Greetings from the music room! This was an exciting week of singing, moving, and playing instruments! Here are some of the highlights:
Kindergarten students practiced combining steady beat and loud/quiet this week. Students reviewed the chant Chop, Chop, Chippity Chop while Mrs. Aaronson pointed to beat icons on the interactive white board. Students kept the beat by pretending to chop vegetables. Students then decided which sentences should be loud and which should be quiet. While students kept the beat, they also had to use the correct volume. Students reviewed songs When I Was One, Here Comes a Bluebird, and My Pony Macarnoi. Students finished working with the song My Pony Macroni this week and as one of the students said, "next time, we can start something new!"
First grade students were formally introduced to quarter rests this week. Students reviewed the song Hot Cross Buns and discovered the beats of silence in this song are quarter rests. Students also practiced writing and reading quarter notes and eigthth notes by reading "magic sticks" and writing patterns using their own "magical" Popsicle sticks! Students did an excellent job writing four-beat quarter note and eighth note patterns. Lastly, students learned a Dance for Hanukah and practiced identifying high and low notes in the song Walk and Stop.
Second grade students focused on the new melodic note 'do' this week. Students reviewed 'do's placement on melody street and the properties of this note (it is a skip lower than mi and in the same family as sol and mi). Students learned to read a series of three melodic patterns containing notes do mi sol and la. Students found one of those patterns in the song Rocky Mountain. Students also began preparing to learn about half notes (notes that receive two counts). Students learned new songs Grandma Grunts and Draw a Bucket of Water. Both of these songs will help students to learn about half notes. Students also discovered the location of four long notes in the song Rocky Mountain.
Third grade focused on discovering a new high note this week. Students learned a new song, Li'l Liza Jane, and searched for the highest note in this song. Students also reviewed the song I Lost the Farmer's Dairy Key and located the highest note in this song. Students were led to discover that this high note is higher than melodic note la (the highest note that the students currently know). Students also practiced performing a two-part body percussion canon and transferred this to an exercise entitled I Love the Holidays. Students also reviewed how to play rhythm tic tac toe and were able to play this game in groups of four to five students.
Fourth grade students focused on learning the recorder note E this week. Students practiced switching between the notes G and E and learned to play the song Rain, Rain. Once students mastered this song, they were given the opportunity to create an accompaniment for it using the xylophones. Students were challenged to create a four-beat pattern that could be repeated as an ostinato. After students shared their four-beat patterns with the class, one pattern was selected for the entire class to learn. After all Ss had learned to play this pattern, a quarter of the class played the accompaniment while the rest of the class played Rain, Rain on the recorder. This proved to be quite challenging for the students as they had to focus on their part while staying in time with the other part.
Fifth grade students began a unit on music evaluation this week. The goal of this unit is to begin piecing together the information that fifth grade students have learned throughout elementary school music class. We began this week by reviewing the four instrument families (woodwind, brass, strings, and percussion). Students were asked to make lists of the instruments in each family and aurally identify each family. Students did a wonderful job recalling what they had learned about these instrument families in fourth grade! Students then began learning how to follow along with a listening map containing instrument families. Students learned about the history behind Russian composer Modest Mussorgsky's composition Pictures at an Exhibition and followed along with a listening map to the movement Promenade. Students also began learning a Czech song entitled Ho Young Rider.
Mrs. Ellis's continued to practice steady beat and prepare for quarter notes and eighth notes this week. Students were particularly successful at walking to the steady beat while Mrs. Aaronson played the cajon. Students were challenged to freeze when they heard the pattern - 'short-short long.' Students also enjoyed having the opportunity to play the cajon. Some students even chose to play the steady beat! Additionally, students learned a fun counting song about pirates entitled When I Was One
Mrs. Ross's students focused on melodic notes do re and mi this week. Students were introduced to melody street and reviewed how to sing do re mi patterns. Students reviewed the placement of do re mi patterns in the songs Rocky Mountain and Great Big House in New Orleans. Students also began discovering patterns that contain the melodic note sol. Due to the student's mastery of do re and mi, next week students will begin focusing on adding patterns with melodic note sol to their list of known patterns.
Mrs. Muller's students continued to review the rhythms dotted quarter note/eighth note and syncopation this week. Students reviewed the rhythm tic tac toe game and were assessed on their ability to read rhythmic patterns as they played this game. Students also began learning a Czech song entitled Ho Young Rider.
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Monday, December 12, 2016
Week Fourteen in Review (Dec. 5 - Dec. 9)
Greetings
from the music room! This was an exciting week of singing, moving, and
playing instruments! Here are some of the highlights:
Kindergarten students continued to focus on steady beat this week. Students reviewed Chop, Chop, Chippity Chop, We Clap Our Hands Together, and Pony Macaroni. Students also learned the songs Alice the Camel and Dr. Knickerbocker. All of these songs and chants provide students with the opportunity to practice keeping the steady beat by using their bodies. Students were asked to reflect on their movements and assess whether or not they matched the movements of the teacher. Additionally, students learned a fun counting song about pirates entitled When I Was One and a movement filled song entitled Here Comes a Bluebird. During Here Comes a Bluebird, students join their hands in a circle and lift them to create 'windows'. One at a time, students are chosen to be bluebirds and are able to 'fly' in and out of the 'windows'. Students enjoyed flying through the windows and being able to choose new partners.
First grade students continued to practice reading quarter notes and eighth notes this week. Students reviewed the difference between beat and rhythm by singing the song Snail, Snail and patting the beat or clapping the rhythm. Then students practiced clapping the rhythm to the song Starlight, Starbright and drawing rainbows in the air to show the song's phrases (a phrase is a musical sentence). After students were successful in showing the song's four phrases, they were shown four boxes of music notes on the interactive white board. Students were led to discover that these four boxes contained the music notes for each of the song's four phrases; however, they were out of order. Students worked together to place the four rhythm patterns in the correct order! Students also practiced showing the location of silence in music by singing and playing games to the songs Hot Cross Buns and Naughty Kitty Cat.
Second grade students learned their final folk dance, Rural Felicity, this week. Students have developed such a remarkable dance vocabulary during our folk dancing unit that they were able to learn this entire dance in five minutes! It was the perfect way to wrap up our unit. It combined many different movements that students had learned in previous dances as well as a new and exciting tunnel at the end! Students were also formally introduced to the melodic note do this week! Students sang short melodic phrases containing this new note, reviewed its place on the staff and on melody street, and practiced writing the pattern do mi sol la on the interactive white board as a class.
Third grade students continued to review rhythm this week while also building repertoire for learning a new melodic note. Students played rhythm Tic Tac Toe as a class and were instructed to play Tic Tac Toe for homework! Next week students will play this game in small groups and it will be necessary for students to be confident in how to play the game. Students also learned a new song, I Lost the Farmer's Dairy Key, which will be used to learn the a new high melodic note. Students enjoyed performing a body percussion pattern and playing rock, paper, scissors while singing this song.
Fourth grade students reviewed the song Merrily We Roll Along and were invited one at a time to test for their orange belt. During testing, students were able to play musical dominoes or Go Fish. After testing, students learned to play a French folk song, Au Claire de la Luna, on the recorder. Students also learned a new note, E. Lastly, students practiced a variety of rhythms by responding through movement to notes played on a drum and notes played on temple blocks.
Fifth grade students began the week by focusing on their rhythm post-assessment. Students played a variety of review games such as finding the correct rhythm on the floor, Morse Code (tapping a rhythm on a friend's hand and the friend must figure out the correct rhythm), and heads up, rhythms up. Following the assessment, students began a unit on music evaluation by reviewing the four orchestral instrument families and the instruments that belong to them.
Mrs. Ellis's students reviewed all of the material from last week and continued to focus on steady beat and the preparation of quarter notes and eighth notes. As an extension to the game move and freeze, students were asked to move to a steady beat prior to freezing. Students also practiced a chant called Two Little Apples and performed a series of movements to this chant. Students were challenged to perform the movements while saying the words in their heads. It was really fun to watch the level of concentration that students had while performing this task. Lastly, students practiced using their loud and quiet voices with the chant Chop, Chop, Chippity Chop.
Mrs. Ross's students reviewed all of the material from last week and continued to focus on melodic notes do re and mi. Students learned a new song, Rocky Mountain, and searched for a more complex pattern in this song: mi mi re re do. This task proved to be difficult for many of the students as this pattern contains two more notes than the patterns learned thus far. However, with a bit of practice, students were also able to find similar patterns. Lastly, students began to study the rhythm to the song Frog in the Meadow.
Mrs. Muller's students focused on preparing for their rhythm post-assessment. This week, students played a variety of review games such as finding the correct rhythm on the floor, heads up, rhythms up, and rhythm tic tac toe. Students particularly enjoyed playing tic tac toe and were delighted when they were able to beat Mrs. Aaronson at this game - twice!
Kindergarten students continued to focus on steady beat this week. Students reviewed Chop, Chop, Chippity Chop, We Clap Our Hands Together, and Pony Macaroni. Students also learned the songs Alice the Camel and Dr. Knickerbocker. All of these songs and chants provide students with the opportunity to practice keeping the steady beat by using their bodies. Students were asked to reflect on their movements and assess whether or not they matched the movements of the teacher. Additionally, students learned a fun counting song about pirates entitled When I Was One and a movement filled song entitled Here Comes a Bluebird. During Here Comes a Bluebird, students join their hands in a circle and lift them to create 'windows'. One at a time, students are chosen to be bluebirds and are able to 'fly' in and out of the 'windows'. Students enjoyed flying through the windows and being able to choose new partners.
First grade students continued to practice reading quarter notes and eighth notes this week. Students reviewed the difference between beat and rhythm by singing the song Snail, Snail and patting the beat or clapping the rhythm. Then students practiced clapping the rhythm to the song Starlight, Starbright and drawing rainbows in the air to show the song's phrases (a phrase is a musical sentence). After students were successful in showing the song's four phrases, they were shown four boxes of music notes on the interactive white board. Students were led to discover that these four boxes contained the music notes for each of the song's four phrases; however, they were out of order. Students worked together to place the four rhythm patterns in the correct order! Students also practiced showing the location of silence in music by singing and playing games to the songs Hot Cross Buns and Naughty Kitty Cat.
Second grade students learned their final folk dance, Rural Felicity, this week. Students have developed such a remarkable dance vocabulary during our folk dancing unit that they were able to learn this entire dance in five minutes! It was the perfect way to wrap up our unit. It combined many different movements that students had learned in previous dances as well as a new and exciting tunnel at the end! Students were also formally introduced to the melodic note do this week! Students sang short melodic phrases containing this new note, reviewed its place on the staff and on melody street, and practiced writing the pattern do mi sol la on the interactive white board as a class.
Third grade students continued to review rhythm this week while also building repertoire for learning a new melodic note. Students played rhythm Tic Tac Toe as a class and were instructed to play Tic Tac Toe for homework! Next week students will play this game in small groups and it will be necessary for students to be confident in how to play the game. Students also learned a new song, I Lost the Farmer's Dairy Key, which will be used to learn the a new high melodic note. Students enjoyed performing a body percussion pattern and playing rock, paper, scissors while singing this song.
Fourth grade students reviewed the song Merrily We Roll Along and were invited one at a time to test for their orange belt. During testing, students were able to play musical dominoes or Go Fish. After testing, students learned to play a French folk song, Au Claire de la Luna, on the recorder. Students also learned a new note, E. Lastly, students practiced a variety of rhythms by responding through movement to notes played on a drum and notes played on temple blocks.
Fifth grade students began the week by focusing on their rhythm post-assessment. Students played a variety of review games such as finding the correct rhythm on the floor, Morse Code (tapping a rhythm on a friend's hand and the friend must figure out the correct rhythm), and heads up, rhythms up. Following the assessment, students began a unit on music evaluation by reviewing the four orchestral instrument families and the instruments that belong to them.
Mrs. Ellis's students reviewed all of the material from last week and continued to focus on steady beat and the preparation of quarter notes and eighth notes. As an extension to the game move and freeze, students were asked to move to a steady beat prior to freezing. Students also practiced a chant called Two Little Apples and performed a series of movements to this chant. Students were challenged to perform the movements while saying the words in their heads. It was really fun to watch the level of concentration that students had while performing this task. Lastly, students practiced using their loud and quiet voices with the chant Chop, Chop, Chippity Chop.
Mrs. Ross's students reviewed all of the material from last week and continued to focus on melodic notes do re and mi. Students learned a new song, Rocky Mountain, and searched for a more complex pattern in this song: mi mi re re do. This task proved to be difficult for many of the students as this pattern contains two more notes than the patterns learned thus far. However, with a bit of practice, students were also able to find similar patterns. Lastly, students began to study the rhythm to the song Frog in the Meadow.
Mrs. Muller's students focused on preparing for their rhythm post-assessment. This week, students played a variety of review games such as finding the correct rhythm on the floor, heads up, rhythms up, and rhythm tic tac toe. Students particularly enjoyed playing tic tac toe and were delighted when they were able to beat Mrs. Aaronson at this game - twice!
Week Thirteen in Review (Nov. 28 - Dec. 2)
Greetings
from the music room! This was an exciting week of singing, moving, and
playing instruments! Here are some of the highlights:
Kindergarten students began focusing on steady beat this week. Students learned a chant called Chop, Chop, Chippity Chop and practiced chopping imaginary vegetables to the steady beat. Students were asked to name vegetables for us to 'chop'. Students reviewed the song We Clap Our Hands Together and
were given the chance to attempt playing a steady beat on a chime during this song. Students also learned a new song called My Pony Macaroni. Students patted a steady beat throughout the song while one student pretended to ride Macaroni the pony. When the student 'riding' Macaroni froze, the whole class froze. When that same student began moving again, the whole class continued patting.
First grade students practiced writing and reading quarter notes and eighth notes. Students worked in groups of 7-8 to create patterns of quarter notes and eighth notes using their bodies. Each group was given four pieces of paper; each piece of paper represented one beat. After listening to a four-beat rhythm pattern, students stood on the papers to show the rhythm. If one student stood on a paper, it indicated one sound on the beat (quarter note). If two students stood on a paper, it indicated two sounds on the beat (eighth notes). Students were incredibly successful at completing this exercise! Students also began learning two new songs: Starlight, Starbright, which will be used to practice reading quarter notes and eight notes and the song Hot Cross Buns which will be used to help students find silence in music (quarter rest).
Second grade students learned a new dance called Sasha this week. This dance was a complete change of pace from the dance that they learned prior to the Thanksgiving holiday. This dance contains a lively first half followed by a freely structured second half. Students enjoyed learning to do right and left arm swings and having the opportunity to interact with one another. Students also focused on the new low note (do) this week. Students learned a new song containing this note, Rocky Mountain, and were challenged to respond to a series notes as they were played on the recorder. When students heard the melodic note sol they placed their hands on their shoulders, when they heard the melodic note mi they place their hands on their middle, and when they heard the new low note they placed their hands on their knees. Students were impressively successful with this activity. Next week students will be formally introduced to the melodic note do!
Third grade students focused on reading melodic notes do re mi sol and la this week. Students reviewed the song Firefly by singing the song's words and its solfege. Students were then handed a bag containing six small strips of paper. On each strip was a four-beat section of this song. Students were asked to write the solfege under all of the notes and then sing each pattern in order to place the song in the correct order. While this was a considerable challenge, the collective third grade was incredibly successful at completing this assignment. If there was any lingering doubt about whether or not students were ready to learn a new melodic note, that doubt has vanished! Students also reviewed all rhythms learned thus far by playing a rhythm telephone game.
Fourth grade students learned to play the songs Old Tom White and Merrily We Roll Along on the recorder this week. Next week, students will play Merrily We Roll Along in order to test for their orange belt. Students also enjoyed practicing notes B A and G by playing a few levels of the online interactive game Joytunes. Lastly, students practiced matching notes to their letter names by playing musical dominoes and Go Fish.
Fifth grade began concluding their rhythm unit this week. Students examined the use of fifth grade rhythms in classical literature such as Bartok's Swineherds Dance, Bach's Fuge in G minor, and Gliere's Russian Sailors Dance. Students also enjoyed playing a rhythm game entitled Poison Pattern and learning a new song, Big Fat Biscuit, and its game. Students reviewed all of their dotted quarter/eighth note and their syncopated flashcards and were challenged to read them in a mixed up order. Lastly, students practiced aurally identifying rhythmic patterns in preparation for next week's rhythm post-assessment.
Mrs. Ellis's students continued to work on steady beat and began preparing to learn about quarter notes and eighth notes. Students reviewed steady beat songs We Clap Our Hands Together, My Pony Macaroni, and Dr. Knickerbocker. Students also began learning a new steady beat song entitled Monkey See and Monkey Do. As students are learning about steady beat, an emphasis has been made on students matching Mrs. Aaronson's movements. The song Monkey See and Monkey Do allows students to practice the same concept while copying a monkey! Students also began learning a move and freeze game. Students were to move freely around the classroom until they heard the sound 'short-short long' played on claves. This pattern signaled to students that they should freeze into a statue. This game will help to prepare students to hear patterns of long and short sounds (quarter notes and eighth notes).
Mrs. Ross's focused on reading quarter notes and eighth notes as well melodic notes mi re and do this week. Students learned the song Hot Cross Buns and worked together to arrange themselves on carpet squares in order to show the presence of one, two, or no sounds on a beat. After students had correctly notated the song's rhythm, students were shown the music for this song and challenged to search for the melodic patter mi re do. Students discovered that this pattern occurs three times in this song. After students were able to identify all of the melodic notes in this song, they were challenged to play it on the xylophone. Students also began learning a song called Frog in the Meadow, a song that will be used to practice rhythm and melodic notes do re mi.
Mrs. Muller's students began concluding their rhythm unit this week. Students examined the use of fifth grade rhythms in classical literature such as Bartok's Swineherds Dance and Gliere's Russian Sailors Dance. Students particularly enjoyed watching Russian dancers perform a dance to this composition. Students reviewed all of their dotted quarter/eighth note and their syncopated flashcards and were challenged to read them in a mixed up order. Students also tried singing Land of the Silver Birch and The Canoe Song at the same time. This proved to be a fun challenge for the students.
Kindergarten students began focusing on steady beat this week. Students learned a chant called Chop, Chop, Chippity Chop and practiced chopping imaginary vegetables to the steady beat. Students were asked to name vegetables for us to 'chop'. Students reviewed the song We Clap Our Hands Together and
were given the chance to attempt playing a steady beat on a chime during this song. Students also learned a new song called My Pony Macaroni. Students patted a steady beat throughout the song while one student pretended to ride Macaroni the pony. When the student 'riding' Macaroni froze, the whole class froze. When that same student began moving again, the whole class continued patting.
First grade students practiced writing and reading quarter notes and eighth notes. Students worked in groups of 7-8 to create patterns of quarter notes and eighth notes using their bodies. Each group was given four pieces of paper; each piece of paper represented one beat. After listening to a four-beat rhythm pattern, students stood on the papers to show the rhythm. If one student stood on a paper, it indicated one sound on the beat (quarter note). If two students stood on a paper, it indicated two sounds on the beat (eighth notes). Students were incredibly successful at completing this exercise! Students also began learning two new songs: Starlight, Starbright, which will be used to practice reading quarter notes and eight notes and the song Hot Cross Buns which will be used to help students find silence in music (quarter rest).
Second grade students learned a new dance called Sasha this week. This dance was a complete change of pace from the dance that they learned prior to the Thanksgiving holiday. This dance contains a lively first half followed by a freely structured second half. Students enjoyed learning to do right and left arm swings and having the opportunity to interact with one another. Students also focused on the new low note (do) this week. Students learned a new song containing this note, Rocky Mountain, and were challenged to respond to a series notes as they were played on the recorder. When students heard the melodic note sol they placed their hands on their shoulders, when they heard the melodic note mi they place their hands on their middle, and when they heard the new low note they placed their hands on their knees. Students were impressively successful with this activity. Next week students will be formally introduced to the melodic note do!
Third grade students focused on reading melodic notes do re mi sol and la this week. Students reviewed the song Firefly by singing the song's words and its solfege. Students were then handed a bag containing six small strips of paper. On each strip was a four-beat section of this song. Students were asked to write the solfege under all of the notes and then sing each pattern in order to place the song in the correct order. While this was a considerable challenge, the collective third grade was incredibly successful at completing this assignment. If there was any lingering doubt about whether or not students were ready to learn a new melodic note, that doubt has vanished! Students also reviewed all rhythms learned thus far by playing a rhythm telephone game.
Fourth grade students learned to play the songs Old Tom White and Merrily We Roll Along on the recorder this week. Next week, students will play Merrily We Roll Along in order to test for their orange belt. Students also enjoyed practicing notes B A and G by playing a few levels of the online interactive game Joytunes. Lastly, students practiced matching notes to their letter names by playing musical dominoes and Go Fish.
Fifth grade began concluding their rhythm unit this week. Students examined the use of fifth grade rhythms in classical literature such as Bartok's Swineherds Dance, Bach's Fuge in G minor, and Gliere's Russian Sailors Dance. Students also enjoyed playing a rhythm game entitled Poison Pattern and learning a new song, Big Fat Biscuit, and its game. Students reviewed all of their dotted quarter/eighth note and their syncopated flashcards and were challenged to read them in a mixed up order. Lastly, students practiced aurally identifying rhythmic patterns in preparation for next week's rhythm post-assessment.
Mrs. Ellis's students continued to work on steady beat and began preparing to learn about quarter notes and eighth notes. Students reviewed steady beat songs We Clap Our Hands Together, My Pony Macaroni, and Dr. Knickerbocker. Students also began learning a new steady beat song entitled Monkey See and Monkey Do. As students are learning about steady beat, an emphasis has been made on students matching Mrs. Aaronson's movements. The song Monkey See and Monkey Do allows students to practice the same concept while copying a monkey! Students also began learning a move and freeze game. Students were to move freely around the classroom until they heard the sound 'short-short long' played on claves. This pattern signaled to students that they should freeze into a statue. This game will help to prepare students to hear patterns of long and short sounds (quarter notes and eighth notes).
Mrs. Ross's focused on reading quarter notes and eighth notes as well melodic notes mi re and do this week. Students learned the song Hot Cross Buns and worked together to arrange themselves on carpet squares in order to show the presence of one, two, or no sounds on a beat. After students had correctly notated the song's rhythm, students were shown the music for this song and challenged to search for the melodic patter mi re do. Students discovered that this pattern occurs three times in this song. After students were able to identify all of the melodic notes in this song, they were challenged to play it on the xylophone. Students also began learning a song called Frog in the Meadow, a song that will be used to practice rhythm and melodic notes do re mi.
Mrs. Muller's students began concluding their rhythm unit this week. Students examined the use of fifth grade rhythms in classical literature such as Bartok's Swineherds Dance and Gliere's Russian Sailors Dance. Students particularly enjoyed watching Russian dancers perform a dance to this composition. Students reviewed all of their dotted quarter/eighth note and their syncopated flashcards and were challenged to read them in a mixed up order. Students also tried singing Land of the Silver Birch and The Canoe Song at the same time. This proved to be a fun challenge for the students.
Sunday, November 27, 2016
Week Twelve in Review (Nov. 21- Nov. 25)
Greetings from the music room! This was an exciting week of singing, moving, and playing instruments! Here are some of the highlights:
Kindergarten students were assessed on their comprehension of loud and quiet sounds this week. Students were once again given the opportunity to play the hand drum at the end of the song Listen, Listen. Each child was asked to play either quietly or loudly. Students were very successful! Students were also assessed while singing the song Oh My, No More Pie! First, students were asked to imitate the loud or quiet voice of the teacher. Then students were asked to echo by singing with the opposite volume of the teacher. For example, if Mrs. Aaronson sang with a loud voice, students were to sing with a quiet voice. Students were once again very successful! Given the high level of success achieved by the students, we began to shift our focus to steady beat. Students enjoyed learning a new song called We Clap Our Hands Together and were given the chance to attempt playing a steady beat on a woodblock during this song.
First grade students practiced writing quarter notes and eighth notes this week. After practicing together on the interactive white board, each student was given their own white board and dry erase marker and asked to write quarter notes and eighth notes on their own. After students were successful, they were asked to write their own four-beat pattern of quarter notes and eighth notes. Mrs. Aaronson's favorite part was when we went around the circle and each student read the pattern they had created! Although students were only formally introduced to eighth notes last week, we had a grade level accuracy rate of approximately 80%. Get it first grade!
Second grade students did not have class this week due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
Third grade students focused heavily on playing do re mi sol and la on the xylophone this week. First students, reviewed the three melodic patterns that they worked on last week. Students were challenged to echo these patterns on the xylophone after Mrs. Aaronson sang them. Students were incredibly successful! Then students were challenged to play the song Great Big House in New Orleans on the xylophone. After having a few minutes to practice, students were given the opportunity to volunteer to play a portion of the song for the class. Students also reviewed the song Firefly.
Fourth grade students reviewed the song Gently Sleep and were invited one at a time to test for their yellow belt. During testing, students were able to practice Gently Sleep by saying the letter names of the song while pressing down their fingers, playing Staff Wars or Note Squish on the music department iPads, or creating their own song using flashcards for the notes B, A, and G.
Fifth grade students reviewed songs Land of the Silver Birch and The Canoe Song this week. Students were given the opportunity to play a pattern from Land of the Silver Birch on a drum. Students were able to play large drums with mallets as well as very tiny finger drums. Students were also given the opportunity to transfer a pattern from The Canoe Song onto xylophones. Students were challenged to have one partner play the pattern while the other partner sang the song. Students also tried singing Land of the Silver Birch and The Canoe Song at the same time. Songs that work well when sung together are known as partner songs. Students also reviewed a series of syncopated patterns and enjoyed playing a game called poison pattern!
Mrs. Ellis's students continued to shift their focus to steady beat by reviewing the song We Clap Our Hands Together. Students were given the chance to play a steady beat on a woodblock and on a chime during this song. Students also began learning a new steady beat song and game entitled My Pony Macaroni. Students are already showing remarkable achievement in the area of steady beat. If progress continues, we will begin reading rhythmic notation after the winter holiday!
Mrs. Ross's students reviewed the placement of the melodic pattern mi re do in the songs Great Big House in New Orleans and Down to the Baker's Shop. Impressively, students discovered melodic patterns in the song Down to the Baker's Shop that they were not intended to discover! Students enjoyed transferring mi re do to the xylophone and playing this pattern at the correct time in each song. Students also enjoyed exploring different types of movement to Down to the Baker's Shop.
Mrs. Muller's students practiced reading syncopated rhythms this week. Students reviewed the location of syncopation in Li'l Liza Jane and The Canoe Song. Students also learned to read a series of syncopated rhythm flashcards. Lastly, students enjoyed transferring a repeating pattern from the song Land of the Silver Birch onto drums.
Kindergarten students were assessed on their comprehension of loud and quiet sounds this week. Students were once again given the opportunity to play the hand drum at the end of the song Listen, Listen. Each child was asked to play either quietly or loudly. Students were very successful! Students were also assessed while singing the song Oh My, No More Pie! First, students were asked to imitate the loud or quiet voice of the teacher. Then students were asked to echo by singing with the opposite volume of the teacher. For example, if Mrs. Aaronson sang with a loud voice, students were to sing with a quiet voice. Students were once again very successful! Given the high level of success achieved by the students, we began to shift our focus to steady beat. Students enjoyed learning a new song called We Clap Our Hands Together and were given the chance to attempt playing a steady beat on a woodblock during this song.
First grade students practiced writing quarter notes and eighth notes this week. After practicing together on the interactive white board, each student was given their own white board and dry erase marker and asked to write quarter notes and eighth notes on their own. After students were successful, they were asked to write their own four-beat pattern of quarter notes and eighth notes. Mrs. Aaronson's favorite part was when we went around the circle and each student read the pattern they had created! Although students were only formally introduced to eighth notes last week, we had a grade level accuracy rate of approximately 80%. Get it first grade!
Second grade students did not have class this week due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
Third grade students focused heavily on playing do re mi sol and la on the xylophone this week. First students, reviewed the three melodic patterns that they worked on last week. Students were challenged to echo these patterns on the xylophone after Mrs. Aaronson sang them. Students were incredibly successful! Then students were challenged to play the song Great Big House in New Orleans on the xylophone. After having a few minutes to practice, students were given the opportunity to volunteer to play a portion of the song for the class. Students also reviewed the song Firefly.
Fourth grade students reviewed the song Gently Sleep and were invited one at a time to test for their yellow belt. During testing, students were able to practice Gently Sleep by saying the letter names of the song while pressing down their fingers, playing Staff Wars or Note Squish on the music department iPads, or creating their own song using flashcards for the notes B, A, and G.
Fifth grade students reviewed songs Land of the Silver Birch and The Canoe Song this week. Students were given the opportunity to play a pattern from Land of the Silver Birch on a drum. Students were able to play large drums with mallets as well as very tiny finger drums. Students were also given the opportunity to transfer a pattern from The Canoe Song onto xylophones. Students were challenged to have one partner play the pattern while the other partner sang the song. Students also tried singing Land of the Silver Birch and The Canoe Song at the same time. Songs that work well when sung together are known as partner songs. Students also reviewed a series of syncopated patterns and enjoyed playing a game called poison pattern!
Mrs. Ellis's students continued to shift their focus to steady beat by reviewing the song We Clap Our Hands Together. Students were given the chance to play a steady beat on a woodblock and on a chime during this song. Students also began learning a new steady beat song and game entitled My Pony Macaroni. Students are already showing remarkable achievement in the area of steady beat. If progress continues, we will begin reading rhythmic notation after the winter holiday!
Mrs. Ross's students reviewed the placement of the melodic pattern mi re do in the songs Great Big House in New Orleans and Down to the Baker's Shop. Impressively, students discovered melodic patterns in the song Down to the Baker's Shop that they were not intended to discover! Students enjoyed transferring mi re do to the xylophone and playing this pattern at the correct time in each song. Students also enjoyed exploring different types of movement to Down to the Baker's Shop.
Mrs. Muller's students practiced reading syncopated rhythms this week. Students reviewed the location of syncopation in Li'l Liza Jane and The Canoe Song. Students also learned to read a series of syncopated rhythm flashcards. Lastly, students enjoyed transferring a repeating pattern from the song Land of the Silver Birch onto drums.
Week Eleven in Review (Nov. 14 - Nov. 18)
Greetings from the music room! This was an exciting week of singing, moving, and playing instruments! Here are some of the highlights:
Kindergarten students practiced playing loud and quiet sounds on a hand drum during the song Listen, Listen. Each child was given a chance to play the drum and was asked to play either loudly or quietly. This song will be reviewed next week as a way to assess students' understanding of loud vs. quiet. Students learned a new song, Oh My, No More Pie!, which will also be used assess loud and quiet. This silly echo song tells a story in which someone runs into all types of problems while trying to get more Thanksgiving pie!
First grade students reviewed quarter notes and eighth notes this week. Students reviewed the song Bluebells and its game then worked together to write the song's rhythm on the interactive white board. Students also enjoyed practicing quarter note and eighth note patterns by playing a game called poison pattern. In this game a four-beat rhythm is chosen as the poison pattern. Students are to echo all patterns except for the poison pattern. Students enjoyed the challenge of listening for the poison pattern. Students also enjoyed learning a new song Snail, Snail and its game. In this game, students join hands and follow the leader into a spiral. The challenge is not only to create the spiral but to unwind it as well!
Second grade students learned a new dance called The Sweets of May this week. This dance was a great challenge for students because it requires a great amount of awareness, teamwork, and many direction changes. Students also continued to work on singing and identifying the new low note (do). Students began learning a new song entitled Dinah! Students learned a body percussion pattern to this song and practiced echoing solfege patterns using mi sol la and the new low note. Students also reviewed quarter notes and eighth notes by placing the rhythm to the chant 2,4,6,8 in the correct order.
Third grade students reviewed the song I Love the Mountains and were challenged to sing it as a two-part round. Students were incredibly successful! Students reviewed the solfege for Great Big House in New Orleans and began learning a new song, Firefly, which uses the same melodic notes (do re mi sol and la). Students also reviewed three patterns containing these notes and practiced playing them on the xylophone. Lastly, students took a pre-assessment on musical form. This assessment will be used to show student growth in the area of form this school year.
Fourth grade students finished testing for their white belt (Hot Cross Buns) this week. Students enjoyed practicing notes B and A by exploring four new levels of the online interactive web game joytunes. Students also learned a new song called It's in the BAG. Using the four step process for learning a new song introduced last week, students were able to learn and memorize this song in approximately 10 minutes. Students enjoyed trying to play the song from memory and some students even suggested trying to play the song backwards! Lastly, students began learning the yellow belt song Gently Sleep.
Fifth grade students focused on the Russian folk song The Little Birch Tree this week. Students reviewed the rhythm of this song, explored additional verses, listened to the song in the Russian language, and learned to play the second section of the song on the xylophone. Once students had mastered playing that section on the xylophone, students worked as a class to create a short arrangement for this piece. Each type of instrument was given a special job; we even added wind chimes to the piece! Lastly, students began learning a new song filled with syncopation entitled The Canoe Song. Students learned a syncopated ostinato to this song and were challenged to perform this pattern on egg shakers while the song was being sung.
Mrs. Ellis's students practiced playing loud and quiet sounds on a hand drum this week. Each child was given a chance to play the drum either loudly or quietly. Students did a wonderful job following directions and performing correctly! Students learned a new song, Oh My, No More Pie!, which will also be used assess loud and quiet. This silly echo song tells a story in which someone runs into all types of problems while trying to get more Thanksgiving pie! First students were asked to simply echo after the teacher. Next, students were challenged to sing the same volume as the teacher. For example, if Mrs. Aaronson sang with a loud voice, students were to sing with a quiet voice. Students were once again very successful! Lastly students, began to focus more on steady beat by learning and performing steady beat motions to the song We Clap Our Hands Together and the chant Chop, Chop, Chippity Chop.
Mrs. Ross's students reviewed last weeks material: reading quarter notes, eighth notes, and quarter rests, identifying lines and spaces on the staff, and reading melodic notes do re and mi. After identifying and singing patterns containing melodic notes do re and mi, students were given the opportunity to play all three of these patterns on the xylophone. Students also began learning a new song entitled Great Big House in New Orleans. This song contains the pattern mi re do and mentions pumpkin pie - perfect for Thanksgiving!
Mrs. Muller's students were formally introduced to syncopation this week. Students located syncopated rhythms in Li'l Liza Jane and in The Canoe Song. Students used tambourines to practice playing syncopated rhythms.
Kindergarten students practiced playing loud and quiet sounds on a hand drum during the song Listen, Listen. Each child was given a chance to play the drum and was asked to play either loudly or quietly. This song will be reviewed next week as a way to assess students' understanding of loud vs. quiet. Students learned a new song, Oh My, No More Pie!, which will also be used assess loud and quiet. This silly echo song tells a story in which someone runs into all types of problems while trying to get more Thanksgiving pie!
First grade students reviewed quarter notes and eighth notes this week. Students reviewed the song Bluebells and its game then worked together to write the song's rhythm on the interactive white board. Students also enjoyed practicing quarter note and eighth note patterns by playing a game called poison pattern. In this game a four-beat rhythm is chosen as the poison pattern. Students are to echo all patterns except for the poison pattern. Students enjoyed the challenge of listening for the poison pattern. Students also enjoyed learning a new song Snail, Snail and its game. In this game, students join hands and follow the leader into a spiral. The challenge is not only to create the spiral but to unwind it as well!
Second grade students learned a new dance called The Sweets of May this week. This dance was a great challenge for students because it requires a great amount of awareness, teamwork, and many direction changes. Students also continued to work on singing and identifying the new low note (do). Students began learning a new song entitled Dinah! Students learned a body percussion pattern to this song and practiced echoing solfege patterns using mi sol la and the new low note. Students also reviewed quarter notes and eighth notes by placing the rhythm to the chant 2,4,6,8 in the correct order.
Third grade students reviewed the song I Love the Mountains and were challenged to sing it as a two-part round. Students were incredibly successful! Students reviewed the solfege for Great Big House in New Orleans and began learning a new song, Firefly, which uses the same melodic notes (do re mi sol and la). Students also reviewed three patterns containing these notes and practiced playing them on the xylophone. Lastly, students took a pre-assessment on musical form. This assessment will be used to show student growth in the area of form this school year.
Fourth grade students finished testing for their white belt (Hot Cross Buns) this week. Students enjoyed practicing notes B and A by exploring four new levels of the online interactive web game joytunes. Students also learned a new song called It's in the BAG. Using the four step process for learning a new song introduced last week, students were able to learn and memorize this song in approximately 10 minutes. Students enjoyed trying to play the song from memory and some students even suggested trying to play the song backwards! Lastly, students began learning the yellow belt song Gently Sleep.
Fifth grade students focused on the Russian folk song The Little Birch Tree this week. Students reviewed the rhythm of this song, explored additional verses, listened to the song in the Russian language, and learned to play the second section of the song on the xylophone. Once students had mastered playing that section on the xylophone, students worked as a class to create a short arrangement for this piece. Each type of instrument was given a special job; we even added wind chimes to the piece! Lastly, students began learning a new song filled with syncopation entitled The Canoe Song. Students learned a syncopated ostinato to this song and were challenged to perform this pattern on egg shakers while the song was being sung.
Mrs. Ellis's students practiced playing loud and quiet sounds on a hand drum this week. Each child was given a chance to play the drum either loudly or quietly. Students did a wonderful job following directions and performing correctly! Students learned a new song, Oh My, No More Pie!, which will also be used assess loud and quiet. This silly echo song tells a story in which someone runs into all types of problems while trying to get more Thanksgiving pie! First students were asked to simply echo after the teacher. Next, students were challenged to sing the same volume as the teacher. For example, if Mrs. Aaronson sang with a loud voice, students were to sing with a quiet voice. Students were once again very successful! Lastly students, began to focus more on steady beat by learning and performing steady beat motions to the song We Clap Our Hands Together and the chant Chop, Chop, Chippity Chop.
Mrs. Ross's students reviewed last weeks material: reading quarter notes, eighth notes, and quarter rests, identifying lines and spaces on the staff, and reading melodic notes do re and mi. After identifying and singing patterns containing melodic notes do re and mi, students were given the opportunity to play all three of these patterns on the xylophone. Students also began learning a new song entitled Great Big House in New Orleans. This song contains the pattern mi re do and mentions pumpkin pie - perfect for Thanksgiving!
Mrs. Muller's students were formally introduced to syncopation this week. Students located syncopated rhythms in Li'l Liza Jane and in The Canoe Song. Students used tambourines to practice playing syncopated rhythms.
Week Ten in Review (Nov. 7 - Nov. 11)
Greetings from the music room! This was an exciting week of singing, moving, and playing instruments! Here are some of the highlights:
Kindergarten students continued to review loud and quiet sounds by playing the hot/cold singing game to the song Lucy Locket. Students also reviewed how to play up and down on the xylophone and transferred that knowledge to the story Mortimer by Robert Munsch. As the mother, father, brothers, sisters, and police came up and down the stairs to tell Mortimer to "be quiet!" students played up and down on the xylophone.
First grade students were formally introduced to eighth notes this week! After reviewing the patterns of long and short sounds in the chant Queen, Queen Caroline, students were shown that the short sounds (two sounds on a beat) are eighth notes. Students practiced writing and reading eighth notes on the board and reviewed quarter notes (one sound on a beat). Students also learned a fun chase game to the song Gobble, Gobble, Gobble. This Thanksgiving song will be used to help students find silence (a rest) in a song.
Second grade students learned a new dance this week called Sashay the Donut. This somewhat complex dance was a great hit with the students and quickly mastered by them. This dance begins with a do-si-do, a right hand turn, a left hand turn, and a two hand turn. Students were excited be able to apply what they had previously learned to this new dance. The second section of the dance is where the real fun begins! One pair of students act as the leaders and lead a train of partners around in a circle. The sounds of "ooo" that escaped from the students the first time we performed this dance was wonderful to hear!
Third grade students reviewed melodic notes do re mi sol and la this week through the songs Great Big House in New Orleans and Sally Go Round the Sun. Students decoded the solfege for Great Big House in New Orleans and practiced singing the entire song using solfege. Students also enjoyed moving while singing the solfege for Sally Go Round the Sun. Students began learning a new song entitled I Love the Mountains. This camp song can be sung as a round, students will explore a two-part round next week.
Fourth grade students reviewed notes B, A, and G this week and focused on learning the song Hot Cross Buns. Students learned a four step process for learning a new song:
1. read the rhythm
2. read the letters (in rhythm)
3. read the letters (in rhythm) while pressing down fingers on the recorder
4. play
Students also began testing for their white belt. During testing, students were able to practice Hot Cross Buns by saying the letter names of the song while pressing down their fingers, playing Staff Wars on the music department ipads, or creating their own song using flashcards for the notes B, A, and G.
Fifth grade students learned a new song with syncopated rhythms, Land of the Silver Birch. Since this song coincides with the students' Native American unit in Social Studies, students were asked to debate whether or not this song is a Native American folk song. Students gave wonderful answers to support and to refute this claim. In the end, students discovered that although the words to the song were written by a woman who's father was the chief of a Native American tribe, it is not a Native American folk song. Students also reviewed the rhythm dotted quarter note/eighth note and finished an improvisation activity using flashcards that contain this rhythm.
Mrs. Ellis's students participated in a student growth assessment this week. Students were assessed one-on-one while the class enjoyed viewing the video Stomp Out Loud. Each student was asked to play high sounds and low sounds on a xylophone. Each student was also asked to listen to a series of patterns played on a recorder and choose the flashcard which they thought matched each pattern. These assessments will be used to show student growth in the areas of high/low and rhythm this year.
Mrs. Ross's students reviewed the chant 2,4,6,8 and the rhythms in this song. Students were also introduced to a series of rhythm flashcards containing quarter notes, eighth notes, and quarter rests. Students were introduced to the five line staff and practiced identifying lines and spaces. Students were then introduced to the melodic notes do re and mi. Students practiced singing three patterns containing these notes. Lastly, students learned the song Down to the Baker's Shop and were asked to find the pattern mi re do in this song.
Mrs. Muller's students continued to practice the rhythm dotted quarter note/eighth note this week. Students reviewed Li'l Liza Jane and The Little Birch Tree. Students enjoyed learning to play the second section of The Little Birch Tree on the xylophone. Once students were successful, they were challenged to play this section as a repeating pattern throughout the entire song. Students also reviewed The Canoe Song and Hill and Gully. These songs, along with the new song Land of the Silver Birch, will be used next week to help students discover a new rhythm called syncopation.
Kindergarten students continued to review loud and quiet sounds by playing the hot/cold singing game to the song Lucy Locket. Students also reviewed how to play up and down on the xylophone and transferred that knowledge to the story Mortimer by Robert Munsch. As the mother, father, brothers, sisters, and police came up and down the stairs to tell Mortimer to "be quiet!" students played up and down on the xylophone.
First grade students were formally introduced to eighth notes this week! After reviewing the patterns of long and short sounds in the chant Queen, Queen Caroline, students were shown that the short sounds (two sounds on a beat) are eighth notes. Students practiced writing and reading eighth notes on the board and reviewed quarter notes (one sound on a beat). Students also learned a fun chase game to the song Gobble, Gobble, Gobble. This Thanksgiving song will be used to help students find silence (a rest) in a song.
Second grade students learned a new dance this week called Sashay the Donut. This somewhat complex dance was a great hit with the students and quickly mastered by them. This dance begins with a do-si-do, a right hand turn, a left hand turn, and a two hand turn. Students were excited be able to apply what they had previously learned to this new dance. The second section of the dance is where the real fun begins! One pair of students act as the leaders and lead a train of partners around in a circle. The sounds of "ooo" that escaped from the students the first time we performed this dance was wonderful to hear!
Third grade students reviewed melodic notes do re mi sol and la this week through the songs Great Big House in New Orleans and Sally Go Round the Sun. Students decoded the solfege for Great Big House in New Orleans and practiced singing the entire song using solfege. Students also enjoyed moving while singing the solfege for Sally Go Round the Sun. Students began learning a new song entitled I Love the Mountains. This camp song can be sung as a round, students will explore a two-part round next week.
Fourth grade students reviewed notes B, A, and G this week and focused on learning the song Hot Cross Buns. Students learned a four step process for learning a new song:
1. read the rhythm
2. read the letters (in rhythm)
3. read the letters (in rhythm) while pressing down fingers on the recorder
4. play
Students also began testing for their white belt. During testing, students were able to practice Hot Cross Buns by saying the letter names of the song while pressing down their fingers, playing Staff Wars on the music department ipads, or creating their own song using flashcards for the notes B, A, and G.
Fifth grade students learned a new song with syncopated rhythms, Land of the Silver Birch. Since this song coincides with the students' Native American unit in Social Studies, students were asked to debate whether or not this song is a Native American folk song. Students gave wonderful answers to support and to refute this claim. In the end, students discovered that although the words to the song were written by a woman who's father was the chief of a Native American tribe, it is not a Native American folk song. Students also reviewed the rhythm dotted quarter note/eighth note and finished an improvisation activity using flashcards that contain this rhythm.
Mrs. Ellis's students participated in a student growth assessment this week. Students were assessed one-on-one while the class enjoyed viewing the video Stomp Out Loud. Each student was asked to play high sounds and low sounds on a xylophone. Each student was also asked to listen to a series of patterns played on a recorder and choose the flashcard which they thought matched each pattern. These assessments will be used to show student growth in the areas of high/low and rhythm this year.
Mrs. Ross's students reviewed the chant 2,4,6,8 and the rhythms in this song. Students were also introduced to a series of rhythm flashcards containing quarter notes, eighth notes, and quarter rests. Students were introduced to the five line staff and practiced identifying lines and spaces. Students were then introduced to the melodic notes do re and mi. Students practiced singing three patterns containing these notes. Lastly, students learned the song Down to the Baker's Shop and were asked to find the pattern mi re do in this song.
Mrs. Muller's students continued to practice the rhythm dotted quarter note/eighth note this week. Students reviewed Li'l Liza Jane and The Little Birch Tree. Students enjoyed learning to play the second section of The Little Birch Tree on the xylophone. Once students were successful, they were challenged to play this section as a repeating pattern throughout the entire song. Students also reviewed The Canoe Song and Hill and Gully. These songs, along with the new song Land of the Silver Birch, will be used next week to help students discover a new rhythm called syncopation.
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Week Nine in Review (Oct. 31 - Nov. 4)
Greetings
from the music room! This was an exciting week of singing, moving, and
playing instruments! Here are some of the highlights:
Kindergarten students reviewed the difference between loud and quiet sounds. Students responded to loud and quiet sounds on the drum. Students stomped for loud sounds and tiptoed for quiet sounds. Students also began learning a new loud/quiet game to the song Lucy Locket. This game is very similar to hot/cold. When the child is close to the hidden item, the class sings loudly. When the child is far away from the hidden item, the class sings quietly. Students also reviewed how to play up and down on the xylophone.
First grade students further explored the presence of two sounds on a beat this week. Students practiced tapping the beat while speaking the chant Queen, Queen Caroline. Students transferred the beat to a steady beat heart chart. (Hearts are used since our heart keeps a steady beat just like music!). After students were successful at using this chart, students were asked which hearts (which beats) have one sound and which hearts have two sounds. Students then read the rhythm of Queen, Queen Caroline by saying short-short for two sounds on a beat and long for one sound on a beat. We use 'short-short' and 'long' to assist students in understanding that eighth notes make shorter sounds (1/2 a beat) than quarter notes (1 beat). Students also began learning a new song for practicing rhythm entitled Bluebells and its fun movement game.
Second grade students learned a new folk dance this week, Galopede. In this dance, students learned to do-si-do, right hand turn, left hand turn, and how to move in a longways set. I have been very impressed with how well students are able to remember and execute these dances. Students also learned a new song containing the new low note do, Kingsland. In addition to singing this song, students learned a fun game in which students pretend to be thieves sneaking into the kings castle to steal his fine linens. If students are caught, they are sent to the dungeon!
Third grade students continued to work on melodic notes do re mi sol and la this week. Students continued to review these notes by practicing a series of flashcards, exploring the notes in the song Great Big House in New Orleans, and learning a new song Sally Go 'Round the Sun. Students also finished a movement activity to the song Rig-a-Jig-Jig. This movement activity highlights the form of the song. Students were asked to describe what makes the two sections different (fast/slow, loud/quiet, different rhythm). Students then performed a two-part movement with a partner. Once students were secure in this movement, new parts were gradually added to challenge the students' memories.
Fourth grade students reviewed the recorder playing technique that they learned last week as well as notes B and A. Students then learned a new note: G. Students practiced playing short rhythmic patterns on each note and switching back and forth between the notes. Students also began learning to play the song Hot Cross Buns. Students were given two pages to take home. These pages contained a fingering chart, Hot Cross Buns, Gently Sleep, and Merrily We Roll Along. Students were instructed to practice Hot Cross Buns and were given the option of working ahead on the other two songs.
Fifth grade students continued to focus on the rhythm pattern dotted quarter note/eighth note this week. Students learned a new song, Little Birch Tree, and listened for this song in Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4. Students were led in a discussion about folk songs and the appearance of such songs in symphonies. Lastly, students began to focus on syncopation by learning a new song entitled Peg Leg the Pirate. This song, which contains a fun guessing game, is full of syncopated rhythms.
Mrs. Ellis's students enjoyed a brief music class prior to the Halloween parade and party. Students explored moving to the steady beat through songs Dem Bones and This is Halloween. Students also enjoyed sharing the name of their favorite candy in a song called Hippity Hop to the Candy Shop. Students also explored vocal sound effects in the story Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson. On Wednesday, students reviewed the difference between loud and quiet sounds. Students responded to loud and quiet sounds on the drum. Students stomped for loud sounds and tiptoed for quiet sounds. Afterwards, students had the chance to practice playing loud and quiet sounds on a hand drum. Lastly, students began learning a new loud/quiet game to the song Lucy Locket.
Mrs. Ross's students reviewed the chant 2,4,6,8 and worked together to put the rhythm of this song in the correct order. Students then practiced reading the rhythm from beginning to end. Students also practiced writing quarter note and eighth note patterns using Popsicle sticks.
Mrs. Muller's students reviewed songs Li'l Liza Jane and Little Birch Tree in order to practice the rhythm dotted quarter note/eighth note. Students practiced a series of rhythm flashcards and enjoyed playing the rhythms on tambourines. Students also began learning the Canoe Song. This song will be used to introduce a new rhythm (syncopation). Lastly, students learned a series of rhythms and performed them to a recording of the Pink Panther Theme Song.
Kindergarten students reviewed the difference between loud and quiet sounds. Students responded to loud and quiet sounds on the drum. Students stomped for loud sounds and tiptoed for quiet sounds. Students also began learning a new loud/quiet game to the song Lucy Locket. This game is very similar to hot/cold. When the child is close to the hidden item, the class sings loudly. When the child is far away from the hidden item, the class sings quietly. Students also reviewed how to play up and down on the xylophone.
First grade students further explored the presence of two sounds on a beat this week. Students practiced tapping the beat while speaking the chant Queen, Queen Caroline. Students transferred the beat to a steady beat heart chart. (Hearts are used since our heart keeps a steady beat just like music!). After students were successful at using this chart, students were asked which hearts (which beats) have one sound and which hearts have two sounds. Students then read the rhythm of Queen, Queen Caroline by saying short-short for two sounds on a beat and long for one sound on a beat. We use 'short-short' and 'long' to assist students in understanding that eighth notes make shorter sounds (1/2 a beat) than quarter notes (1 beat). Students also began learning a new song for practicing rhythm entitled Bluebells and its fun movement game.
Second grade students learned a new folk dance this week, Galopede. In this dance, students learned to do-si-do, right hand turn, left hand turn, and how to move in a longways set. I have been very impressed with how well students are able to remember and execute these dances. Students also learned a new song containing the new low note do, Kingsland. In addition to singing this song, students learned a fun game in which students pretend to be thieves sneaking into the kings castle to steal his fine linens. If students are caught, they are sent to the dungeon!
Third grade students continued to work on melodic notes do re mi sol and la this week. Students continued to review these notes by practicing a series of flashcards, exploring the notes in the song Great Big House in New Orleans, and learning a new song Sally Go 'Round the Sun. Students also finished a movement activity to the song Rig-a-Jig-Jig. This movement activity highlights the form of the song. Students were asked to describe what makes the two sections different (fast/slow, loud/quiet, different rhythm). Students then performed a two-part movement with a partner. Once students were secure in this movement, new parts were gradually added to challenge the students' memories.
Fourth grade students reviewed the recorder playing technique that they learned last week as well as notes B and A. Students then learned a new note: G. Students practiced playing short rhythmic patterns on each note and switching back and forth between the notes. Students also began learning to play the song Hot Cross Buns. Students were given two pages to take home. These pages contained a fingering chart, Hot Cross Buns, Gently Sleep, and Merrily We Roll Along. Students were instructed to practice Hot Cross Buns and were given the option of working ahead on the other two songs.
Fifth grade students continued to focus on the rhythm pattern dotted quarter note/eighth note this week. Students learned a new song, Little Birch Tree, and listened for this song in Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4. Students were led in a discussion about folk songs and the appearance of such songs in symphonies. Lastly, students began to focus on syncopation by learning a new song entitled Peg Leg the Pirate. This song, which contains a fun guessing game, is full of syncopated rhythms.
Mrs. Ellis's students enjoyed a brief music class prior to the Halloween parade and party. Students explored moving to the steady beat through songs Dem Bones and This is Halloween. Students also enjoyed sharing the name of their favorite candy in a song called Hippity Hop to the Candy Shop. Students also explored vocal sound effects in the story Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson. On Wednesday, students reviewed the difference between loud and quiet sounds. Students responded to loud and quiet sounds on the drum. Students stomped for loud sounds and tiptoed for quiet sounds. Afterwards, students had the chance to practice playing loud and quiet sounds on a hand drum. Lastly, students began learning a new loud/quiet game to the song Lucy Locket.
Mrs. Ross's students reviewed the chant 2,4,6,8 and worked together to put the rhythm of this song in the correct order. Students then practiced reading the rhythm from beginning to end. Students also practiced writing quarter note and eighth note patterns using Popsicle sticks.
Mrs. Muller's students reviewed songs Li'l Liza Jane and Little Birch Tree in order to practice the rhythm dotted quarter note/eighth note. Students practiced a series of rhythm flashcards and enjoyed playing the rhythms on tambourines. Students also began learning the Canoe Song. This song will be used to introduce a new rhythm (syncopation). Lastly, students learned a series of rhythms and performed them to a recording of the Pink Panther Theme Song.
Week Eight in Review (Oct. 24 - Oct. 28)
Greetings
from the music room! This was an exciting week of singing, moving, and
playing instruments! Here are some of the highlights:
Kindergarten students continued to focus on the difference between loud and quiet sounds this week. Students practiced all previous loud/quiet songs. Students also worked together to make a list of five places where one should be quiet and five places where one may be loud. Lastly, students practice using their singing, speaking, and whisper voices in a fun song called Peanut Butter and Jelly.
First grade students continued to practice the difference between beat and rhythm this week using chants Spider, Spider Legs and All and Queen, Queen Caroline. Students also explored the rhythm of Big Black Cats by arranging themselves on pieces of orange construction paper to show zero, one, and two sounds on a beat. Students further explored the presence of zero sounds (silence) on a beat with by using the interactive white board and the song Do You Know the Muffin Man. While Mrs. Aaronson pointed to a series of eight muffins, students said "yum" for each muffin. As muffins were removed, students were asked to remain silent for each missing muffin.
Second grade students began their folk dancing unit this week! Students worked with partners to learn a folk dance called Heel & Toe Polka. In this folk dance, students practiced sashaying, partner clapping, turning with two hands, and working with many different classmates. Students also continued to practice singing melodic patterns containing the new low note, do. Students were given melody cards for the song Mouse, Mousie and asked to put them into the correct order. This was a challenge for the students and they worked together using the projector to place their cards in the correct order.
Third grade students began to 'level-up' to do re mi sol and la melodic patterns this week by learning the song Great Big House in New Orleans. Students also enjoyed working with a friend to learn a clapping game to the chant Double Trouble. Students were then challenged to speak a short rhyme The Halloween Cat while performing a four-beat body percussion pattern. After students were secure with this rhyme, students were asked to use their own adjective to describe the cat. Beginning with Mrs. Aaronson, we went all the way around the circle until each student had a chance to share their own version of The Halloween Cat.
Fourth grade students concluded all of the written work that they had begun last week. Students then began playing recorders! Students learned about the history of the recorder and how the soprano recorder is part of a much larger family of recorders. Students learned basic recorder playing technique: how to breathe and how to hold the instrument. Students also learned to play two notes: B and A.
Fifth grade students enjoyed a change of pace this week. In honor of the upcoming spooky holiday, students were treated to the spooky sounds of the haunted house courtesy of a Walt Disney record from the 1960s. At the end of the summer when the PTA was cleaning out the back closet of the school, Mrs. Aaronson discovered a record player and a series of old records. In addition to a collection of spooky sounds, this record also contains six stories in sound. As students listened to a sound story about the haunted house, they were asked to either write a brief narrative describing what they heard or draw a series of pictures to depict it. Students came up with some very creative ideas to explain the sounds that they heard! Students also reviewed the song Hill and Gully Rider and were formally introduced to syncopation.
Mrs. Ellis's students continued to focus on the difference between loud and quiet sounds this week. Students practiced all previous loud/quiet songs and read the book Mortimer by Robert Munsch. In this book, Mortimer is a little boy who decides to sing rather than go to sleep at night. Students enjoyed listening as his mother, father, and even the police told him to "be quiet!" Students also had the opportunity to play up and down on the xylophone to match the movement of the characters up and down the stairs. Lastly, students worked together to make a list of five places where one should be quiet and five places where one may be loud.
Mrs. Ross's students reviewed the rhythm to Big Black Cats and practiced reading quarter notes, quarter rests, and eighth notes. Students also began learning a new chant entitled 2,4,6,8. This chant will also be used to practice quarter notes and eighth notes. Students also enjoyed reviewing the rhyme Five Little Pumpkins by reading the book Pete the Cat: Five Little Pumpkins.
Mrs. Muller's students reviewed the songs John Kanaka and Hill and Gully Rider. Students enjoyed having the opportunity to play a repeating pattern from John Kanaka on the xylophone. Students also practiced reading rhythm patterns containing dotted quarter notes/eighth notes. Lastly, students began learning a new song, Little Birch Tree, and listening for this song in Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4.
Kindergarten students continued to focus on the difference between loud and quiet sounds this week. Students practiced all previous loud/quiet songs. Students also worked together to make a list of five places where one should be quiet and five places where one may be loud. Lastly, students practice using their singing, speaking, and whisper voices in a fun song called Peanut Butter and Jelly.
First grade students continued to practice the difference between beat and rhythm this week using chants Spider, Spider Legs and All and Queen, Queen Caroline. Students also explored the rhythm of Big Black Cats by arranging themselves on pieces of orange construction paper to show zero, one, and two sounds on a beat. Students further explored the presence of zero sounds (silence) on a beat with by using the interactive white board and the song Do You Know the Muffin Man. While Mrs. Aaronson pointed to a series of eight muffins, students said "yum" for each muffin. As muffins were removed, students were asked to remain silent for each missing muffin.
Second grade students began their folk dancing unit this week! Students worked with partners to learn a folk dance called Heel & Toe Polka. In this folk dance, students practiced sashaying, partner clapping, turning with two hands, and working with many different classmates. Students also continued to practice singing melodic patterns containing the new low note, do. Students were given melody cards for the song Mouse, Mousie and asked to put them into the correct order. This was a challenge for the students and they worked together using the projector to place their cards in the correct order.
Third grade students began to 'level-up' to do re mi sol and la melodic patterns this week by learning the song Great Big House in New Orleans. Students also enjoyed working with a friend to learn a clapping game to the chant Double Trouble. Students were then challenged to speak a short rhyme The Halloween Cat while performing a four-beat body percussion pattern. After students were secure with this rhyme, students were asked to use their own adjective to describe the cat. Beginning with Mrs. Aaronson, we went all the way around the circle until each student had a chance to share their own version of The Halloween Cat.
Fourth grade students concluded all of the written work that they had begun last week. Students then began playing recorders! Students learned about the history of the recorder and how the soprano recorder is part of a much larger family of recorders. Students learned basic recorder playing technique: how to breathe and how to hold the instrument. Students also learned to play two notes: B and A.
Fifth grade students enjoyed a change of pace this week. In honor of the upcoming spooky holiday, students were treated to the spooky sounds of the haunted house courtesy of a Walt Disney record from the 1960s. At the end of the summer when the PTA was cleaning out the back closet of the school, Mrs. Aaronson discovered a record player and a series of old records. In addition to a collection of spooky sounds, this record also contains six stories in sound. As students listened to a sound story about the haunted house, they were asked to either write a brief narrative describing what they heard or draw a series of pictures to depict it. Students came up with some very creative ideas to explain the sounds that they heard! Students also reviewed the song Hill and Gully Rider and were formally introduced to syncopation.
Mrs. Ellis's students continued to focus on the difference between loud and quiet sounds this week. Students practiced all previous loud/quiet songs and read the book Mortimer by Robert Munsch. In this book, Mortimer is a little boy who decides to sing rather than go to sleep at night. Students enjoyed listening as his mother, father, and even the police told him to "be quiet!" Students also had the opportunity to play up and down on the xylophone to match the movement of the characters up and down the stairs. Lastly, students worked together to make a list of five places where one should be quiet and five places where one may be loud.
Mrs. Ross's students reviewed the rhythm to Big Black Cats and practiced reading quarter notes, quarter rests, and eighth notes. Students also began learning a new chant entitled 2,4,6,8. This chant will also be used to practice quarter notes and eighth notes. Students also enjoyed reviewing the rhyme Five Little Pumpkins by reading the book Pete the Cat: Five Little Pumpkins.
Mrs. Muller's students reviewed the songs John Kanaka and Hill and Gully Rider. Students enjoyed having the opportunity to play a repeating pattern from John Kanaka on the xylophone. Students also practiced reading rhythm patterns containing dotted quarter notes/eighth notes. Lastly, students began learning a new song, Little Birch Tree, and listening for this song in Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4.
Week Seven in Review (Oct. 17 - Oct. 21)
Greetings
from the music room! This was an exciting week of singing, moving, and
playing instruments! Here are some of the highlights:
Kindergarten students reviewed loud/quiet songs Hey, Betty Martin, Lady, Lady, and Lazy Mary. Students learned a new game for Lazy Mary. When Mrs. Aaronson sang with a quiet voice, students pretended to be sound asleep like lazy Mary. When Mrs. Aaronson sang with a loud voice, students jumped up and pretended to get ready for school. Students enjoyed waiting to see when Mrs. Aaronson's voice would switch from quiet to loud! Students also enjoyed reading the book Mortimer by Robert Munsch. In this book, Mortimer is a little boy who decides to sing rather than go to sleep at night. Students enjoyed listening as his mother, father, and even the police told him to "be quiet!" Students also had the opportunity to play up and down on the xylophone to match the movement of the characters up and down the stairs.
First grade students reviewed the song Big Black Cats by singing and moving to the song's rhythm. Students then played the repeating phrase "big black cats" on woodblocks. Students also practiced telling the difference between beat and rhythm using the chant Engine, Engine. First, students practiced patting the beat and clapping the rhythm. Then the class was asked to clap the chant's rhythm while one student played the steady beat on a percussion instrument. Students also learned a fun spooky chant called Criss-Cross Applesauce.
Second grade students reviewed songs Apple Tree and Mouse Mousie and practiced singing melodic notes do mi sol and la. Additionally, since students are making such wonderful progress in rhythm development, it was time for them to take the second grade rhythm pre-assessment. This assessment will be used to show student growth in the area of rhythm this school year.
Third grade students reviewed the song Naka, Naka, Hoi and explored ways to move to this song with a partner. Students were then invited to share their movements with the class. Students focused on singing melodic notes do re mi and sol this week. Students practice singing a series of flashcards, learned a new song entitled Remember Me, and practiced playing a do and sol pattern on the xylophone. Students also played a game called Steal the Bacon. In this game, two students raced to be the first person to identify a melodic pattern. The first student to correctly identify the pattern won a point for his or her team. This game allowed students to practice not only musical skills, but also good sportsmanship.
Fourth grade students continued to focus on the letter names of notes on the treble clef staff this week. Students completed a series of written assignments meant to increase their ability to identify notes' letter names and to allow opportunity for individual assessment and assistance. Students were challenged to work in small groups to write words using the letters of the musical alphabet (ABCDEFG) on the treble clef staff. Students worked together to decode each other's work. Students also completed a story entitled Weekend at Grandma's Farm by decoding words written in music on the treble clef staff. Students also completed a word maker worksheet and a treble clef crossword. Students who completed all three assignments were challenged to create their own musical story in the style of Weekend at Grandma's Farm. Lastly, students learned a song with fun body percussion entitled 'Round and 'Round.
Fifth grade students began learning a new song, Hill and Gully Rider. This Jamaican folk song about zombies will be used to introduce fifth grade students to syncopated rhythm. Students reviewed the song John Kanaka and transferred the repeating pattern in the song onto the xylophones. Students also learned a series of rhythms and performed them to a recording of the Pink Panther Theme Song. One of the rhythm patterns contained the dotted quarter note/eighth note combination that students have been studying. Students also practiced reading a series of rhythm flashcards and began playing an improvisation game.
Mrs. Ellis's students focused on the difference between loud and quiet sounds this week. Students reviewed the songs and activities for Hey, Betty Martin and Lady, Lady. Students also learned a new loud/quiet song entitled Lazy Mary. This song is about a little girl who does not like to wake up in the morning. When Mrs. Aaronson sang with a quiet voice, students pretended to be sound asleep like lazy Mary. When Mrs. Aaronson sang with a loud voice, students jumped up and pretended to get ready for school. Students enjoyed waiting to see when Mrs. Aaronson's voice would switch from quiet to loud! Lastly, students practiced using their nighttime (quiet) and daytime (loud) voices while singing the song Cobbler, Cobbler. Students also practiced keeping a beat while singing this song and pretending to hammer shoes. Students transferred this hammering motion to an instrument; students took turns playing the steady beat on a woodblock while singing the song.
Mrs. Ross's students reviewed the body percussion pattern to the song 'Round and 'Round. Students were then given another opportunity to play this pattern on a drum called the cajon.Students reviewed quarter notes and quarter rests this week through the song Big Black Cats. Students interacted with this song in many ways: they sang the song, clapped the rhythm, played the rhythm on instruments, moved to the rhythm, and practiced writing the rhythm. Students were asked to arrange themselves on sheets of orange paper in order to show the number of sounds on each beat. After students discovered that some beats contained two sounds, students were formally introduced to eighth notes.
Mrs. Muller's students learned two new songs this week: John Kanaka and Hill and Gully Rider. Students learned a movement pattern to John Kanaka which allowed them to work with a partner. During the song Hill and Gully Rider, students were asked to sing a repeating response. After students were successful, they were asked to clap the rhythm of the response and transfer that rhythm to the tambourine. Lastly, students began to learn about the rhythm dotted quarter note/eight note. Students were asked to locate this rhythm in the songs John Kanaka and Li'l Liza Jane.
Kindergarten students reviewed loud/quiet songs Hey, Betty Martin, Lady, Lady, and Lazy Mary. Students learned a new game for Lazy Mary. When Mrs. Aaronson sang with a quiet voice, students pretended to be sound asleep like lazy Mary. When Mrs. Aaronson sang with a loud voice, students jumped up and pretended to get ready for school. Students enjoyed waiting to see when Mrs. Aaronson's voice would switch from quiet to loud! Students also enjoyed reading the book Mortimer by Robert Munsch. In this book, Mortimer is a little boy who decides to sing rather than go to sleep at night. Students enjoyed listening as his mother, father, and even the police told him to "be quiet!" Students also had the opportunity to play up and down on the xylophone to match the movement of the characters up and down the stairs.
First grade students reviewed the song Big Black Cats by singing and moving to the song's rhythm. Students then played the repeating phrase "big black cats" on woodblocks. Students also practiced telling the difference between beat and rhythm using the chant Engine, Engine. First, students practiced patting the beat and clapping the rhythm. Then the class was asked to clap the chant's rhythm while one student played the steady beat on a percussion instrument. Students also learned a fun spooky chant called Criss-Cross Applesauce.
Second grade students reviewed songs Apple Tree and Mouse Mousie and practiced singing melodic notes do mi sol and la. Additionally, since students are making such wonderful progress in rhythm development, it was time for them to take the second grade rhythm pre-assessment. This assessment will be used to show student growth in the area of rhythm this school year.
Third grade students reviewed the song Naka, Naka, Hoi and explored ways to move to this song with a partner. Students were then invited to share their movements with the class. Students focused on singing melodic notes do re mi and sol this week. Students practice singing a series of flashcards, learned a new song entitled Remember Me, and practiced playing a do and sol pattern on the xylophone. Students also played a game called Steal the Bacon. In this game, two students raced to be the first person to identify a melodic pattern. The first student to correctly identify the pattern won a point for his or her team. This game allowed students to practice not only musical skills, but also good sportsmanship.
Fourth grade students continued to focus on the letter names of notes on the treble clef staff this week. Students completed a series of written assignments meant to increase their ability to identify notes' letter names and to allow opportunity for individual assessment and assistance. Students were challenged to work in small groups to write words using the letters of the musical alphabet (ABCDEFG) on the treble clef staff. Students worked together to decode each other's work. Students also completed a story entitled Weekend at Grandma's Farm by decoding words written in music on the treble clef staff. Students also completed a word maker worksheet and a treble clef crossword. Students who completed all three assignments were challenged to create their own musical story in the style of Weekend at Grandma's Farm. Lastly, students learned a song with fun body percussion entitled 'Round and 'Round.
Fifth grade students began learning a new song, Hill and Gully Rider. This Jamaican folk song about zombies will be used to introduce fifth grade students to syncopated rhythm. Students reviewed the song John Kanaka and transferred the repeating pattern in the song onto the xylophones. Students also learned a series of rhythms and performed them to a recording of the Pink Panther Theme Song. One of the rhythm patterns contained the dotted quarter note/eighth note combination that students have been studying. Students also practiced reading a series of rhythm flashcards and began playing an improvisation game.
Mrs. Ellis's students focused on the difference between loud and quiet sounds this week. Students reviewed the songs and activities for Hey, Betty Martin and Lady, Lady. Students also learned a new loud/quiet song entitled Lazy Mary. This song is about a little girl who does not like to wake up in the morning. When Mrs. Aaronson sang with a quiet voice, students pretended to be sound asleep like lazy Mary. When Mrs. Aaronson sang with a loud voice, students jumped up and pretended to get ready for school. Students enjoyed waiting to see when Mrs. Aaronson's voice would switch from quiet to loud! Lastly, students practiced using their nighttime (quiet) and daytime (loud) voices while singing the song Cobbler, Cobbler. Students also practiced keeping a beat while singing this song and pretending to hammer shoes. Students transferred this hammering motion to an instrument; students took turns playing the steady beat on a woodblock while singing the song.
Mrs. Ross's students reviewed the body percussion pattern to the song 'Round and 'Round. Students were then given another opportunity to play this pattern on a drum called the cajon.Students reviewed quarter notes and quarter rests this week through the song Big Black Cats. Students interacted with this song in many ways: they sang the song, clapped the rhythm, played the rhythm on instruments, moved to the rhythm, and practiced writing the rhythm. Students were asked to arrange themselves on sheets of orange paper in order to show the number of sounds on each beat. After students discovered that some beats contained two sounds, students were formally introduced to eighth notes.
Mrs. Muller's students learned two new songs this week: John Kanaka and Hill and Gully Rider. Students learned a movement pattern to John Kanaka which allowed them to work with a partner. During the song Hill and Gully Rider, students were asked to sing a repeating response. After students were successful, they were asked to clap the rhythm of the response and transfer that rhythm to the tambourine. Lastly, students began to learn about the rhythm dotted quarter note/eight note. Students were asked to locate this rhythm in the songs John Kanaka and Li'l Liza Jane.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)