In Quarter 4, 1st graders learned about the fundamentals of rhythm: quarter notes (one sound - "ta"), eighth notes (two sounds - "ta-di"), and quarter rests (one beat of silence). After understanding how to clap and count the rhythms, we got to use rhythm sticks with play along videos to our favorite songs. We also learned a game called "Poison Rhythm," where students had to freeze when the forbidden rhythm pattern came up or they would be out! Additionally, we've been exploring some other lesser-known instruments in the Music Room such as the ocean drum and Boomwhackers. After learning more about the orchestra, we've especially focused on the percussion family, which is where all of these fun instruments live! Boomwhackers also taught us about pitch, as each Boomwhacker corresponds to a different note on the piano (do-re-mi-fa-sol-la-ti-do). We've been having so much fun trying out different ways to play the Boomwhackers and experimenting with what happens when different colors play together and create harmony (chords).
Practicing quarter note patterns
Learning about sound scapes
Experimenting with pitch
3rd and 4th Grade
In Quarter 3, third and fourth grade students have been studying the recorder, in addition to preparing for the Spring Arts Festival. Each student received their very own recorder which they will get to take home at the end of 4th grade!
So far, we have focused on the foundations of wind instrument technique (blowing steady and gentle air, covering the holes completely, and using the correct fingers) as well as learning the notes E, G, A, and B. Students have learned songs such as Hot Cross Buns, The Boat Song, Rain, Rain Go Away, and our favorite -- Eye of the Tiger!
In Quarter 2, students focused on different holiday celebrations around the world, such as Diwali, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Kwanzaa, Christmas, and Las Posadas. They also shared what their families celebrate, such as Eid, Ramadan, and Lunar New Year. Then, we began the hard work of learning all our music in time for the Winter Arts Festival performances! Throughout our preparation, students developed their singing technique with vocalises and breathing exercises, learned about proper diction and expressive qualities to communicate more clearly with audience members, strengthened their ensemble knowledge by learning the importance of following a conductor to sing and stop at the same time, and even enhanced their musical selections by brainstorming movements to add to the songs. Students were so excited to have opportunities for whole grade-level dress rehearsals together in the cafeteria and for using the risers just like professional musicians do. :) After the performances, we reflected together on what went well and some areas we could work on more for next time. This led to the second half of our ensemble unit where students did collaborative passing games while keeping a steady beat such as "Button You Must Wander", folk dances with partners such as "Alabama Gal" and "Sasha", and activities like "I Have, Who Has," where they practiced reading rhythms out loud to find a classmate with the matching pattern.
Rehearsals on the risers (above) and with full grade-levels in the cafeteria (below).
Rhythm Stick Challenge
Passing to a steady beat
"Sasha" folk dance
At the beginning of the year, students took part in creating our Music classroom community and routines. Each class in grades 3-5 wrote their own Essential Agreements that we discussed together and signed, while grades K-2 reflected on what it means to be safe, be kind, and always try our best in Music.
K-2 Music Expectations
Student-generated agreements from grades 3-5
In October, grades K-2 focused on responding to and creating music with their bodies, such as dancing with scarves, playing new percussion instruments, keeping a steady beat, and singing echo songs. Students have also been focusing on how to show "audience" listening when classmates are sharing their singing voice and open-mindedness when trying new musical experiences.
In October, grades 3-5 closed out Hispanic Heritage Month by learning singing games and dances from Columbia and Mexico, such as "Al Citron", "Agua de Limones", and "Los Machetes", as well as studying Latin music genres such as salsa and mariachi. We also did a composer spotlight on Edvard Grieg, who wrote "In the Hall of the Mountain King", and an introduction to instrument families in the orchestra.
Sound exploration with ocean drum
Scarf movement to classical music
Conducting practice: learning how to direct classmates to play faster or slower as an ensemble
Playing Boomwhackers with different pitches
"Al Citron" - button passing game from Mexico
Keeping a steady beat on the tambourine
Listening Logs - learning how to discuss new pieces of music, identify instrument families, notice the mood of a piece and how it makes us feel, and give opinions about what we hear.