Week of January 28

Read on to learn about some of the highlights from your child's music class this week!

Kindergarteners reviewed rhythm, steady beat, quarter notes, and quarter rests this week and really enjoyed playing the Orff instruments, which include the xylophones, metallophones, and glockenspiels.

First graders watched "Peter and the Wolf" this week.  They loved this movie!  Several students said they want to have this movie at home.  If you are interested in purchasing a copy of the DVD, the version we watched can be found here:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00008EY6W/  They learned that Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev composed this in order to teach students about the instruments of the orchestra.  They really enjoyed figuring out which instrument played the music for each character!

Second graders focused on 4-beat rhythmic improvisation using the song "One Small Musician."  They then played a game with this song.  Students also worked on their sight-singing using the song "Red Rover."  They played a singing version of the game, "Red Rover" that students enjoyed.

Third and fourth graders began their Spring Sing this week!  They were very excited to begin singing their first song and learn the movement for it.  They should be working on learning the words for this song at home.  Each student was given a lyric sheet in class, but they can always print another copy by going to the "Spring Sing Music" section of the blog and downloading an extra copy.  Students have been given the password.

Fifth graders learned the movement for their second Spring Sing song and began singing their third song this week.  As they are learning their songs, they are studying the history behind the songs and the musicians who performed them.  They are doing a great job so far!  They are very enthusiastic about their concert and have been working hard in class.  Keep up the great work, fifth graders!

Music Activity of the Week

Tomorrow, February 2nd, is Groundhog Day!  Watch the Groundhog Day broadcast at http://www.groundhog.org/  Can you think of any songs that have the word "Groundhog" in them?  What about the name of any other animals?  Leave a comment if you can think of any!