What did you do in music this week?

Parents, be sure to ask you children about their music classes. I am already amazed at how quickly the students are learning new music concepts and skills! I love to see their smiles when making music, and hear their exclamations of excitement when they complete a challenging task. Have them share their experiences with you.

Awesome First Day!

Yesterday was a wonderful start to the year in music! I am implementing a new curriculum called Game Plan by Jeff Kriske and Randy DeLelles, who are tremendous music educators. A description of the curriculum can be viewed on their publishing web-site: www.kid-sounds.com.
The curriculum is based on the Orff method/philosophy of teaching; this summer I became certified in Orff Level I. Each lesson contains: speaking, singing, movement, and the playing of instruments. Students should expect to be very active in making music! All of the instruments are around the perimeter of the classroom. The center of the classroom contains no chairs to allow students to move freely through the space for the movement activities.
I am truly excited about the possibilities for the year! Encourage your children to tell you about their musical experiences each week!

National Music Standards

All subject areas including special areas have a set of standards to focus the teaching of certain skills. Standards help define a goal for student learning. The national music standards are as follows:

1. Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
2. Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
3. Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments.
4. Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines.
5. Reading and notating music.
6. Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
7. Evaluating music and music performances.
8. Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.
9. Understanding music in relation to history and culture.

Organizing the Classroom Instruments

Today's workday at school was spent organizing and arranging all of the instruments, so they are easily accessible for students. I also placed an order for additional instruments, which hopefully will arrive next week. Here's a peek at some of the instruments at IHES:




Tambourines, Cabasa, Bongo Drums




Metallophones Xylophones Glockenspiels



Sleigh bells, Vibraslap, Finger Cymbals, and Chimes

Welcome to IHES Music!

Welcome to the IHES Music blog! I am looking forward to a fabulous 2009-2010 school year! I am Mrs. Odom, the music teacher, at IHES. I attended Furman University for my undergraduate degree in Music Education, and I completed my master's degree in Choral Conducting in May 2008. My main instrument is the voice; singing is one of my absolute favorite activities!
I am a native of Rock Hill. My husband is also a teacher in RHSD3 at DCMS. We have 8 month old twin sons named Bailey and Carter, who keep us very busy!
I will use this blog to update the IHES parents and families about the musical happenings at IHES. I'll see all of the Pirate Students next week!