Kindergarten students are talking and singing about Fall weather. This week we used leaves to represent high and low sounds on the promethean board. We also sang a song about the different things we could do with leaves. The first verse was about raking the leaves, then the students created the next verses to include what they like to do when leaves fall.
First graders are still working hard on our Winter Program music. The songs are difficult and I am so proud of them for doing their best! I do not want to give away any of the songs, so I will not be posting a video of them :) We also began learning how to create music notes. The students received bundles of popsicle sticks and notated quarter and eighth notes on the carpet as I spoke rhythms.
This week in second grade we learned all about half notes. A half note is one sound that lasts over two beats, unlike the quarter note which only lasts for one. We practiced keeping both quarter and half note beats to the song Let Us Chase the Squirrel. This is a difficult concept for some students to understand. We also did a traditional dance to the song All Around the Brickyard and learned what an ostinato is.
The third graders played a fun rotation game this week. We have been discussing the difference between playing "hands together" and "alternating" on our barred instruments. The students were asked to improvise a 4 beat pattern during our song Hill and Gully Rider. We also discussed what a gully is and how it is formed. The students learned 3 new terms: introduction, interlude, and coda. Ask your child what each means and see if they can tell you!
In 4th grade we are really getting good at playing BAG on our recorders. If possible, I would like for the kids to take their recorders home and practice once or twice a week. We are focusing on posture and correct breath techniques. If the kids can learn these concepts early, the recorder playing will sound so wonderful! Your students have all these songs in a packet at home, so practicing should be easy!
And, last but not least, 5th graders worked hard to put together a 3 part ensemble! We learned a song called A Boy Named Sean and played it on recorders, bass xylophones, and alto xylophones. This is tricky! It requires higher level thinking to play your own part while still listening to others around you to keep a steady beat. The kids did a great job, but I unfortunately was unable to get a usable video. Ask them to sing and play their song for you! We also practiced "conducting" with our feet!
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