Busy, busy, busy!!!
Kindergarteners have vocally explored with the help of an alien on a mission, the ever-so-energetic, high popping Zeebeez, and the always popular slide whistle. Tubby the Tuba, Pete Piccolo, and a cobbler helped the children learn about high and low, and they certainly were not chicken when A Chicken and a Chicken got them in the mood for dramatization. And finally, who would have thought that Bill Grogan's Goat could teach them about songs that can tell a story, while offering vocabulary building and solo singing opportunities? Wonders never cease!
In 1st grade, the children have been performing rhythm patterns and steady beats with the help of Big Black Cats, teddy bears, squirrels, and monkeys. The quirky poem How Do You Do Ti? also reinforced the beat while challenging coordination and cooperation. Arms, legs, elbows, heads, shoulders, and knees were all a'kimbo and shaking up a storm in My Poor Hand Is Shaking, a song that focuses on movement exploration, specifically isolating body parts. And Fang, Twang (puppets) and the Gertie ball entertained the children as they worked on their so-mi-la pitch-matching skills.
2nd grade students continued working with repeated patterns (ostinati) through Old King Cole and a daring flying pig. A challenging Russian singing game (Ti Ya Ya) called upon the children's steady beat and teamwork skills, and Mickey Mouse has provided a fun vehicle for inner hearing, which is important for silent reading. The children are now working on performing patterns from rhythmic notation, and are learning songs that are preparing them to play melodic patterns on pitched percussion instruments (xylophones, metallophones, glockenspiels, etc.)
Applause, applause and hats off to our 3rd grade students!!! They did a great job at their November 3rd performances of Movin' to the Beat! Not only did the children acquire and exhibit musical skills as a result of this performance and its preparation process, but they learned important lessons about perseverance, working toward long-term goals, listening skills, focus, and teamwork. And they also picked up some nice and hopefully long-lasting memories. A positive experience, for sure!
Many to all of the parents who volunteered their time and talents to create props, accessories, and a backdrop for Movin' to the Beat! Because of you, our performance was enhanced and enriched with the very visually appealing element that you added. I truly appreciate your special contribution!
4th graders have been reinforcing their note-reading skills, both rhythmically and melodically. Some of the classes have been further challenged by performing one rhythm pattern from memory while looking at the next one that they are about to perform. The children are also learning a song that will lead into a part-singing experience.
5th grade students have been playing games that are helping them review the notes in the treble clef. They have also been learning about Ludwig van Beethoven and have gained insight into his music, his frustrations and his eccentricities, as well as the architecture, hair styles, fashion, the technological simplicity, and the role of music and musicians during the time when Beethoven lived.
