In summer 2021 at The Music Crew’s free virtual conference, I talked about this awesome book which gives listening examples that coincide with a feeling for each letter of the alphabet. The only problem I had with it was the majority of the listening examples were overwhelmingly white men. While it’s great to have examples, this didn’t fit the type of representation I like to include so I made this list for to share for the conference and have decided to share it here so it can be used by everyone.
Check out the book. (Full disclosure: affiliate link, no pressure)
This list includes a more diverse list of BBIA musicians and women. I hope this helps!
As always, preview the full video for yourself before sharing with students!
Affection
It’s Love – Jill Scott (Book Hip Hop Speaks to Children)
Brave
To Be Human – Sia ft. Labrinth (From Wonder Woman Soundtrack) – Video depicts scenes from the movie with some violence – may not be appropriate for all your students, but the lyrics are G.
Confused
Delfeayo’s Dilemma – Wynton Marsalis Quintet
Disgust
Theme from Final Designation – Shirley Walker
Excited
Firefly Suite – Donal Fox
Fear
Nevermore – Edward W. Hardy
Grumpy
Anger – Ryuichi Sakamoto
Happy
Fantasiestücke for String Quartet Op.5 – Samuel Coleridge Taylor
Impatient
Theme from Iron Man – Ramin Djawadi
Jealous
Overture to The Wreckers – Dame Ethel Smyth
Kind
Chitchen itza – María Teresa Prieto
Lonely
Requiem for Earth Mvmt 1 Gazing at the Stars- Guan Xia
Mischievous
Nocturne No. 1 in D Minor – Jon Batiste
Nervous
Bamboo Dance – Chen Yi
Overwhelmed
Hexen-tanz (Witches Dance) – Clara Schumann
Proud
Conga del Fuego Nuevo – Arturo Márquez
Quiet
Requiem 1. Introit – Rebecca Dale
Relief
Taloowa’ Chipota (Children’s Songs) – Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate
Silly
Danse Excentrique – Vladimir Horowitz
Thankful
Le Lendemain de la Fête – Pierre Bensusan (French Algerian)
Uncomfortable
Creation of the Universe – Ozie Cargile
Valued
Libertango – Astor Piazzolla
Weary
Nostalghia – Tōru Takemitsu
anXious
Piano Concerto in D Minor – Florence B. Price
Yearn
The Mind – Jasmine Barnes
Zen
Un Dia de Noviembre – Leo Brouwer
