Enjoy these samples from Mangootyan Hoosherus, Reflections of My Childhood, along with some memories from the author, Houry Yapoujian Schmeizl. Reflections of My Childhood is now in its second printing and includes six accompaniment tracks for singing, performing and teaching. Order now for just $29.95!

Gakavee Yerk - Song of the Quail
This beautiful song about the quail is one of my favorite compositions by Vartabed Gomidas since childhood. Gomidas (1869-1935) was a famous musician, ethnomusicologist, priest, and composer.

Ayp Pen Keem - Armenian Abc's
It is always easier to teach someone, especially children, through song. This is a perfect example, as it is so much more fun to learn your Armenian ABC's ( Ayp Pen Keem) when you are singing!

Pateeg Jan Pateeg - Little Duck
I have heard a few arrangements of this beautiful verse, but I fell in love with the melody off of the School Bus CD and wrote a new arrangement for piano, voice and flute. The flutist on this arrangement is my sister Elise.

Shokegarkuh - The Train
This song about the steam train is an Armenian children's classic. I vividly remember this song as a young girl, and have enjoyed singing this to Jacqueline and my niece and nephew.

Hos Avazan Muh Gah - Bird Bath
This is a poem that my mother and father taught me at a very young age. It is similar to the American "Five little piggies went to the market," where you draw a small circle in your child's palm saying Hos Avazan muh gah (here is the little bird bath), mechuh turchoon yegav (and in it flew a little bird). I think children love to count their fingers and toes and have them tickled and touched. I have been reciting this with Jacqueline ever since she was born. She now recites it to me.

Anoosh Hayreneek - Sweet Homeland
My grandfather Hayrabed Azezian sang this song to my mother when she was growing up, and in turn I enjoy singing it to Jacqueline while my husband plays along on guitar. (Shown left. Artwork by Isabelle Kapoian.)

Dzapeeg Dzapeeg - Clap Clap
This song is an excellent way to introduce children to rhythm through clapping, stomping, rattling, drumming or using any rhythmic instrument.

Oror
My Zvart Morakooyr (Aunt) taught me the words and melody of this beautiful lullaby. Jacqueline insists on hearing it every night before she goes to bed. It sounds very pretty sung without any accompaniment.

Dzeev Dzeev
This cute poem / song is so fun. You hold onto the top of each other's hands with a small pinch making a "stack" of hands like little birds, and as you reach the end of the song on "turav!" everyone simultaneously lets go, flying away. I loved this song as a girl and now we sing it each week in Armenian School!

Gaghant Baba
When I was growing up, this was one of the songs we all sang on New Year's Eve, the traditional day Armenians exchange Christmas presents. Santa Claus is known by two names, both Gaghant Baba (Father Christmas) and Tsumer Babeeg (Father Winter). Armenian Christmas is actually celebrated on January 6th, not December 25th. (Shown right. Artwork by David Johnson.)

Complete Table of Contents
Guide for Parents
Armenian Alphabet & Pronunciation Key
Gakavee Yerk
Buzdeeg Kooyr
Dzeev Dzeev
Jor Jor
Tsugneeg
Ayp Pen Keem
Hay Lezoo
Dzapeeg
Mugneeg
Pateeg Jan Pateeg
Shokegarkuh
Guloreeg
Hagop Yeghpayr
Tsee Tsee
Hos Avazan Muh Gah
Gaghant Baba
Ay Nabasdag
Ov Hayr
Payloon Payloon
Husgeh Vras
Oror
Numbers
Anoosh Hayreneek
Anoosh Hayreneek
Mer Hayreneek
Chord Guide
About the Author

Buy Reflections of My Childhood Now!

"I received your lovely book today. I have recently been certified at NEC as Kodaly music instructor. We use folk music from all cultures as a vehicle for teaching music and building community. I hope to find a way to work with young singers, and your book will be very helpful. Thank you."
-- Denise R.

"Seereli Marie, I gave my daughter Lily Houry's book and CD today. She enjoyed listening to it very much and so did I. Please tell Houry "Aprees" and Shnorhavor! Hope that this is first of many!!"
-- Noone J.