Week One

This week, all classes learned how to behave and move in the music room.

Kindergarten and 1st grade began learning how to sign and sing Sol, La, and Mi and clap quarter and eighth rhythms (Ta and Ti-Ti). They kept the beat to music and began learning their first concert pieces (Simple Gifts for Kindergarten, This Little Light of Mine for 1st).

2nd and 3rd grade began work in their theory books, took a look at their first concert piece (Tongo for 2nd, Canoe Song for 3rd), and played on the classroom barred percussion instruments.

Next week, Men's Chorus and Mallet Madness begin!

Welcome!

Greetings all, and welcome to a brand new school year! I thought I'd post here an overview for the upcoming music year. Students will be working on:

• Learning well-known songs like If You're Happy and You Know It, etc
• Exposure to and analysis of classical music repertoire
• Music literacy
• Solfege (Do, Re, Mi, etc)
• Aural skills 
• Hearing patterns in music
• Sight-reading
• Singing in key
• Singing in unison/parts
• Hearing harmony
• Performance skills
• Stage etiquette
• Audience etiquette
• Telling a story/facial and body language 
• Instrument playing skills (percussion instruments such as xylophones and drums)
• Mallet technique
• Percussion instrument names and techniques
• Singing skills
• Posture
• Breath
• Vowels
• Teamwork/responsibility

Looking forward to an exciting new year!

May 8-12

As the school year draws to a close, K-3 music is attempting to catch up on missing assignments and re-taking of tests, as well as exploring some music history.

There are still some third graders who need to practice reading and writing notes on the staff, to retake their exam next week. If you are one of the students who were part of theory boot camp, please study as next week will be your last chance to raise your grade! Scroll down for a website link for practicing. Third graders are also finishing up their composition projects.

Second grade just had their treble clef exam, which went very well! We will be spending our last few classes with music history, instrument families, and dictation.

First grade also had a treble clef quiz, and looked at Beethoven's music, along with Kindergarten (who are learning their graduation song!)