Coastal Ecology and Sing-Along Songs on Roger Day's 'Marsh Mud Madness' (Review)

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this DVD from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views shared are mine and mine alone.

New Music DVD Introduces Kids to Coastal Ecology through Songs and Video

 

Watch Roger and kids singing "I Love To Study Mud," HERE.

"Roger Day, one of the nation’s top touring family music artists, released a new music and educational DVD, Marsh Mud Madness, on May 21 (Bigkids.com, CDBaby.com and Rogerday.com, $15). Produced by the Savannah Music Festival and Roger Day, with support from the Georgia Sea Grant and the Courtney Knight Gaines Foundation, the video features engaging information about the plants and animals that make up the Atlantic coastal ecosystem, interspersed with Day performing 12 original songs about goopy mud, fascinating coastal animals and the waters and plants of the marsh itself, in front of a live audience of thousands of kids.   In fact, over the past two years, more than 30,000 children in several states have learned about the Atlantic marshland ecology via Roger’s Marsh Mud Madness songs. Three years in the making, this video began in 2009 when Roger spent five days exploring Sapelo Island, a barrier island south of Savanna, GA. There, he learned about the fragile ecosystem from scientists at the University Georgia Marine Institute. Georgia Sea Grant sponsored the visit, and they commissioned Day to compose a program of songs about the Georgia coast for elementary school audience. While watching turtles nest and trekking through the maritime forest, Day wrote a song cycle about the importance of habitat and watershed health, the abundance of creatures that depend on the state’s water resources and how individuals can help protect the coastal eco-system.   He first performed the songs at the Savannah Music Festival in 2011, visiting schools in the area and working with educator Jennifer Cole to develop a curriculum, available now for free. The full-length educational music video grew out of both the natural and performance experiences. “You’ve heard about boots on the ground? Well, this was boots in the mud! I lived every word of these songs.” quips Day, who has trouble extricating himself from the marshy muck in at least one scene. In addition to his extensive school and music festival performances in Savannah in 2011, Day performed songs from Marsh Mud Madness at the LA Times Festival of Books and in Charlotte at several school events last month.  This fall, Day will also release a new album featuring the songs from Marsh Mud Madness.  “My hope is that through these songs, kids will learn to love the Atlantic coast and its creatures,” Day says. ”Once people love something, they’ll take care of it.”" ---- My Thoughts: Last month I was sent a copy of Roger Day's DVD to review.  I wasn't sure if the girls would sit through the DVD, as it dealt with coastal ecology and creatures found along the Atlantic Coast, something this over their heads. But, I was pleasantly surprised to see them both sit through the DVD.  Who knew that singing about marshes and mud would be so much fun! :-)  This DVD, which has been 3 yrs. in the making, contains 12 catchy sing-along songs that will introduce your children (and yourself) to fascinating coastal plants and animals and Atlantic marshland ecology.  Sound boring?  Well, it wasn't! :-)  Come on, with catchy song titles like "Mosquito Burrito" and "Periwinkle Snail," you can't help but not want to listen and sing along.   Since listening to this CD, I have already passed it along to other moms who are teachers, in hopes that they will want to pick up a copy and share with their students. :-)  Roger Day really does make learning about creatures of the Atlantic Coast so much fun.  Now, every time Savannah sees a mosquito outside, she breaks out in song, as she sings Roger Day's song, "Mosquito Burrito." If you are a homeschooling mom, or love sharing educational music with your children, then you will want to pick up a copy of Roger Day's, Marsh Mud Madness today, to share with your children.  Once you do, and get a chance to watch this DVD, I would love to hear what you thought, including what your family's favorite song from this DVD was. :-)

About Roger Day Roger Day is a Nashville based musician who regularly tours all around the country, from festivals and schools to major performing arts centers. The former camp counselor, Eagle Scout and father of three has won numerous awards and acclaim. His most recent CD release is Why Does Gray Matter? – his second Parents’ Choice® Gold Award winner – with songs about the brain. Day’s music has been compared to Schoolhouse Rock, and this new video features his trademark, hooky pop sound and genial, kid-friendly personality. For more information and his latest tour details, visit www.rogerday.com.

 

Roger Day's Upcoming Performances

Details on Roger Day's Tour page.

 

July 15-19 ~ Greenville County Libraries, NC

July 30 ~ Brentwood Library, Brentwood, TN

August 9 ~ Main Street Children's Museum, Rock Hill, SC

 Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this DVD from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views shared are mine and mine alone.