notes from the music room

In December, we are busy putting the finishing touches on our preparation for the Winter Concert and refining skills we have worked on all year.  

Kindergarten, First Grade, and Second Grade 

In December, we review all of the skills we have learned so far and bring them together to enjoy The Nutcracker Ballet. Students explore grade-level appropriate activities to learn about the story of the Nutcracker and its beautiful music composed by Tchaikovsky. The unit begins with a read-aloud of the story, a recap of the key elements of the tale, and then an exploration of musical themes which includes the different instruments used in the music,  musical contour and expression, and musical form. Students explore this through listening, exploring a scarf dance, movement, and playing on percussion instruments. Second Graders will watch excepts of the Ballet.

Did you know? Mrs. Gill's first teaching position was serving as a Teaching Artist for the New York City Ballet Nutcracker Project! 

Third and Fourth Grade

Musical notation is reviewed and explored with holiday-themed music such as Handel's Water Music and Carol of The Bells, as well as holiday favorites. Students work on playing together as a group on instruments including percussion, Boomwhackers, and handbells. 

Winter Concerts

We can't wait to share our music with you - and thank you for your support!