Week of September 23

Are you someone who is skilled in an area of the arts and might be willing to lead a workshop for Arts in Action on the afternoon of Thursday, March 27, 2014?  Do you know someone else who meets this description?  We are looking for people with skills in the areas of drama, music (instrumental or vocal), dance, or visual arts (painting, sculpture, graphic design, jewelry making, photography, etc.) to lead hands-on sessions with students.  Please contact Mrs. Crutchfield if you know someone who meets this description and would be interested in helping (ecrutchfield@nssd112.org)!  See flier for more information:  Arts in Action

Kindergarteners in both classes successfully danced a folk dance called "Seven Jumps."  They seemed to enjoy the dance and did well with it this week!  They also played rhythm sticks with "Time for Music" and worked on echoing.

First graders learned bee songs this week.  They did a creative movement activity with a bee song using movement scarves.  They also sang "Bee, Bee Bumble Bee" with a singing game and instruments.

Second graders began composing a tune to the poem "Peas Porridge Hot" using the Orff instruments.  They were given certain parameters, and then each student came up with ideas for the first part of the song using those guidelines.  Most students chose to perform their ideas for the class.  The class then voted on their favorite of the most commonly played ideas, which then became the "class composition."  So far they are about one-third of the way finished with the song.  They have had great ideas!

Third graders began playing "Down at the Station" on the xylophones, metallophones, and glockenspiels.  They have learned two parts so far and are working on putting them together.

Fourth graders learned a spoken song called "Tom, Tom" this week.  They played instruments with this piece and focused on holding their own parts.  They also reviewed all of the notes they know so far and focused especially on sixteenth notes.

Fifth graders began learning a Russian folk song this week.  They read about Russian Cossack dancing and learned movements for their new song.  They have been working really hard on all of their very difficult music so far!  Some students signed up to be a part of a small group who will meet once a week on Tuesdays during recess.  This group will work on a special ensemble to perform at the concert.