Q3 Week 7 Update - Matsuri is this weekend!

This week, all grades learned a little bit about Japanese taiko drumming and the national anthem, Sakura.

All grades learned what taiko drumming was and were able to try out some of the rhythms with our classroom rhythm sticks. 2nd and 3rd grade learned Japan's national anthem, Sakura, and how to play it on the xylophones and metalophones. 2nd and 3rd grade's rhythm knowledge exams were returned to them this week as well.

All grades were informed of the extra credit opportunity from attending the Matsuri festival this weekend (scroll down for more details!) and reviewed their concert music as well. 1st grade had their rhythm aural exam and did very well - congratulations 1st grade!

If students would like a video furhter explaining taiko drumming and instructions on doing it at home: Teach Kids Taiko

Link to Matsuri website:

Q3 Week 6 Update - Matsuri Festival is Coming!

This week, all grades have been very focused on their concert music. 3rd grade has the Ride-by-nights completely learned; they are now adding exciting dynamics. The Horseman needs polishing; only The Ship of Rio needs work. 2nd grade has This Land is Your Land memorized - next is Greensleeves. 1st grade has learned all of Choral Suite and is getting it finalized. They are also learning Swine Song. Kindergarten has all of their songs learned for the concert; they have been able to look at Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and think about how musical the poem is, as well as how to illustrate the story with instruments.

Next week, all lessons will be on traditional Japanese music in preparation for the Matsuri festival! The festival is in Phoenix, at the Heritage & Science Park, easily accessible by public transit, and COMPLETELY FREE. They have music, dance, martial arts, plants, games, art, crafts, food, and more. If students attend a music performance, they can write or draw about what they saw for a bit of extra credit. The festival is the weekend of February 23rd and 24th.

Q3 Week 5 Update

Much has happened over these past few weeks!

Kindergarten has learned all of their concert songs. They have begin singing them with accompaniments, and are working on singing gently in Head Voice. 1st-3d grade are also working on singing gently in Head Voice. 1st grade has learned all of Choral Suite and now is working on memorization. They will begin memorizing Swine Song and the rest of Yankee Doodle soon. 2nd Grade has learned all of Greensleeves, This Land and the Rhyme Jive - now they are working on memorization and gentle tone. 3rd grade is working hard to learn their songs, they only have one small section left and then they, too, will only need to work on memorization.

K-3rd Grade looked at the Renaissance era, continuing from the Medieval era. Kindergarten and 3rd Grade are looking at J.S. Bach, continuing onto the the Baroque Era. This Thursday and Friday, 1st and 2nd grade will be having rhythm exams they have been preparing for.