New July Store Update - Exciting Educational Avatars!

Happy July! We're thrilled to kick off the month with a fresh update to the Practice Space shop, featuring new avatars and backgrounds. Just a reminder: We refresh the shop monthly to ensure your students' app experience remains vibrant and engaging! Our primary aim is to continuously enrich the platform with features that are fun and educational.

Here's how it works: Your students can personalize their interface by adding various avatars and backgrounds to their collection, switching them up whenever they like. Remember, purchases from the Practice Space shop are a reward for meeting daily practice goals—what a great way to motivate!

Below, you'll find details on our July composer update. This month, we're featuring a fantastic lineup of composers, including some who have created patriotic works for America. Look out for the YouTube links to pieces by each composer! Every avatar comes with unique quotes allowing these historical figures to share insights into their lives and musical careers. Below are the four featured composers this month, complete with facts for the app and a brief biography and a link to one of their notable compositions for your educational use. The learning journey continues!

John Philip Sousa (November 6, 1854 - March 6, 1932) also known as "The March King," is an iconic figure in American musical history, particularly known for his patriotic marches.

Facts in app:

1. I composed 137 marches, including 'Stars and Stripes Forever,' which is the National March of the United States.

2. Besides marches, I composed operettas, waltzes, and other music, totaling over 300 works.

3. My band performed over 15,000 concerts worldwide under my direction from 1892.

4. I have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, commemorating my contributions to music and entertainment.

5. Check out this performance of The Stars & Stripes Forever
   SOUSA The Stars and Stripes Forever - "The President's Own" U.S. Marine Band - YouTube

---

Woody Guthrie (July 14, 1912 - October 3, 1967) was an iconic American folk singer and songwriter about the American people.

Facts in app:

1. I'm best known for my folk music and ballads about real-life struggles and my travels across the United States.

2. One of my most famous songs is 'This Land Is Your Land,' which I wrote as a response to the song 'God Bless America.' I wanted to capture the beauty and challenges of the real America.

3. My music often addressed social issues and supported the rights of workers and the underprivileged. I believed music could be a tool for social change.

4. My son, Arlo Guthrie, also became a well-known musician, continuing the tradition of songs that advocate for social justice.

5. Check out this performance of This Land is Your Land
   This Land Is Your Land - with lyrics - written by Woody Guthrie - sung by Elizabeth Mitchell - YouTube

---

Nadia Boulanger (September 16, 1887 - October 22, 1979) was a French composer, conductor, and one of the most influential music teachers of the 20th century.

Facts in app:

1. I showed my love for music early, giving my first concert when I was just four years old.

2. I was one of the first women to conduct major orchestras in Europe and America.

3. I hosted a famous music salon in Paris that was a hub for discussion and development of new musical ideas among both students and professionals.

4. I taught some of the 20th century’s greatest composers, including Aaron Copland, Philip Glass, and Quincy Jones.

5. Check out this performance of Fantaisie variée:
   Nadia Boulanger : Fantaisie variée pour piano et orchestre (Eric Le Sage) - YouTube

---

Irving Berlin (May 11, 1888 - September 22, 1989) was a legendary American composer and lyricist, known for crafting an array of timeless classics such as "White Christmas" and "God Bless America.

Facts in app:

1. I never had formal music training and could only play the piano in the key of F sharp, but I composed over 1,500 songs!

2. I started my music career selling newspapers and singing in the streets before working as a singing waiter in Chinatown.

3. I wrote the scores for 19 Broadway shows and 18 Hollywood films.

4. My songwriting career spanned over 60 years, and I was active in music from the age of 23 until I was 85.

5. Check out this performance of God Bless America.
   Generald Wilson sings 'God Bless America' - YouTube

---

Sofia Gubaidulina (born: 1931) is a distinguished Russian composer known for her deeply spiritual and innovative compositions that blend Eastern and Western musical traditions.

Facts in app:

1. I was born in Chistopol, Russia, and I began playing the piano and composing music when I was just a little girl.

2. I see music as a way to explore spiritual life, and I often use religious themes in my works to express these deep connections.

3. I often use unusual musical instruments and techniques in my compositions.

4. During much of my career in the Soviet Union, my music was considered too unconventional.

5. Check out this performance of Offertorium.
   Sofia Gubaidulina - Offertorium (Repin, Yurovsky) - YouTube

---

Background Update

---

Some other fun additions
These all cheer the student on but also talk about tempo and other musical terms!