Week of May 21

Congratulations to the 3rd and 4th graders for a fantastic Spring Sing this past Tuesday evening.  They should be very proud of their performance!  See the "Spring Sing Music" section of the blog for some pictures from their concert.

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Sharing Day is a day in music that 1st-5th grade students really enjoy.  Any student who chooses may perform for his classmates.  It is like musical show and tell.  If a student takes piano lessons, dance classes, etc. and would like to perform for his classmates, this is the time!  Students may also make up songs or dances if they choose, but it should be something that they have practiced prior to coming to class.  It is not meant to be a major event; it is just a chance for the children to perform for their classmates if they choose.  If your child is bringing in an instrument that does not fit in his locker, he is welcome to keep it in the music room on his Sharing Day.  Just let me know ahead of time, so I will be expecting it.  The Sharing Day schedule is as follows:

Wednesday, May 30 - 1P, 1L

Thursday, May 31 - 2E, 3Ke, 4Sil, 4M, 5S

Friday, June 1 - 1M, 2P, 2M, 3H, 3Ki, 4St, 4B, 5J, 5L

 

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Kindergarteners in Ms. Waller’s class finished watching the Sesame Street "Stomp" movie that they began a couple of weeks ago.  They really enjoyed learning about how common items can be used as musical instruments.  Ms. Tepper’s classes did not have music this week due to field day on Thursday.

First graders continued their study of call and response form by singing a song called "John the Rabbit" and analyzing a South African song called "Tshotsholoza."  They also enjoyed playing simplified jazz music using hand drums, triangles, tambourines, and wood blocks.  Please note that 1P and 1L will have their Sharing Day on Wednesday, 5/30, and 1M will have their Sharing Day on Friday, 6/1.  Any student who would like to perform something is welcome to.

Second graders finished listening to their recordings, self-assessing, and conferencing with me about the recordings this week.  They also finished watching "Handel's Last Chance," which was about the process of Handel writing his "Messiah" oratorio.  Please note that 2E will have their Sharing Day on Thursday, 5/31, and 2P and 2M will have their Sharing Day on Friday, 6/1.  Any student who would like to perform something is welcome to.

Third and fourth graders had their Spring Sing assembly and evening concert this week.  They did a fantastic job with very difficult music.  The students should be extremely proud of their hard work!  Please note that 3Ke, 4Sil, and 4M will have their Sharing Day on Thursday, 5/31, and 3H, 3Ki, 4St, and 4B will have their Sharing Day on Friday, 6/1.  Any student who would like to perform something is welcome to.

Fifth graders continued their African drumming unit this week.  They really enjoy drumming and are doing an excellent job.  Please note that 5S will have their Sharing Day on Thursday, 5/31, and 5J and 5L will have their Sharing Day on Friday, 6/1.  Any student who would like to perform something is welcome to.

Music Fact of the Week

 

The Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus performs free concerts in Millennium Park throughout the summer.  If you are going to be downtown this summer, this would be a great opportunity to take your children to hear fantastic music!  Take a picnic, and enjoy the music as you sit on the lawn under the city skyline.  Maybe I will see you there!  Take a look at the concert schedule here:  http://grantparkmusicfestival.com/the-music/2012-season