock.” The night of October 3, 2018 was magical. Michelle introduced me to the music, lyrics and all that is the phenomenon called “Hamilton”. The orchestra was tight, the dancing and lighting was spectacular and the cast especially Austin Scott, Hannah Cruz and Nicholas Christopher was riveting. The Secrets of Plymouth Rock just found some new inspiration. Thanks Michelle!

Candido Bretto and Hamilton conductor Andre Cerullo

I’m a late comer to the Hamilton phenomenon. As I sat and listened I was amazed with how much work it takes to put on Hamilton. I can’t even imagine all of the logistics. The choreography alone was fascinating. When you add in the mountain of lyrics and the orchestral arrangement it’s mind-boggling. I can’t believe this all came from one person’s head, Lin Manuel Miranda. I hope to meet him someday. Hamilton taught me that early American history can be fun and interesting at the same time. It just takes the right person with the vision, talent and energy and the right team all working together to see it through from start to finish.

If I closed my eyes it was like I was listening to a studio album. The musicians performed with accuracy and lots of soul. Here’s a quick shot of the orchestra pit after the show.

“There’s a million things I haven’t done but just you wait, just you wait.
– Alexander Hamilton

Children’s Music

Plymouth Rock News you can use. Friday, April 22, 2019 I blocked 6 hours at Cybersound Recording Studios in Boston to record children’s music, 12 songs. I came prepared with Finale sheet music and a clear vision of what I was looking for. At the suggestion of Perry Geyer Cybersound’s owner I hired Yuki Kodama to play acoustic bass. An electric bass player myself the bass was an deeply important role. No surprise though. Perry’s recommendation was right on! Yuki read my sheet music accurately and played with lots of emotion. What more could I ask for? Mr. Kodama is a senior at my alma mater, Berklee College of Music Boston. I wish him all the best in his music career!

Also at the suggestion of Perry I entrusted Yuki Kanesaka to play drums. The Secrets of Plymouth Rock encompasses numerous styles of music from waltzes to rock to marches to rhythm and blues. This can be challenging to some drummers but not to Yuki Kanesaka. Yuki was solid as a Rock. Bass and drums need to lock and Mr. Kanesaka laid down a groove with a nice big pocket! Yuki understood my requirements and offered me choices that were very useful. Mr. Kanesaka possesses the winning combination of knowledge, skill and a love of playing his instrument. He followed my piano intuitively. Yuki Kanesaka is a professor and also an alumnus of Berklee College of Music Boston.

Yohei Kambe demonstrates his drumming talents on “Sights and Sounds of the Sea”. Yohei style of playing was exactly what I was looking for. Yohei said, “That tune was fun to play for me.” I can tell. It came through on the recording. The imagery I was trying to create with this song was young children playing on the beach. His cymbal work was Perfect. It conjured up the vision of little feet running on the sand. Instinctively he left room for the timpanis that were added later to simulate the building up of the waves then the crash of the cymbals to simulate the crashing of the waves. I couldn’t have asked for more. One take, that’s all it took.

ArtWeek Music Drives Us Grant

Introducing, “Rocking The Secrets of Plymouth Rock”

Plymouth Rock News you can use. It gives me great pleasure to announce that I’ve been selected as a 2019 ArtWeek grant recipient for a $250.00 Music Drives Us performance grant. On April 9 I will be presented with a check at the Boch Wang Center in Boston. I am so excited. It’s always nice to be recognized for your hardwork even if it is a labor of love. The grant is in support of a performance coming up on Saturday April 27, 2019.

As part of ArtWeek author Diane Finn & I will be presenting the story and music on April 27 at the Mayflower Society House located at 4 Winslow St., Plymouth MA from 1 PM to 3:30 PM. The event is called, “Rockin’ The Secrets of Plymouth Rock” Meet author Diane Finn and myself as we share the story and music for The Secrets of Plymouth Rock.

At this program you will be able to:
1. Hear the story of the rock read by the author.
2. Purchase an autographed book from the author.
3. Listen and sing along with the songs composed by Candido Bretto.
4. Take a quick stroll to Plymouth rock with the author and composer as Diane gives you more historic details about the rock’s journey. (Sponsored by Plymouth Night Tours)
5. Return to the Mayflower Society House for a brief activity.

@ArtWeekMA #ArtWeekMA @MusicDrivesUs #MusicDrivesUs #childrensmusic #hamilton

A Mayflower Medallion Adorns Plymouth Rock’s Enclosure

Visiting the Mayflower?

Plymouth Rock News you can use. If you plan to visit the Mayflower II take a second to enjoy this little gem at Plymouth Rock. Since April 2017 I have found myself visiting Plymouth Rock for songwriting inspiration. During a recent visit I saw these medallions. They look like they’re made of bronze to me. I could be wrong though. I was amazed with all the detail. In the center of course is the Mayflower, at the top you see puffy clouds, to the left are 3 seagulls and along the bottom is the ocean. I was delighted with this find. I’m sure you will be too. I don’t know who the artist was but I can tell you it was designed about 100 years ago which brings me to a related subject.

The Mayflower Medallion

The Plymouth 400 celebration is right around the corner. I began wondering how many tourists visiting the Rock missed these works of art. I certainly didn’t notice them before. That’s why I wrote this article.

Happy Forefather’s Day!

Plymouth Rock News you can use. Today is Forefather’s Day in Plymouth MA and below is a link to a video created by Hawk Visuals that was shot at 5:30AM this morning. The event is an annual tradition of Plymouth Old Colony Club celebrating the arrival of the Pilgrims on December 22, 1620. The POC was formed in 1769. Happy Forefather’s Day America! Enjoy!

Forefathers Day Plymouth MA — Forefather’s Day Plymouth MA with Plymouth Rock in the background.

See video.

Behind The Scenes

Have You Ever Visited Me?

Plymouth Rock News you can use. Johnny Drama and his Funky Entourage are getting ready for the 400th Anniversary of the Arrival of the Pilgrims Celebration. Check out this Behind The Scenes recording of a rehearsal of Drama singing with his sister Elizabeth (Lee Lee) Alves, the Theme Song of the book “Have You Ever Visited Me?”

Protect This Rock

Here’s another Behind The Scenes rehearsal. This time it’s of Song #10 “Protect This Rock” sung by everybody in Drama’s Funk Lab including a guest star. Can you guess who she is?

Note: At this point in the book the Town Fathers of Plymouth MA make the decision to protect Plymouth Rock from souvenir hunters.