Highlights of Week 2

I struggled through the week with no voice, but the kids were great and we still got a lot accomplished.

K-2 students attended a Lyceum with local musician, Ross Sutter. Mr. Sutter performed several Scandinavian songs and played a variety of instruments like the accordion, dulcimer, and guitar. The kids sang and clapped along and enjoyed the show. I took a couple of pictures and they are ALL blurry. So sad. Here's one:

In music class, the K/1 students learned some farm songs and used rhythm sticks and tambourines for the first time this year. They also learned a dance called Old Brass Wagon.

2nd grade students used the Orff instruments (xylophones, glockenspiels, and metallophones) for the first time this year. They also did Old Brass Wagon and learned a fun version of I've Been Workin' on the Railroad.

3rd graders used the Orff instruments. They've also been having fun with kazoos with a song called I Like Singin'. We started a new song called The Cat Came Back.

4th grade is gearing up to start recorders. We reviewed the lines and spaces of the treble clef and played Staff Wars. Staff Wars is a free game you can install on your own computer. Kids, please talk to your parents before downloading anything from the internet.

5th grade started Recorder Karate. Students will be earning "belts" (beads) for each song they learn to play correctly. We've been using a program called Smart Music in class to practice some recorder pieces and to record and assess. Students with older brothers or sisters in band may already have access to the program at home. There is a $36 subscription fee, so it is likely that most students won't have access to the program. I will be discussing other practice and recording options in class. If you are interested in having Smart Music at home, please contact me and I can get you more information.