Trill

Next is *Thrum*, the bass. The bass is the deep, low sound that gives the song a steady floor. Thrum is a large, heavy owl who sits on the lowest branch and makes the whole tree shake.

Then comes *Clap*, who keeps the rhythm. Rhythm is the pattern of beats that makes you want to tap your foot. Clap is a woodpecker who taps out steady patterns on the bark.

*Twine* is the counter-melody. A counter-melody is a second little tune that weaves playfully against Trill's song. Twine is a quick little hummingbird who flies in loops around Trill's head.

*Surge* controls the dynamics. Dynamics are just how the music grows loud and soft. Surge is a puffin who puffs up when the music gets loud, then shrinks when it gets quiet.

*Ply* manages the texture. Texture means how many different layers of sound are playing at the same time. Ply is a goose who gathers all the other birds together in a big group.

*Tint* brings the timbre. Timbre is the special color of a sound, like a warm wooden flute or a bright metal bell. Tint is a parrot with feathers that change color depending on how the music feels.

*Nest* is the key. The key is the musical home base where the song always feels safe. Nest is a cozy, warm nest where Trill can always rest his feet.

Finally, there is *Wend*, who handles the cadence. A cadence is the gentle way a musical phrase rolls to a nice, neat close. Wend is a swan who glides in slowly to finish the song.

Trill is always the leader. His friends are the extra magic that grows up around him.

To write a great song, students guide Trill through six special stages. Each stage changes how Trill looks and acts on the screen.

*Stage One: Introduction.* The music is just starting. The song is setting a quiet mood, but Trill has not sung a single note yet. He sits very still on his wooden perch. He is waiting. You can feel the excitement in the air.

*Stage Two: Motif Statement.* This is the big moment. Trill stands up tall, puffs out his yellow chest, and sings his four-note song. This is the first time we hear his tune. Now everyone knows who the hero of the story is.

*Stage Three: Development.* Now the music starts to play around with Trill's tune. The notes might get faster, slower, or change their pitch. Trill tilts his head. He lifts one wing and stretches a leg. He looks different, but you can still tell he is Trill.

*Stage Four: Contrast.* Suddenly, a completely new tune takes over the song. Trill steps off the screen to let the new music shine. He is gone for a little while. The listeners miss him and wonder when he will come back.

*Stage Five: Recapitulation.* Trill flies back onto the screen! He has been on a big journey, and he looks a little different. His feathers are slightly ruffled. He looks braver. His song is back, but it has a tiny twist from his travels.

*Stage Six: Resolution.* The song is ready to end. Trill settles down on his perch. He sings his four-note song one last time. It sounds clean, simple, and perfect. He is finally back home.

At the academy, the teacher shows Trill on a big screen. Trill is just sitting quietly on his branch in Stage One.