Week of April 8

We had a great first week back after break!  Keep reading to find out about what your child learned in music this week.

Kindergarteners learned a song called "Engine, Engine" that they used to differentiate between rhythm and steady beat.  They played instruments to show the rhythm and beat.

First graders sang "winding" songs this week.  They did several movement activities with these songs.  They also worked on their sight-reading.

Second graders began learning a folk dance called "Galopede."  They watched a performance of the song by an accordion player and did a great job with the movements.

Third and fourth graders started recess rehearsals for their Spring Sing this week.  You should have received an information sheet with details about the upcoming concert.  If you did not, you may access it under the "Important Dates" section of this blog.

Fifth graders paused the recorder unit this week to study George Gershwin.  Next Thursday, they will be taking a field trip to Ravinia Festival to learn about Gershwin and see performances of songs from "Porgy and Bess."

This was an exciting week for music educators!  In a new bipartisan Senate Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) proposal, the "Every Child Achieves Act of 2015," music is specifically listed as a core academic subject.  This should help to ensure that all students have access to high quality school music programs!  See this article for more information.