Music Notes

January 9, 2008

Musical Notes

The Fifth Grade Performs!

The fifth grade created, wrote and performed For a Better World, Pay it Forward for students and parents this week. This performance is about doing things for others without expecting anything in return. The message includes encouraging others to put differences aside, working together to make the world a better place, and setting good examples for others. As part of the performance, the fifth grade collected new and slightly used toys and stuffed animals to be distributed locally through Montpelier Fire and Police Departments. All of the fifth grade students have specific roles in the performance as soloists, narrators, dancers, musicians, actors or tech support. On Wednesday, December 19, the students will perform for parents at 7 PM.

4th Grade Recorders

The Fourth grade has been learning how to play recorders. All of the students are now able to play songs using notes G,A,B,C,and D in more than one part. I am impressed at how well the students are playing and the quality of their playing. It is very exciting to hear! They will be presenting a performance in late-January, early February.

 

1st, 2nd, and 3rd Grades

The students in grades 1-3 have been learning about Ludwig van Beethoven whose birthday was December 16. We listened to several excerpts of some of his music and many of the students were able to recognize them. (Fur Elise, Symphony #5, Symphony #9 to name a few) This unit leads nicely into our next which is about music written about equality for all. This reinforces the concepts of different styles in music. The students will learn songs from the civil rights movement as well. From these songs we will learn about some of America's first music: music of the slaves, the spiritual and work songs as well as songs from different parts of Africa. Students will also learn about song writer, Stephen Foster and for Black History Music in February, students will learn about Scot Joplin.

Kindergarten

Students in Kindergarten continue to learn about singing and playing simple instruments together while keeping a steady beat. They will also be learning simple folk songs and singing games from other countries.

Until next time,
HolIy Scudder-Chase, music teacher