Week of October 1

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

Kindergarteners studied Amy Beach's composition called "In Autumn" this week.  They did several movement activities with this song.  They were particularly excited to use the movement scarves and ribbons.  They also learned that Amy Beach imagined colors when she heard music, so they did a coloring activity while listening to the song.

First graders worked on accompanying their singing by playing closed borduns on the Orff instruments.  They performed songs called "Make a Sound" and " Tune In."  They also used their voices, bodies, and instruments to improvise during "Make a Sound."

Second graders determined what they wanted the form of their original "Peas Porridge Hot" compositions to be.  Each class chose a slightly different form.  They practiced their entire piece together and made a video of the performance, which they will share with you during their Informances in November.

Third graders studied two pieces in 3/4 time this week, a Mexican folk song called "Cielito Lindo," and "Ein Kleine Nachtmusik," which was composed by W.A. Mozart.  They also learned about Mozart's life and music.

Fourth graders did a note name review sheet and took their note name quizzes this week.  Students did very well!  The grade for this quiz will be reflected on the music section of the report card.  They will be taking their graded quizzes home next week.

Fifth graders started learning their final concert piece this week, which is a song called "You're In the Band," from "School of Rock."  Students had an opportunity to come in during recess this week to work on the script for the concert.  The students who came in worked very hard and are very proud of the final version of the script!  Next week, fifth graders will be filling out a sheet to tell me what parts they would like to have for their concert.

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