Week of October 15

It has been an exciting week in the music room!  Keep reading to find out about some of the highlights.

Kindergarteners did not have music this week due to the early release on Thursday (AM Tepper) and the field trip to Didier Farm on Friday (AM Waller and PM Tepper).

First graders focused on folk dancing this week.  They learned some of the basic history of folk dancing, and they did several different folk dance formations and learned some important terms including longways sets, head couple, and sashay.  They then performed the dance "Chimes of Dunkirk," which they loved!

Second graders learned about composer Franz Joseph Hayden this week.  They studied his "Surprise Symphony" and learned about his reasons behind composing a "surprise" symphony.  Many students said they like this song so much, they want to put it on their iPods!

Third graders continued their study of early music notation this week.  They worked in groups to design their own creative notation systems.  They tried to put themselves in the shoes of early composers who wanted a way to keep their songs playing well into future years, but they did not want to risk the songs being changed.  Students came up with many creative ideas that showed pitch and rhythm but did not use the notation that we know today.  Many groups then performed their compositions for the class.

Fourth graders learned about sharps, flats, and notes that have the same sound but different names (enharmonic notes) this week.  They also continued working on "Hop Old Squirrel" and successfully played it on the xylophones, metallophones, and glockenspiels.

Fifth graders sang a Spanish song called "Cumbia del Sol," danced the cumbia, played the bongos, hand drums, cowbells, and guiros to "Cumbia del Sol," and had a discussion about tempo on their Passport to Music "trip" to Colombia.  They will complete a written reflection of their journey next week in order to earn a stamp in their passports.

Music Fact of the Week

Take a trip to the Kohl Children's Museum in Glenview to visit their new exhibit, unveiled October 9:  Ravinia Festival Music Makers!  Through this exhibit, children discover how sounds make music and even how music can make them feel.  Visit the website to learn all about the activities the exhibit has to offer:  http://www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org/exhibits/permanent/music-makers