Week Twenty Two in Review (Feb. 6 - Feb. 10)

Greetings from the music room! This was an exciting week of singing, moving, and playing instruments! Here are some of the highlights:

Kindergarten students rustled up some cows this week while singing the song Hunt the Cows. This song contains two different sections: fast and slow. Students explored the upper ranges of their voices by letting out the cowboy cry ‘yeehaw’ during a story called Cowboy Joe. Students also learned a new steady beat song entitled One Finger, One Thumb. This song requires students to add more movements with each repetition: finger, thumb, arm, leg, head, sit down, stand up. Students also continued to practice moving fast and slow to the song Rig-a-jig-jig.

First grade students reviewed the high and low sounds in the song See Saw. Students practiced singing ‘high’ for the high notes and ‘low’ for the low notes. Mrs. Aaronson drew a line in between the high and low notes to further clarify the separation between the notes. (This also prepares students to read music from the five line staff). Students also practiced keeping a ‘slow’ beat to Paddy Works on the Railway and transferred this beat to their feet. Students were encouraged to move slowly and heavily as if they were carrying heavy railroad equipment. At the end of each repetition of the song, students echoed rhythmic and melodic patters sung by Mrs. Aaronson. Students also enjoyed watching a video in which men worked on the railway while songs were being sung. 

Second grade students reviewed the rhythm and melody to the song Knock the Cymbals. Students also learned the dance to this song. After performing the dance, students were once again asked to solo sing a melodic pattern. After each student completed his/her turn they were allowed to play a cymbal three times. Students enjoyed having the opportunity to actually ‘knock the cymbals!’ Students also began learning a new song which contains half notes called Are You Sleeping. 

Third grade students discovered that the new low note is a skip lower than do. Students practiced identifying this note on the staff and learned to recognize this note on melody street. Students were then led to discover that the note’s name is low la. Students then practiced playing the pattern do-la,-do on the xylophone. Lastly, students learned a new song entitled Let’s Play in the Snow. Students named various articles of clothing that would need to be worn outside in the snow. These items were added to the song as students swayed their arms back and forth to the dotted half note pulse. This motion prepares students to learn about 3 beat meter. Students were then given the opportunity to create a swaying motion with a partner. Students were very creative with the ways in which they chose to sway!

Fourth grade students prepared to test for their blue belt this week. Students reviewed the form of Juba and practiced reading notes with partners. On Tuesday, students were given the opportunity to test for their blue belts. On Thursday, students began preparing for their red belt test on Lightly Row. Students reviewed the difference between high D and low D and began to analyze the form of the song and practice the notes for the A section. Students also learned the fingering for brown belt song Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, F#.

Fifth grade students focused on breathing this week and also learned two new techniques: fountain of air and conserve your air. Students watched a video that demonstrated how a ping pong ball can float on the steady stream of air coming out of a shop-vac. The class discussed how using a steady stream of air provides support for the notes that you sing especially high notes. Students learned an exercise with an octave leap to practice using a steady stream of air. Students learned one more technique, conserve your air. Mrs. Aaronson blew up a balloon and then let it fly through the classroom. The balloon did not conserve its air and it quickly deflated. Then the balloon was blown up again and the ends of the balloon were pinched together. Air leaked out slowly and the balloon ‘sang beautifully’! Much to the children’s disappointment (the sound was obnoxious at best), the balloon stayed inflated for a significantly longer time. The class discussed how conserving your air allows you to maintain a strong sound on long notes.

Mrs. Ellis’s students focused primarily on the difference between fast and slow this week. Students learned two new songs, Take My Little Car for a Ride and Hunt the Cows. In Take My Little Car for a Ride, the singer drives his/her car too fast and gets pulled over by the police! The singer then promises to drive slower. Students enjoy pretending to drive their car in a way that matches the recording. In Hunt the Cows students pretend to be a lazy cowboy who overslept and is late to find the cows. At first he/she hurries to do the work, but after being unable to find the cows decides to take a nap. Oops! Students also learned a song, Big Black Cats, which will be used to help introduce quarter rests.

Mrs. Ross’s students continued to focus on half note and melodic note la this week. Students learned a new song called Are You Sleeping. Students practiced reading the rhythm to this song. Students also learned a new song entitled Let’s Play in the Snow. Each student named an article of clothing that would need to be worn outside in the snow. These items were added to the song. Students also continued individual assessments to the song Ida Red, Ida Blue as students chose red or blue envelopes to determine whether they would perform a melodic or rhythmic patter.

Mrs. Muller’s students began focusing on form this week. Students reviewed the listening map to March Past of the Kitchen Utensils and reviewed how the song has sections that repeat. The repeating sections are marked with the same letters and pictures. Students were then introduced to a piece called Trumpet Tune Round-O. Students were given this listening map in small cut up pieces. The students were asked to listen to the recording and attempt to place the strips in the correct order. With minimal guidance, the students were extremely successful. Students learned that songs with the same pattern as this song, ABACA, are known as rondos. Additionally, students learned a new song for singing entitled Paddy Works on the Railway.

Week Twenty One in Review (Jan. 30 – Feb. 3)

Greetings from the music room! This was an exciting week of singing, moving, and playing instruments! Here are some of the highlights:

Kindergarten students learned two new chants this week: Ten Little Soldiers and Slippery Slithering Snake. After students learned all of the words and the fingerplay to Ten Little Soldiers, they were challenged to perform the chant three times. First students spoke the chant and moved their fingers, next students thought the words to the chant in their head while moving their fingers, and lastly students spoke the chant and moved their fingers once again. This helps the students to practice inner hearing with a steady beat and prepares them to learn about form (same/different/same). The chant Slippery Slithering Snake contains hissing (breath support) and emotive speaking. In addition to these chants, students continued to practice fast and slow movements to previously learned songs.

First grade students reviewed the rhythm of See Saw and also practiced moving quarter notes and eighth notes up and down to show whether the notes are high or low. Once students had all of the notes moved into the correct position, they were asked to sing ‘high’ for each high note and ‘low’ for each low note. Students learned another two-note song called I Pop Up. Mrs. Aaronson would sing statements such as “if you like pizza, pop up” and students who like pizza would respond “I pop up!” Students especially enjoyed silly statements such as “if you have eyeballs, pop up” or “if you’re wearing shoes, pop up.” Lastly students began learning a railroad song entitled Paddy Works on the Railway. Students were challenged to perform a ‘slow’ beat to this song even if Mrs. Aaronson played a fast pattern on the guitar! Students loved the challenge and were incredibly successful!

Second grade students began preparing to learn a new melodic note, re, this week. Students practiced the song Closet Key and learned a new song, Frog in the Meadow, which will be used to learn this new note. Students also began working on solo singing by echoing a short melodic pattern at the end of the song This Little Light of Mine. This pattern also contained the new note. Lastly, students began teaching themselves a new song! First students read the rhythm to Knock the Cymbals. Then students decoded the solfege for this song. Once students had unlocked the sound of this song, they were taught the words. Next week, students will learn the dance to this song.

Third grade students searched for the note high do in a new song entitled M is for Mary. After students discovered the location of this note and a few short melodic patterns, students were able to sing part of the song using solfege. Students also enjoyed inserting their classmates’ names into the song and attempting to use their bodies to create the first letter of each name! Students were led to discover that the new note in the song Big Fat Biscuit is lower than do! Students practiced singing this song using the pattern “do-low-do.”  Students also practiced reading all known rhythms along with the song Twelfth Street Rag. Students learned a series of four rhythmic patterns and practiced repeating each pattern. Students discussed the form of the piece which included terms such as introduction, interlude, and coda.

Fourth grade students began focusing on the note C this week. Students learned a two note pattern to play along with the backing track of Duke Ellington’s C Jam Blues. After students were familiar with the pattern, the class was led in a discussion of improvisation. Students were given the opportunity to improvise on notes C and G as a class and also as individuals. Students practiced reading notes from the treble clef staff by playing a game with a staff drawn on the floor from yarn. Mrs. Aaronson or a student would stand on a line or in a space and students had to identify the note. First, students spoke the name of the note, then students played the note on the recorder. Students also began learning their blue belt song, Juba, and began learning new note high D.

Fifth grade enjoyed finishing the video Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory this week. By watching the video, students will develop a deeper understanding of the overall story that we will be telling through our musical. Following the video, students began working on a vocal techniques unit. This unit will discuss techniques such as proper breathing, proper posture, breath support, conserving air, and vowel formation. In addition to preparing students for participation in the fifth grade musical, this will also help prepare students to be successful in middle school choir. This week, students began focusing on posture. Students performed a series of stretches and were shown a series of techniques for standing with one’s best posture.

Mrs. Ellis’s students reviewed the chant Ten Little Soldiers. After students mastered all of the words and the fingerplay, they were challenged to perform the chant three times. First students spoke the chant and moved their fingers, next students through the words to the chant in their head while moving their fingers, and lastly students spoke the chant and moved their fingers once again. This helps the students to practice inner hearing with a steady beat and prepares them to learn about form (same/different/same). Students learned a new chant entitled Spider, Spider Legs and All. This chant contains the same rhythm as Engine, Engine and will be used to reinforce the difference between beat and rhythm. Students also enjoyed exploring form by moving to Edvard Grieg’s composition In the Hall of the Mountain King.

Mrs. Ross’s students continued to focus on melodic note la and the rhythm half note this week. Students learned a new song containing half notes entitled Who’s That Tapping at the Window. Students practiced reading the rhythm to this song and also played half notes on xylophones to accompany the song. Students did an incredible job following directions and playing half notes on the xylophones! Students also learned a new note containing melodic note la entitled Ida Red, Ida Blue. While singing this song, students were invited one at a time to choose either a red envelope or a blue envelope. If students chose the red envelope then they were given a melodic pattern to sing. If students chose the blue envelope then they were given a rhythmic pattern to clap. Students did a remarkable job performing the patterns that they were assigned. Additionally, students practiced playing do re mi sol and la patterns on the xylophone.

Mrs. Muller’s students continued to focus on dynamics this week. Students reviewed the listening map for Night Watch and began studying two new maps March Past of the Kitchen Utensils and Fanfare for the Common Man. As the dynamics were not marked on the map for March Past of the Kitchen Utensils, students were asked to add their own dynamics. Students were incredibly accurate in their selection of dynamics. Students  also examined the form of this piece and were led to recognize that sections with the same letter and picture were identical in sound.

Week Twenty in Review (Jan. 23 - Jan. 27)

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 practice fast and slow movements to the songs Grandma Moses, Frog in the Meadow, and The Noble Duke of York. Students also learned a new song for fast/slow called Rig-a-jig-jig. Students walked slowly around the classroom during the first section of the song. Students moved quickly by skipping with a friend during the second section of the song. Students enjoyed walking alone and then trying to find their friend in time for the skipping section!  Students also practiced moving to the steady beat during the song The Monkey Stomps His Feet. Students tried walking, tiptoeing, marching, and even moving sideways to the steady beat.

First grade students practiced reading quarter notes, eighth notes, and quarter rests this week. Students learned four four-beat patterns and practiced repeating each pattern. Once the students were secure in reading these rhythms, students were challenged to switch from pattern to pattern. Once students were successful, they were challenged to repeat this activity while listening to a recording of instrumental music. This proved to be quite challenging for the students, but they enjoyed trying to rise to the challenge! Students also practiced reading the rhythm of the song See Saw and learned that this song only contains two melodic notes: a high note and a low note. This song will be used to teach students about melodic notes sol and mi.

Second grade students reviewed the song Let Us Chase the Squirrel and reviewed how to create two-beat notes by tying two quarter notes together. Students were then shown that there is an easier way to draw a two beat note. Students were introduced to half notes and practiced reading half notes by performing the rhythm of Who’s That. Students also practiced playing half notes on the xylophone while singing the song Who’s That. Students were incredibly successful! Students also continued to work on playing melodic notes do mi sol and la on the xylophone. Students were given additional time to practice playing the song Apple Tree on the xylophone.

Third grade students began preparing to learn a new melodic note, low la this week. Students learned two new songs: I’m Gonna Sing and Big Fat Biscuit. Both of these songs contained the new low note. Students also enjoyed learning the game to Big Fat Biscuit. In this song, students work in groups of three to compete in a long jumping contest. Students also practiced performing quarter note, half note, and whole note pulses. Students were divided into groups and asked to create a movement for each pulse. After students had created a movement for each note value, Mrs. Aaronson played the pulses on woodblocks. Students had to listen to the pulse that was played, decide which note it was, and then perform the correct motion. Students did a terrific job with this assignment!

Fourth grade students tested for their purple belt this week. Students reviewed the form of Old MacDonald and practiced combining all four sections of the song. While students were testing they were able to play Telephone Rhythms, One-on-One, and Busted. Each of these games practices either reading rhythms or letter names on the treble clef staff. Students also learned new note C.

Fifth grade students auditioned for roles in the fifth grade musical and enjoyed watching the video Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory this week. By watching the video, students will develop a deeper understanding of the overall story that we will be telling through our musical.

Mrs. Ellis’s students practiced performing the steady beat using egg shakers while performing the song Rain, Rain. Students also continued to practice performing and telling the difference between beat and rhythm. Students practiced moving their bodies quickly and slowly to the chant Grandma Moses and the song The Noble Duke of York. Students also practiced speaking the chant Queen, Queen Caroline which will be used to practice reading quarter notes and eighth notes. Students also learned a chant called Ten Little Soldiers which will used to help the students to practice inner hearing with a steady beat and prepare them to learn about form (same/different/same).

Mrs. Ross’s students were introduced to a new melodic note this week, la. Students learned the placement of this note on melody street and practiced singing patterns with this new note. Students began learning a new song with melodic note la called Firefly. Students listened to the song while watching a short video about the synchronized fireflies that live in Elkmont, Tennessee. Students also reviewed quarter notes, eighth notes, and half notes by reviewing the rhythm to the song Down Came a Lady.

Mrs. Muller’s class expanded their knowledge of dynamics by adding pianissimo (very quiet), fortissimo (very loud), mezzo piano (medium quiet), and mezzo forte (medium loud). Students practiced matching the Italian dynamic terms to their English equivalents. Students reviewed the listening map for Slavonic Dance and examined a new map for Night Watch. Students also added their own dynamics to the song Ho Young Rider.  After adding dynamics to this song, students attempted to sing it using their chosen dynamics.

Week Nineteen in Review (Jan. 16 - Jan. 20)

Greetings from the music room! This was an exciting week of singing, moving, and playing instruments! Here are some of the highlights:

Kindergarten students did not have class with Mrs. Aaronson this week due to the ice day. 

First grade students reviewed the rhythm of the song Pease Porridge by writing the rhythm on individual heart charts. First, students placed quarter notes in every heart to show the steady beat. Next, students were asked to find the silent beats and replace the quarter notes in those hearts with quarter rests. Lastly, students were asked to find the hearts that contain two sounds on the beat and turn those quarter notes into eighth notes. Some students even remembered to add a repeat sign at the end of the song! 

Second grade students did not have class with Mrs. Aaronson this we as she was attending the Michigan Music Conference. Students learned a new song and game called Closet Key with a substitute teacher. This song will be used to help students learn about new melodic note ‘re’.

Third grade students did not have class with Mrs. Aaronson this week due to the ice day and her attendance at the Michigan Music Conference. While Mrs. Aaronson attended the conference, students enjoyed viewing a few scenes from the video BLAST. This video combines brass, percussion, and colorguard in a colorful musical show. 

Fourth grade students practiced their purple belt song, Old MacDonald, this week. Students analyzed the form of the song and practiced playing low Es and low Ds. Students also enjoyed reviewing the letter names of the treble clef staff by playing a PowerPoint game called Treble Treasure. 

Fifth grade students auditioned for roles in the fifth grade musical and enjoyed beginning the video Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory this week. By watching the video, students will develop a deeper understanding of the overall story that we will be telling through our musical.

Mrs. Ellis’s students practiced reading quarter notes while performing the song Rain, Rain. Students also practiced performing and telling the difference between beat and rhythm. Students practiced moving their bodies quickly and slowly to the chant Grandma Moses and the song The Noble Duke of York. Students also practiced speaking the chant Queen, Queen Caroline which will be used to practice reading quarter notes and eighth notes.

Mrs. Ross’s students continued to focus on melodic notes do re mi sol and the rhythm half note this week. Students learned a new song containing these elements called Down Came a Lady. Students practiced reading the melody and rhythm to this song and enjoyed playing a game to this song in which they stand up if they are wearing the color named in the song. Students also practiced reading do re mi and sol from melody flashcards. Lastly, students learned a body percussion pattern to a chant called Play in the Snow and learned a fun charades style game for this chant.

Mrs. Muller’s students began working on dynamics this week. Students learned about the dynamics piano (quiet), forte (loud), crescendo (getting louder), and decrescendo (getting quieter). Students then practiced following along with a listening map for the composition Slavonic Dance which contained all four of these dynamics. Students followed along with the map by listening for changes in dynamic (volume) and moved their finger to the next section based on what they heard. Students also reviewed instrument families and the listening map for the song Jamaican Rumba