Week of September 24

See below to find out some highlights from your child's music classes this week!

Kindergarteners read a book called Little Cloud this week.  They learned a song by the same name and used their bodies and movement scarves to create shapes like the cloud in the book.  They also read Cloud Dance and figured out what instruments could be used to create sounds that were in the story.

First graders read a book called Mortimer and used the Orff instruments to play along with the story when the characters were walking up or down the stairs.  They also accompanied themselves when they sang the song from the book.  First graders also did several bee-themed activities, like learning about Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's "Flight of the Bumblebee."

Second graders continued to work on their "Peas Porridge" composition using Orff instruments this week.  At this point, they have the "A" section complete.  They are working on being able to consistently play it, and next week they will create a "B" section for their song.

Third graders created their own systems of written music notation this week.  Their notation needed to include a way for the performer to know the pitch and the rhythmic value of each note.  They shared their systems with the class and enjoyed seeing what their peers came up with.

Fourth graders continued their work with the letter names of the notes on the treble clef staff.  They played a song called "Hop Old Squirrel" on the Orff instruments, and they played a note name game using the treble clef rug.  During their first music class next week, they will do a note name review sheet, and their note name quiz will be during their second music class next week.

Fifth graders were very excited to sing their fifth concert piece, "You Will Be Found," from "Dear Evan Hansen."  Several students said they feel like the lyrics of the song are speaking directly to them.  Some said this is their favorite song they have ever sung.  They are working very hard!

As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns: ecrutchfield@nssd112.org.