Hello 4th graders!
We are starting to meet as an Orchestra! This is different than our lessons because we will learn how to follow a conductor. We'll learn how the conductor helps keep the beat, shows soft vs. loud, smooth vs. separated and choppy, how to breathe before you start, and how to end. As we get going in the year, we'll work on orchestra music in which each instrument group has a different part so it sounds extra beautiful. The first piece we'll try as a group with harmonies will be French Folk Song, which we started last week. When we add harmonies 1 and 2, it will be even more beautiful!
For a silly and adorable introduction to conducting, watch the video below!
This week:
In lessons we will work on page 28, focusing on reading the exercises without labeling and feeling the long bows on "quarter dot". We'll also recognize that there is a shorter version of the French Folk Song melody on that page, and try to play it without labeling!
In orchestra we will try a familiar song in a round (Frere Jacques), practice following a conductor with a D scale getting faster and slower, and play the French Folk Song melody as a group.
Assignment for next time: Master French Folk Song and learn Harmony 1!