Welcome to
HIGH HAVEN MUSIC®
A little company with big dreams,
specializing in multicultural,
bilingual, ESL, and SSL sound recordings with books
HIGH HAVEN MUSIC Recordings and Books
Background
and History of HIGH HAVEN MUSIC
and its founder, Sarah
Barchas
High Haven
Music
Background
Recordings
and Books Contact Us
Place an Order
Sign Our Guest Book
Sarah Barchas
Background
The Folkways
Years
Don't Miss Sarah Barchas' Public Appearances
March 24-25, 2012, in Glendale, AZ, at the Glendale Folk
and Heritage Festival
April 14, 2012 – House Concert in Gilbert, AZ. Please contact webmaster@highhavenmusic.com for details
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Please note: MP3s
of individual songs and complete albums can be downloaded from iTunes,
Amazon.com, CD Baby, and other music sites.
Smithsonian Folkways has released songs from Sarah Barchas' Folkways recordings for electronic download. For
details see "The Folkways Years"
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THE
HIGH HAVEN MUSIC MISSION STATEMENT - learning with song, learning with joy
High Haven Music is a dynamic company with a mission to provide quality
sound recordings with books for multicultural, bilingual, ESL, and SSL needs in
schools, libraries, and for family enjoyment. High Haven Music is an active
company with commitment to bring joy to learning by expanding language,
concepts, and cultural awareness through song and storytelling.
Song and storytelling are
the most natural vehicles of language and communication with universal appeal
across all ages and cultures to make learning come alive, evoking sharing,
participation, and fun. Song and storytelling stretch the mind and touch the
heart, providing exciting intellectual stimulus and a broad spectrum of
emotions bringing delight. Song and storytelling reflect distinct aspects of culture, and at the same time transcend culture in their
universality. Song is such a natural and intrinsically enjoyable way to learn and reinforce language, children do not even realize
they are learning. It is "learning with song, learning with joy"
that is the aim of High Haven Music.
HIGH HAVEN MUSIC - BACKGROUND AND HISTORY
Although High Haven Music
holds copyrights to songs written much earlier, the first recording released on
the High Haven Music label was "İPIÑATA! - Bilingual
Songs for Children" (HHM 101C), which was released in 1991. The
words and music for all 14 of the songs were written by Sarah Barchas. This has been replaced with "İPIÑATA!
AND MORE" - Bilingual Songs for Children in 1997 (see Products).
All High Haven Music
recordings are available on cassette (C series products) and/or CD (D series
products). They are accompanied by books that provide the lyrics and, often,
much more. These books are in addition to the information contained in the
cassette and CD cases. The breakthrough recording "BRIDGES across the
WORLD", released in 1999 includes a book that can be used as a reference. Subtitled "A Multicultural Songfest", the recording
features twelve languages. The book includes a language appendix that
contains a brief description of each language as well as a few common words and
expressions in Arabic, Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese, French, German, Hebrew,
Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Swahili. No, you won't need to
learn new characters. Everything is phonetic. The book also provides
suggestions for twelve activities that can help you work with languages and a
multilingual bibliography.
SARAH BARCHAS
Background
Sarah Barchas
has over 33 years of experience as an educator, school librarian, storyteller,
publisher, and singer-songwriter. She has earned and received a B.A. in music,
an M.ED in Elementary Education, and a PhD in reading. She has written books
for young children, including "I was walking Down the Road", which
was published in both English and Spanish by Scholastic, Inc., and has taught a
university course in Storytelling.
"Sarah Barchas is one of the most talented storytellers that I
have had the privilege to hear in my 16 years with SAM. Simply with body
language and voice inflection, she has that unique ability to draw her
audience, no matter their age, into whatever story she spins. If a good
storyteller is worth her weight in gold, then Sarah Barchas
is worth her weight in platinum. … Storytelling is an age old art form. Artists
like Sarah Barchas are why we can still experience
the exquisite delight of the spoken word." - Maxine Jewett, President of the Southwest
Acoustic Music Association and publisher of the "Acoustic
Scene".
The Folkways Years
Although Sarah Barchas began writing songs earlier than that, her first
album of recorded music for children was released in 1979 on Folkways Records.
Entitled "EVERYONE HAS FEELINGS and
other songs" (Folkways Album # FC 7567), it
was an early indication of her concern about multicultural issues before they
became popular, as well as a strong statement of her love for children and
animals.
Her second album on
Folkways, released in 1980, was entitled "IN THIS OUR LAND - SONGS
ABOUT AMERICA" (Folkways Album #
FC 7590). In the introduction to that album she indicates, in describing the
people of America, "We are very much a heterogeneous, multi-faceted
people, differing in ethnic group, religion, background, culture, and belief,
yet reaching toward common goals, common aspirations. Each group has made
important contributions. Each individual can be a resource to others."
Her third album on
Folkways, released in 1981, was entitled "A QUITE REMARKABLE SNOWMAN - Activity Songs for Young
Children" (Folkways Album # FC 7568). In
the introduction to that album she points out "When children can associate
learning with enjoyment through activity and spontaneous involvement, they will
continue to want to learn, to share, to explore and enjoy together." What
better way is there than through song, which not only provides a vehicle for
children to learn, share, and explore together, but also transcends cultural
and language barriers?
Please note that Folkways
Records is now part of the Smithsonian Institution and is now called Smithsonian Folkways Recordings. Songs from all
three of Sarah Barchas' Folkways albums have been
made available individual, as albums or as custom CDs from Smithsonian Global Sound as follows:
Songs from "Everyone Has
Feelings and Other Children's Songs", released in 1979 on Folkways FW
7567, with sound samples, can be found at www.smithsonianglobalsound.org/containerdetail.asp?itemid=1331
Songs
from "In This Our Land:Songs about America", released in 1980 on
Folkways FW 7590, with sound samples, can be found at http://www.smithsonianglobalsound.org/containerdetail.asp?itemid=1339
Songs
from "A Quite Remarkable Snowman: Activity Songs for Young Children",
released in 1981 on Folkways FW 7568, with sound samples, can be found at
www.smithsonianglobalsound.org/containerdetail.asp?itemid=1332
While some
of the songs have been re-recorded in her later releases on the High Haven
Music label, they were not the same versions and do not duplicate the
originals.
HIGH HAVEN MUSIC
SOUND RECORDINGS WITH BOOKS
Why include books
with all the sound recordings of songs? The books provide a wonderful
opportunity to read-along as children sing-along. The books add to the fun and
enjoyment of the music and at the same time combine with the sound recording to
reinforce language learning, vocabulary, the flow of language syntax, concepts
and meanings, and reinforce reading skills. The combination of cassettes or
CD's with read-along, sing-along books is a powerful and enticing tool and
avenue to literacy and language learning and fluency for children, and also for
adults learning a new language.
OUR FIRST RELEASE
İPIÑATA!: Bilingual Songs
for Children - Sarah Barchas - HHM 101C - Out-of
Print. Replaced in 1997 by an enhanced version -
"İPIÑATA! AND MORE!: Bilingual Songs
for Children" (see below).
CURRENT TITLES -
CLICK ON TITLE FOR MORE INFORMATION
GET READY, GET SET, SING!: Songs for Early
Childhood and ESL - by Sarah Barchas
Released
in November of 1994, this recording contains 31 upbeat exuberant traditional
and original songs that combine learning with joyful sing-along fun. Many old
favorites, with adaptations, many new songs inviting delight on alphabet,
people, family, feelings, colors, numbers, shapes, animals, school, and
transportation. Intended for ages 3-7 and up, this 52 minute recording is
accompanied by a 40 page lyrics book and is perfect for basic concepts and
language learning for early childhood and ESL.
İTODOS, LISTOS,
CANTEN!: Canciones para niños y para
aprender el español - by
Sarah Barchas
Released in December of 1995, this recording contains
delightful Spanish translations/adaptations of all of the 31 songs in "GET
READY, GET SET, SING!" plus "De Colores".
Zestful student chorus. Intended for ages 3-8 and
above for SSL, this 59 minute recording is accompanied by a 40 page illustrated
paperback lyrics book and is Ideal for sing-along, read-along fun for Spanish
readers and SSL.
JUST A HANDFUL: Poems of Rare and Endangered Wildlife - by Elizabeth Barchas
Released
in November of 1995, this recording is a distinctive and powerful collection of
eight original poems and original piano music written and performed by a
multi-talented teenager with keen concern for wildlife and ecology. This work
is an inspiration to other youth for creative writing, science/environmental
awareness, and wildlife preservation, as well as art and music. Includes poetry book written and illustrated by poet, and printed
on recycled paper. Intended for ages 10 to adult, this 22 minute
recording is accompanied by a 24 page illustrated poetry book. Its rich
descriptive language and imagery could be used for more advanced ESL. 11
minutes are repeated on the second side.
The GIANT and THE RABBIT: Six bilingual folk tales from Hispanic Culture -
Selected, adapted, and told by Sarah Barchas
Released in August, 1996, these six folk tales reflecting
the richness and diversity of Hispanic culture are shared bilingually in this
acclaimed storytelling recording. Intended for ages 5-10 and above, this 70
minute sound recording is accompanied by a 36 page illustrated guidebook. While
the book is not a read-along, it is a very useful teaching and learning tool
for both children and adults. It includes story summaries, suggested
activities, and lists of vocabulary, all shared bilingually,
and, in addition, suggested further reading. The guidebook also provides a
bibliography of suggested further related reading for each of the stories. It
is a great resource for bilingual, ESL / SSL, and multicultural activities.
This recording has been acclaimed as an ALA Notable recording.
IF I HAD A PONY: Animal Activity Songs
performed by Sarah Barchas and the De Colores Chorus
Released in December of 1996, this recording contains 24
exhilarating traditional, adapted, and original songs about animals, inviting
activity, movement, and creative participation by children. Child-tested, with
enthusiastic children's chorus, the songs include over 70 animals of farm, zoo,
circus, pets, wild animals, habitat, and dinosaurs. Intended for ages 3-8 and
above for ESL, this recording is accompanied by a charming illustrated 36 page
illustrated lyrics book. It provides sing-along, read-along fun for childhood
and ESL.
THIS OLD MAN / ESTE VIEJITO: Singing your
way to English and Spanish; learning with song, Learning
with joy! - Performed by Sarah
Barchas and the De Colores
Chorus. Spanish adaptation
by Sarah Barchas, Marilyn McClure, and Anne Doan Woolfolk
Released in February, 1997, this is a bilingual individual
song/book package. The traditional English folksong, "This Old Man",
is shared in a format of a slow song, a robust chant, and a fast song in
English on one side and Spanish adaptation on the other. Children can read-along
as they sing-along using the attractive bilingual illustrated songbook which
includes the music. Intended for ages 3-7, this 16-minute recording is
accompanied by a 32 page songbook. For bilingual ESL / SSL.
İPIÑATA! AND MORE: Bilingual Songs
for Children by Sarah Barchas
Released in September, 1997, this is an enhanced and revised
version of "İPIÑATA!" and contains 20 exciting original and
traditional songs in bilingual adaptations celebrating the richness of Hispanic
culture, history, traditions, foods, festivities, holidays, contributions, and
joy in being bilingual. It includes the title song, "De Colores" in both languages, "the 16th
of September", "Cinco de Mayo",
"Las Mañanitas", Hispanic Americans, " It's fun to be bilingual", and many more. The
exuberant bilingual De Colores Chorus and effective
instrumental background make this a real winner. This revised and enhanced
edition of the popular 1991 release, "İPIÑATA!":Bilingual Songs for Children adds six popular traditional
songs. Intended for ages 5-12 and above this 45 minute recording is accompanied
by a charming 36 page illustrated lyrics book for bilingual read-along for
schools, libraries, and family enjoyment. Excellent for
multicultural bilingual, ESL, SSL.
BRIDGES ACROSS THE WORLD:
A Multicultural Songfest. Songs performed by Sarah Barchas
and the De Colores Chorus
This
breakthrough recording released in November, 1999, lets you rejoice in
celebrating through song the vitality of diverse cultures throughout the world
and our common bonds of humanity. Read-along and sing-along in this vibrant
collection of 30 original and traditional multicultural and multilingual songs,
enhanced by the dynamic De Colores Chorus. The
distinctive illustrated 60 page book that accompanies the recording is more
than a lyrics book. It includes all song lyrics and is a valuable reference
guide as well. Its language appendix includes descriptions of languages and
expressions and pronunciations in twelve languages (Arabic, Brazilian
Portuguese, Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean,
Russian, Spanish, and Swahili). The book also provides suggestions for twelve
activities that can help you work with languages and a multilingual
bibliography. Intended for people of all ages who discover joy and pride in
learning languages, and in experiencing the richness of other cultures, this 73
minute recording is excellent for grades K-6 and above for schools, libraries,
and family enjoyment.
When
one sings a song associated with another culture, one makes a link to that
culture that becomes part of one's storehouse of experiences.
"BRIDGES ACROSS THE WORLD: A Multicultural Songfest" is exactly as
its title suggests. It is an exuberant, joyful quest to build bridges rather
than walls, embracing life, hope, and understanding through song.
SEASONS of LIFE: Reflections in Song.
Songs for adults by Sarah Barchas.
Released
in March, 2002, "SEASONS of LIFE: Reflections in Song" is a memorable
collection of 17 original inspirational and meditational songs that reflect on
passages of experience and time. The songs focus on the fragility of life, the
complexity of life, the ephemeral aspects of time, the
need to seek, find, and make meaning while we have life. These are songs of
survival, hope, help, and healing that can speak to teens and adults.
THIS OLD HOUSE: This recording is now out of print
as a single but is included on the album “LIVING WITH THE LAND”
LIVING WITH THE LAND: Songs of Ranch Life by Sarah Barchas
Released in January, 2005, "LIVING WITH THE LAND:
Songs of Ranch Life" is for all ages, for rural and urban dwellers,
ranchers, farmers, environmentalists, for all who want those who live with the
land to live in harmony with the earth. If you have ever lived with the land or
dreamed of living with the land, this CD is for you. If you are a city
dweller who is happy to remain in urban life, this CD can transport you to
another way of life and give you insight that will stretch your experiences in
a lasting way. This new collection of 14 original songs by Sarah Barchas evokes her authentic experiences and perceptions
through 48 years of ranching in southeast Arizona. The songs express
wistfulness, humor, adventure, excitement, discovery, joy, poignancy and
conviction in experiences truly and fully lived. This CD includes
"This Old House", which was released in November of 2002 as a single
song of conservation awareness that seeks to preserve and restore the
distinctive 100-year old adobe house on Brown Canyon Ranch, now owned by the US
Forest Service. The subject of a "Passport in Time" project, the
house has become a part of a remarkable collaborative effort for research and
action. It stands as a symbol of what can be done when dedicated students,
educators, Forest Service staff, community and conservation groups, experts and
volunteers work together in common purpose in a worthy partnership project
where people are making a difference for the future.
TONWEYA AND THE EAGLES: Multicultural Folktales of Imagination and Insight
selected and performed by Storyteller Sarah Barchas.
Released in
August, 2007, this dynamic new compact disc features five unforgettable
multicultural folktales of exceptional substance that can spark imagination,
thought, insight and creative response. The folktales are drawn from diverse
cultures and regions of the world, yet all speak to the universalities of
humans across cultures.
The five stories
include the following: “Tonweya and the Eagles”
(Lakota- Sioux); “Clever Manka” (Czechoslovakia);
“”The Tiger's Whisker” (Korea); “How the Sons Filled the Hut” (Latvia); and
“The Fire On the Mountain” (Ethiopia). The 67 ½ minute
CD includes insert guide-booklet containing story summaries and suggestions for
discussion and activities. Ideal for use with ages 8 to 14 and above, for
libraries, schools, and family enjoyment. This CD won a Parents
Choice Gold Award.
SEEDS OF SONG THROUGH TIME This CD of 13 songs with lyrics
booklet is a remarkable and unique collaboration between mother and daughter
from two years of shared songwriting completed at ages 95 and 69 respectively.
The core initial melodies for 8 of the 13 songs came from hummed melodies by
Cecile who is bedridden, frail and with multiple infirmities at this point in
her long life, yet still retains a love of music that helps sustain her. The
weaving by Sarah of contrast melody and lyrics inspired by her mother's
melodies, and the process of completion through shared effort and values,
became a treasured experience for both.
The songs on this
CD deal with themes of life, time, dreams, memories, growth, hope through
adversity, connections to others, responsibility to this earth, and legacy. The
song titles are “Music Box,” “Call This Memory,” “Night Song,” “Almost Missed,”
“Merry-Go-Round,” “Listen to the Dream,” “Sleep, My Baby,” “Window,”
“Worrying,” “Points of Light,” “Elusive Time,” “Does It Matter?” and “Seeds of
Song Through Time.”
From the wistful
enchantment of a long lost music box rediscovered, to the recognition that past
dreams laid aside might still in some way be realized; from reaching inward and
outward in hopes, memory, coping and growth, to viewing and still shaping the
panorama of one's life; from individual connections with others to global
connections and need for responsibility toward this earth, SEEDS OF SONG
THROUGH TIME speaks across ages to TIME and to LIFE.
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Last modified 02/14/2012 Rev. 10.7