Q1W4

This week, 1st grade reviewed what "beat" is, and Kindergarten learned to play the maracas. 1st grade has begun working on Deck the Halls, and Kindergarten has begun working on "Oh Christmas Tree." 2nd and 3rd grade spent a class trying to compose music and then write it down in a way another student could play it (our conclusion: we need a standardized system of music notation so anyone can play anything). Both 2nd and 3rd grade started to look at the musical staff. 2nd grade reviewed Harvest Moon and Good King Wenceslas; 3rd grade reviewed Riu, Riu, Chiu.

Q1W3

This week, all grades have been looking at rhythm. Kindergarten is developing keeping a beat and repeating basic rhythms. 1st grade is learning the difference between rhythm and beat (and being able to define both). 2nd and 3rd grade are looking at how note values fit within a beat. All grades are learning the solfege scale - Kindergarten and 1st grade have Mi, Sol, and La, while 2nd and 3rd grade also have Do and Re.

All grades are working on concert songs. Kindergarten now knows the first stanza of Three Little Kittens - next week they will be able to sing it from memory. 1st grade is working on Ner Li and Don Gato simultaneously. 2nd grade learned the melody to Good King Wenceslas. 3rd grade added in the Spanish lyrics to Riu, Riu, Chiu and has already begun working on singing their different melody/harmony parts.

Q1W2

For our first full week of music, most of class was spent learning routines - how to practice music, passing materials, handling instruments, and moving for dance. Each grade was able to take a look at one of their concert songs, and both 2nd and 3rd grade have learned one of their songs already! Kindergarten and 1st grade began exploring high vs. low sounds, and 2nd & 3rd grade put their theory packets together.