Week of January 17

Your youngest Wayne Thomas student should be bringing home a reminder sheet with the Spring Sing dates on it.  You may have received it on Friday; if not, look for it early next week.  This information was on Mrs. Deely's blog early in the school year.  It was also posted here and will always appear under the "Important Dates" section of this blog.  I have posted the sheet there, as well.

This week, Kindergarteners in Ms. Tepper's classes read Engine, Engine, Number Nine, and learned the song of the same name.  They experienced the difference between rhythm and steady beat by playing the rhythm of "Engine" with egg shakers and playing the steady beat on the gathering drum.  Students in Ms. Waller’s class did not have music this week because there was no school on Monday.

First and Second graders learned their fifth song for their Spring Sing this week.  This is a fifties rock and roll song, so they talked about popular music of that time.  They learned that the hand jive was a popular dance during that time, so it is also one of the prominent movements in their dance to their new song.

Third graders learned to sing a song called "Dance for the Nations" in a three-part round.  They then learned movement for this piece and performed it in three concentric circles.  They discovered that it was difficult to focus on singing, dancing, and remaining in their own circles all at the same time!

Fourth graders worked on improving their high C and high D in the blue belt song this week.  Most students are working on the songs for their purple or blue belts.  Some students have begun to work on the songs they will play in order to earn their red belts.  Next week will be the final week for the recorder unit during class time.  Students who wish to continue testing may set up times to test with me outside of class time.

Fifth graders worked through the blue belt together this week.  Most students are working on the songs they will play in order to earn their green belts.  Some students are even working on their red belts.  Next week will be the final week for the recorder unit during class time.  Students who wish to continue testing may set up times to test with me outside of class time.

 

Music Fact of the Week

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born on January 27, 1756.  He was a child prodigy and composed his first piano sonata when he was only four years old.  Did you know Mozart wrote a famous piece of music using the melody of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star?"  Can you name other popular children's songs that use this melody?  Learn more about Mozart by visiting:  http://www.dsokids.com/listen/ComposerDetail.aspx?composerID=15