The final group of talented members of the 2019 Wenatchee Naturalist class are all musicians, and their class projects used lyrics, rhythm, and melody to depict new insights about the Wenatchee Watershed.

For his final project, Will Crawley sang and played guitar accompaniment for his original composition, “Out on the Trail.” His lyrics capture both images he sees along the Wenatchee River and his internal emotions of the moment.. He introduced his piece by talking about his daily walks along the river and how observing wildlife and native plants ignite his curiosity and ease his loneliness. I hope Will can reprise this performance for new audiences!

 Out on the Trail – Will Crowley 

capo 1 – G, C, G, D, G, C, G, D, G; G, G7, C, C7, F, D7 

If I’m feeling lonely, with no one around 

I know how I can turn that frown upside down 

I look outside my window, and what do I see 

A mighty grove of cottonwoods and black-capped chickadees 

Well that’s right, hm, okay 

I’ll head out on the trail, yes singing on my way 

I feel good, now I’m wearing a smile 

Walking by myself, and whistling all the while 

Today the sun is shining, tomorrow might rain 

Last night the moon was waxing, and soon it’ll wane 

Robins all around me, flying so free 

Singing their songs of cheerio-cheery-me 

Well that’s good, no, it’s grand 

Walk to Barn Beach and dig my toes in the sand 

Now what’s that, sitting up in a tree 

Holding tight a pine cone, yes it’s a chickaree 

Make my way to Blackbird, to the water I look 

Caudal fins are slapping from spawning Chinook 

There’s lots to learn from nature, you might say that it’s wise 

A life full of adventure, if you open your eyes 

Well that’s right, hm, okay 

I’ll head out on the trail, yes singing on my way 

I feel good, now I’m wearing a smile 

No longer by myself, but still whistling all the while 

Dan Wilkerson wrote lyrics using the familiar tune of “Frère Jacques” as a way to learn and remember the characteristics for 10 Orders of insects. As a gifted 4th grade teacher, he knows exactly how to make learning stick in the brain. Part of the class was attempting to learn ten common insect orders, which Dan deftly accomplished, as well as creating a tool that will be helpful for future students too!

Dan led a class sing-along while playing guitar, for all ten verses.  Dan was the all-time highest scorer on the “Learn 100” game to know the common names for native plants and animals.  Now, Dan can quickly identify all 100 species as he explores trails of our region.

Class member, Joan Steichen, told our class about the new appreciation she now has for the valley that has always been her home.  She composed a piece of music My Friends At the Horan, and played piano accompaniment while singing it for our class. Her composition included musical quotes of several native birds, adding a bit of cacophony to the musical line.

This final story features a class member, Lloyd Thompson, who used music metaphorically, as his project centered around two young grandchildren, and his desire to connect them deeply to his special corner of the world. Lloyd created a slideshow with lovely instrumental accompaniment, about his nature explorations during our class as he introduced his granddaughters to nature journaling and to observing.  He talked about the new insights he’s had as a grandfather, and the power of guiding children to use journaling as a way to deeply observe nature.  Music to all of our ears!