Week of October 29

It has been a busy and fun week here at Wayne Thomas!  Read on to find out about some of the things your students have been learning in music class.

Kindergarteners in Ms. Tepper’s AM class did a movement story called The Mice Go to the Zoo.  This story had them act out the parts of the different characters in the story, exploring their high and low voices and using creative movements.  Students in Ms. Tepper's PM class and Ms. Waller's AM class sang "Five Little Pumpkins" and played a game with "Pumpkin, Pumpkin."  All three classes focused on long and short sounds.

First graders played a Halloween game that reinforced the steady beat.  They sang an echo song and did a creative movement activity with the movement scarves.  They also did a dance called the "Igor," which they really enjoyed.  If your child has talked about this this at home, you can listen to this song for yourself by clicking on the link under the "Music Fact of the Week" section at the bottom of this entry.

Second graders did a danced to a song called "Halloween Hand Jive."  They examined the score for this piece and discovered several symbols they had not known previously.  They also did a sight-reading activity where they each chose a rhythm from the cauldron and performed it on Boomwhackers.  They then performed the rhythms as an entire class composition.

Third graders learned a pair of partner songs this week.  They performed these songs on their own and at the same time.  They were able to hold their own parts.  Students also studied Mozart's "Eine Klein Nachtmusik," or "A Little Night Music."

Fourth graders took their note name quiz this week.  They then played a music board game called "Caught in a Spider Web."  Students in Mrs. Munson's class and Mrs. Silberman's class only had music once this week due to Halloween on Wednesday.  Students in Mr. Bush's class received their recorders on Thursday.  Students should have one recorder that remains at school and one that stays at home.

Fifth graders continued their study of Native American music this week.  They examined music from Athabascan and Comanche tribes this week.  They focused on the texture of several different songs.  Students also played a traditional Comanche stick hiding game with a song called "Eka Muda."

Music Fact of the Week

One of the favorite songs of many Wayne Thomas students around Halloween time is the "Igor."  We have a dance that goes along with this song, and students absolutely love it.  You may have heard talk of the "Igor" around your own home.  If your child would like to listen to the "Igor," you can do so right here:  http://www.musick8kids.com/kidtunes/detail.php?sku=137027#.UJEkyWl24q8  You can listen to a sample of the song or even purchase the mp3 for 99 cents if you would like.