Based on Lloyd Moss and Marjorie Price's beloved book Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin!, Zin! Zin! Pop! was created in response to requests from music educators seeking engaging online resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. A longtime favorite of mine in both the classroom and at home, the story provided the perfect framework for an interactive musical experience exploring the ten instruments featured in the book.

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After a brief introduction to each instrument, the story is brought to life through musical accompaniment that follows the narrative, using variations on "Pop Goes the Weasel" arranged by Debbi Ponella. As the ensemble grows from a solo trombone to a chamber group of ten, students discover the unique timbres, ranges, and roles of each instrument while experiencing the ways musicians work together to create a rich variety of musical textures and styles.

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The project became a joyful collaboration among family, friends, and professional musicians who recorded from their homes during quarantine, with narration by Marietta Simpson and performances by Lauren Bernofsky, Erin Hannigan, Suyeon Ko, Tomer Maschkowski, Kathleen McLean, Jeff Nelsen, Phil Ponella, Victoria Ponella, and Joey Tartell. Their participation also inspired the companion Meet the Musicians video, offering young viewers an opportunity to learn more about the instruments and artists featured in the program. Special thanks to Tony Ponella for his invaluable editing assistance.

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Preview the Zin! Zin! Pop! experience and meet the musicians who helped bring this musical story to life.