Week of September 18

Don't forget that recorder order forms and money for fourth and fifth grade students are due tomorrow, Monday, September 24!  You can access the form here:  Recorder Order Form

Kindergarteners listened to a book called So-me and the Spider, which made them think about different places that they hear sounds.  They also did a simple folk dance called "Seven Jumps."  They really enjoyed this activity!

First graders sang a song called "Bounce High" to learn about strong and weak beats and accent marks.  They loved used their imaginations this week as they bounced imaginary balls to the music at different speeds.  They also played a game when they kept a real ball going on the steady beat throughout the song.  Students began to learn several bee songs and taught Mrs. Crutchfield facts about bees to make connections to their bee unit in their first grade classes.

Second graders learned about Orff instruments, including xylophones, metallophones, and glockenspiels.  They learned about the three pitches of xylophones and metallophones and the two pitches of glockenspiels.  They also began to learn about the pentatonic scale, which includes five pitches:  do, re, mi, sol, and la.

Third graders reviewed the names of all of the Orff instruments in preparation for playing "Down at the Station" on these instruments.  They also played three different Boomwhacker parts as they sang "Down at the Station."

Fourth graders began a song called "Tom, Tom."  There is one main part in this song and two supporting ostinati.  Students are working on being able to hold their own parts while still being able to hear the other groups.  Don't forget that all fourth graders need to turn in a recorder form by tomorrow, Monday, September 24!

Fifth graders began a song called "Getting Around," which they will be playing on Boomwhackers.  They observed many patterns in this piece, which will help them transfer the piece to instruments.  They determined that the form is ABAC.  Don't forget that any fifth grade student who needs to order a new recorder or two must turn in their recorder form and money by tomorrow, Monday, September 24!

Music Fact of the Week

Vocalists Beyonce Knowles and Jennifer Hudson, from "Dreamgirls," both celebrate September birthdays.  If you are interested in seeing a live performance of this show, it is playing at the  Lincolnshire Marriott Theatre until October 28.  Their next Children's Theatre production will be "Cinderella," which will run from November 17 through December 31.  See their website for more information:  http://www.marriotttheatre.com/index.aspx