November is Here!!

I can't believe the first nine weeks (almost 10) of school has come and gone! I am so pleased with the progress of the students during their music classes!
Here's what we have been learning:

Kindergarten: We have added the quarter rest to our rhythms and are practicing creating our own 4 beat rhythm patterns. We are continuing to work on matching pitch as we work on sol-mi melodies some of which have fun music games to accompany them.

1st Grade: We are creating rhythms with quarter notes and quarter rests. Many of the songs we are learning are accompanied by our barred Orff instruments (xylophones, metallophones, and glockenspiels). We are also discussing and experiencing the difference between beat and rhythm.

2nd Grade: Second graders are learning songs with sol-mi-la. They are learning to read the pitches on the musical staff and identify them when they are learning a new song. We are working on not only feeling the beat of the music but also the half note pulse which occurs every 2 beats. Students played a game this week to help experience the half note pulse: "Bounce high, bounce low" requires the students to sing and bounce a ball to a classmate every two beats. We've all had fun with that game!

3rd Grade: Third graders are reading more complex rhythms including quarter notes and rests, half notes and rests, whole notes and rests, and eighth notes. They are learning to experience the quarter note pulse as well as the half and whole note pulses of a song. This concept was demonstrated in the Native American song, "The Bear Hunting Song". Students learned a barred instrument part for the song "Hill and Gully Rider" in which they kept a steady quarter note pulse every other measure.

4th Grade: I'm sure you know that your children have started recorders! They have learned the notes B, A, G. We are working on playing with appropriate breath and technique (left hand on top, covering the holes of the instrument completely, playing with "warm" air). So far, the students have learned "Hot Cross Buns" and can play it with an accompaniment recording. Encourage your children to practice!

5th Grade: Fifth graders are also engrossed in recorders! They have reviewed the notes and concepts presented during their fourth grade year. They have learned a piece of music, "Boomfallera", which is in 3/4 time and requires them to concentrate on technique as the notes are in a different order than presented in 4th grade. Encourage your children to practice!

Reminder: Our December Music Program will be held on December 15 at 6:30PM in the Dutchman Creek Middle School Auditorium. All students will have a performance that evening!