Week of February 23

I hope your children have been continuing to enjoy music over the past six weeks.  My baby was born on January 11, so Mrs. Berg has been teaching them since then.  I returned yesterday and was very happy to see all of your children again!

During the past six weeks, Kindergarteners have focused on echoing rhythms, loud vs. soft sounds, and fast vs. slow music.  They seemed to really enjoy the activities!

First graders studied the instrument families in the orchestra.  They learned that the orchestra is made up of brass, string, percussion, and woodwind instruments and is directed by a conductor.  They also studied Sergei Prokofiev's "Peter and the Wolf" as a part of this unit.

Second graders focused on working toward their singing goals that they created before winter break.  They also did a couple of composition activities and got to present their compositions to the class!

Third and fourth graders began their Spring Sing music during the past couple of weeks.  Their musical is about pirates, and they really seem to be enjoying it so far.  They have learned the first few songs and are beginning to add movements now.  Their concert is on Wednesday, May 6 at Elm Place.  They will have an assembly performance for the Wayne Thomas students on Monday, May 4 at Wayne Thomas.

Fifth graders played the guitar during the past six weeks.  They did many different exercises to help them learn the chords.  Students worked at their own pace during this unit.  Many students focused on learning "Whole Word" and "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" (from "Mary Poppins")!

Charlotte Reese Crutchfield