Week 7

Now that our Fall Concert is about a month away, all classes have started learning songs in preparation for it. To tie in with our arts focus for 2007-2008, this concert will be a sample of music from the native people of North America. Ask your student about their song. We have been discussing the areas from which these songs come, as well as the lyrics and subtext of the songs.

Week 6

Now we're really getting into the swing of things!

5th grade has continued their recorder study, and has started learning "The Boatmen," a new song. If your student remembered to bring his/her recorder home, ask to hear the opening of this piece. It starts on "G" (thumb, 1, 2, 3)

4th grade has made great progress on "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." As we sing through the 28 verses of this ballad, we have been discussing the story on which it was based, and have learned many new words, as well!

The 3rd grade classes have learned to play metallophones and xylophones, and are practicing playing beats and rhythms. They have also started learning (or in some cases, reviewing) "Los Pollitos," and have practiced both the beat and rhythm of this familiar song, as well.

Second Grade has learned a dance called "Seven Jumps," and most students can do the entire dance from memory without prompting from Ms. Katie. Ask your student in what order their feet, knees, elbows, and head have to wait and fall to the ground. They have all become very adept at balancing on one foot, or one knee, or one elbow.

Hooray! This week, every first grade class had at least one lesson with all "Good" marks on their teacher report. This means they were able to:
1. Follow Directions the First Time Given
2. Raise Your Hand to Speak
3. Keep Your Hands and Feet to Yourself
4. Pay Attention to the Speaker
The last one has been particularly challenging this week, as the speaker has been not only Ms. Katie and the piano, but also the CD player, classmates with drums, and other solo leaders.

Kindergarten has finally been able to play instruments this week! It was very exciting the first time Ms. Katie handed out the shakers, but everyone practiced their skills at following directions, and it went very well.

Next Monday, we will be singing the JSIS song at Monday morning assembly. Come and sing with us!

Week 5

Choir started this week, but if your student still wants to join, it is not too late! Choir meets every Wednesday morning at 8:30 - just have your student bring the completed permission form.

This week in music, 5th grade started recorder and 3rd grade started metallophones, xylophones, and marimba. If your student has not yet brought in a folder for music, please send one in next week - the worksheets are coming!