UPCOMING DATES:
Christmas Concert: Wednesday, December 17th
St. Gertrude Church
1420 W. Granville Ave.
6-7PM
With fall arriving, we are moving away from our introductory lessons and moving into learning music history, theory, and music practicum.
Kindergarten: Just finished learning about the different Latin percussion instruments. Now we are learning about the different instrument classes (Brass, Woodwinds, Strings, and Percussion)
1st Grade: In 1st grade we are learning how to move to music, and how to sing as an ensemble.
2nd Grade: This week we had our first sectionals. Students got to take their music and instruments and began the process of practicing on their own!
3rd Grade: Our 3rd graders just learned the G, A, and B notes on the recorder. They played through their first song "Hot Cross Buns" this week.
4th Grade: Our 4th graders are learning how to tune their ukuleles and how to play their first chord progression on the instruments. They are also learning about the different intervals in music.
5th Grade: This week, the 5th graders learned about music of the middle ages. We are also looking at counting, singing, and clapping rhythms in 2/4 time.
6th Grade: Our 6th grade class is also learning how to tune ukuleles and play their first chord progression. They are very excited to be given the opportunity to learn the instruments and music theory!
7th Grade: After spending last year playing ukuleles, the 7th grade class is now upgrading to the guitar! We are still figuring out how to tune the guitar and how to finger-pick our first chord progression.
8th Grade: We have a large 8th grade class this year! Our two classes are learning the guitar and piano- as well as how to play the two instruments together while singing. This class is turning into a band!
The music room is back in order and the students are loving their time in music this year!
After a summer hiatus, the students are back to playing instruments, reviewing lessons from last year, and learning new ones for the year to come. Here is a breakdown of what each class is going to be learning throughout the year:
Kindergarten: learning about the different percussion instruments as well as how to play them while singing
1st Grade: Learning how to read music using our boomwhackers
2nd Grade: Learning how to read music notes and rhythms while playing the glockenspiels
3rd Grade: 3rd grade is currently busy learning how to play the first notes on the recorder
4th Grade: 4th Grade is learning how to audiate intervals on the piano. In a few weeks we will be starting to learn a few things on the baritone ukulele
5th Grade: Learning about ancient music as well as music in the church through the middle ages
6th Grade: reviewing key terms from last year, learning about the Romantic-20th Century in music. In a few weeks we will also begin playing the baritone ukuleles
7th Grade: 7th grade will be beginning the process of learning how to play chords on the classical guitar in the coming weeks
8th Grade: 8th graders are learning about music history, some piano, and will be learning more chords on the guitar in the coming weeks
Johnny Cash's "The Man Comes Around" is an example of "wine getting better with age." Hearing his seasoned vocals as he sings a variety of covers and classics is a true delight!
Paul Westermeyer's "Te Deum" is an interesting read for those wanting to learn more about the music of the Church. It is academic in nature, but still quite readable for most adults. Find it on Amazon.com
I can't give this book enough thumbs up! This is the perfect music gift for your child. Every page is packed with amazing visuals and excellent historical facts. Right now it is on sale on Amazon.com
If you are interested in learning more about our class values and philosophy, or, if you would like to see how our 3rd through 8th graders are graded in music class, please feel free to email me at emason@ncaschools.com if you have any questions!