Week of August 27

We had a fantastic first full week of school!  This is the section of the blog where I will post weekly updates about some of what each grade level has learned in music during the week.  Feel free to read the entire post or only look for the color of your child's grade level (keep reading to determine colors).  I will also post any important reminders about due dates or things of that nature in this area.  There are other sections of the blog that are geared towards students, but feel free to explore them, too!

Kindergarteners have had at least one music class so far.  (Ms. Tepper's afternoon class has had two classes.)    Students sang a song called "Name, Name, What's Your Name" and learned the expectations for the music room.  The Kindergarteners are doing a fantastic job so far!

First graders have had three music classes so far.  They began by learning "Hi, New Friends," a song with which they then did movement and played several unpitched percussion instruments.  They began to learn the Wayne Thomas School Song, as well.

Some second grade classes have had three music classes so far, and some have had four.  They started out by singing and moving to a song called "Do You Know My Friends At School?"  They also reviewed the Wayne Thomas School Song and did a short rhythmic dictation activity.  They played a singing game with a song called "Closet Key," as well, in order to reinforce the concepts of forte (loud), piano (soft), crescendo (gradually getting louder), and decrescendo (gradually getting softer).

Third graders have had three music classes so far.  They began the year with an icebreaker activity and a review of the Wayne Thomas School Song.  They then started learning a song called "Laugh, Ha, Ha," which they have begun to sing in a canon, or round.  The goal is to be able to perform this song in four parts.  Most students are able to sing this in two parts currently.

Fourth graders have had two music classes so far.  They sang a song called "Music Keeps Us Singing," which is a three-part partner song.  They really enjoyed this song.  They also reviewed the Wayne Thomas School Song and did a teambuilding activity.

Fifth graders have also had two music classes so far.  They sang "Music Keeps Us Singing" and did a fantastic job with it.  They also did a teambuilding activity and reviewed the Wayne Thomas School Song.

 

Music Fact of the Week

At the bottom of the main blog entry each week, I will include an interesting musical fact or a way to bring music into your own homes.  Take a look at the "Musical Almanac & Calendar" section of the blog for other interesting facts each month and more ways you can relate to your own children through music.

This week, take a look at the following science website for one way you can explore science and music at the same time in your own home:  http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/experiments/makemusic.html.  This is an experiment that students always love!

Then watch this video of someone who took it to a whole other level!  http://bit.ly/RBEkGU