Week of February 25

Find out what your child learned in music this week by reading on!

Kindergarteners read two books this week during music.  They read It Was So Quiet I Could Hear A Pin Drop, which they used to learn about dynamic levels.  They created a soundscape with this story using unpitched percussion instruments.  They also read Dude! which they used to learn about how important the specific tone of voice is when determining meaning.  This is particularly important in music, as the same notes can be played at different times and convey completely different meanings.

First graders learned about the string instrument family this week.  They learned that the main string instruments in an orchestra are the violin, viola, cello, and double bass.  They studied Johann Strauss II's "Pizzicato Polka," which features the string instruments.

Second graders played a singing game that focused on the macrobeat and microbeat with a song called "Miss Sue."  They also began singing a song called "John Kanaka-naka."  They are working with partners to compose rhythm stick movements to this piece.

Third and fourth graders sang their fifth, sixth, and seventh concert songs this week.  Some students are having a hard time remembering to practice their songs at home.  They know the vocal parts and movements for their first seven songs at this point.  Some students are doing an exceptional job with their songs and are even practicing during recess time!

Fifth graders are doing a nice job with their recorder music.  Most students have successfully completed playing tests for their first song at this point.  Some have played their second song, and a couple of students have even worked ahead to their fourth song!

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