Sunflowers

Sunflowers

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Spooky Sound Story

This week's post is coming early because I'm leaving town tomorrow.

I know I promised a post about Peter and the Wolf this week but the students are making somethings tomorrow and Friday that I want to post pictures of.

To celebrate Halloween, students used instruments to enhance a sound story. It's a poem called "Halloween Time". Doing these kinds of stories helps us learn how to use different instruments and respond to cues. After I've read through it once, I have one student be the narrator. This way they can work on expressive reading.

Here are some pictures and videos of Halloween Time:










Friday, October 26, 2012

The Halloween Misfits

Why is it that some weeks I feel I don't have much to say and others I feel I have too much?

It was a big week for third graders as we performed our program this Wednesday. We had a dress rehearsal in the afternoon for the other students. It was a great chance to practice with our costumes and sound system. The microphones did not work as well as we hoped despite our best efforts. We'll try to have that fixed by the next program.

I was so proud of the students. They really put in great energy. Our soloists were especially impressive. I think Riley and Miles might have brought a few tears! I took a video which I haven't watched yet. If it's any good, I'll burn copies for people who bring me DVDs (or even Blu-Rays!)

Here are a few pictures:

Two of our "misfits" and soloists!

All three classes together

Monsters, pumpkins, witches/wizards

Just our little witches

Helga getting ready for to stir her brew

Just a couple monsters hangin out :)

Miss Wools and her pumpkins

"Flying" all around


One more thing for this week. Some of the younger students were introduced to Melody Street this week. It is a website/application for iPads and iPods that teaches about different instruments. They enjoyed watching what they did but many wanted to see it at home. Here's the link: http://melodystreet.com/

Next week - update about our Peter and the Wolf unit study at Perry

Friday, October 19, 2012

Rockin' Rhythm Raps


In second grade, we have starting going through a curriculum called Rockin' Rhythm Raps.

It is one I love because it increases our musical vocabulary, is interactive and includes assessments for each page.

It hits so many of our music standards:

2. Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
3. Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments.
4. Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines.
5. Reading and notating music.

In addition, we practice reading and math. Each song has hearts underneath the line to represent the number of steady beats in a measure. As we learn more note values, we'll have to make sure our measures add up!

I'll have to snap some pictures of how we use the Smart Board too. The kids love coming up and circling things or even writing up rhythms. 

Meanwhile, we're still getting to know the instruments of the orchestra in Kindergarten and 1st grade. Look for pictures next week!

Our 3rd grade music program is next week and the kids and I are pumped!

The 4th graders are making leaps and bounds as they get better at the recorder. We can't wait to show off for you on December 12th. 

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Musical Show and Tell

Some of your 2nd, 3rd and 4th graders might have brought home slips about Musical Show and Tell.

Every other Friday we start class with a couple people doing musical show and tell. The kids have loved performing or sharing music with their classmates.

More information about this is under the Show and Tell link to the left.

Last week, I shared a video with the kids of some unique dancing. They really enjoyed it! I thought I would post it so they can watch it again.

 
To my knowledge, the video hasn't been edited at all.

Our third grade music program is fast approaching. Check the link to the left for more info including copies of the notes I've sent home.

Friday, October 5, 2012

Getting Instrumental

This week I was out of town for a conference on Monday and Tuesday. I learned some great things for Kaw Camp!

It's always nice to come back to a great report from the substitute. Way to go, kids!

The fourth graders took a recorder quiz while I was gone. For the most part, they did awesomely! We went over it on Wednesday. A couple students were asked to correct it to raise their grade. If you are concerned about your fourth grader's grade, please contact me.

Third grade had a big day on Wednesday - solo auditions! Man did they knock my socks off! I didn't think it would be so difficult to pick soloists. I will tell the students Monday who will be playing each part. If you or your student want to know why they weren't picked, feel free to contact me. It can be difficult at their age to try so hard for something and not get it.

I will be sending home information about costumes and speaking parts on Monday. Look for that note! I'll also post in on here in case it goes missing. Our show is OCTOBER 24th. Coming soon!

In K, 1st and 2nd grade we've been talking about the different instruments in the orchestra and which "family" they are a part of. We've looked at pictures, listened to them and today we met a little guy named Tubby the Tuba.
 
Kid quote: In Tubby the Tuba, he gets really famous and he's walking the red carpet when a lady comes up and gives him a smooch. This surprised me a bit! The students all reacted and one said, "It's not even his birthday!"