Week of

May 18-22

Hi Fifth Graders!

Here's what you can explore this week. Have fun making music!

Body Percussion

Watch the video above to see a performer from an off-Broadway theater in New York City.

Match the Beat

Have each person in your family choose a song they like to listen to. Play the music and see if everyone can clap, stomp, dance, or walk along to the beat. Experiment with different body parts or try drumming the beat on your couch or countertop.

Create your own Funky Family Rhythms

Start a steady rhythm by stomping your feet—think of yourself as a metronome. Have another family member create a corresponding rhythm by clapping their hands. Experiment to find a clapping rhythm that complements the steady feet stomping. If you have additional family members with you, encourage them to add an additional rhythm on top of the two that are established. They can use their hands, feet, or an entirely new body part.

Challenges

  • Speed it up

  • Slow it down

  • Move around the room while keeping the beat

Body Percussion Game

Beat Showdown

Now it’s time for a funky family challenge! Who in your family can create the most challenging choreography, and who can dance with the fastest feet? If you have a printer, you can print and individually complete this challenge sheet (one per person).Exchange challenges and take a minute or two to practice the dance as written by your family member. Once each of you has practiced, it’s time to perform for each other! Who can perform the prescribed dance with the fewest mistakes? Clap a very steady beat for the family member who is performing. Next, put on some music and perform your choreography to the beat of the song!

"Mbira Jam"

Check out this performance of one of our 5th grade songs. Maybe we can play this when we return to school in the fall!

For Fun

Billy Joel and Jimmy Fallon

Check out the video below to see Billy Joel and Jimmy Fallon create loops and their own music arrangement live. Enjoy!