November Newsletter

November is shaping up to be a busy month both in our music class and around the building at P.S. 261. Because of a few days off during the month (Election Day, Veterans Day, and Thanksgiving break) I won't be seeing certain classes as often so I'm trying to pack as much learning (and fun) as possible.

PLEASE NOTE: I will be available for Parent Teacher Conferences on Thursday November 13th from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Pre-K: The students are continuing to develop their singing voices. We are also learning how to successfully play the rhythm sticks. We are playing simple rhythms of songs like "See-saw", "Rain-Rain", and "Snail-Snail". We are then notating these rhythms with "stick notation". Sometimes we actually use popsicle sticks to do this. Of course, we are also playing tons of fun music games!

Kindergarten: The students have been enjoying playing the rhythm sticks in class. Some students have even had the opportunity to perform solos in front of the class! The students are decoding rhythms from simple songs and then performing them on the sticks. In our playing, we discuss "rest position", "playing position" and audience rules and etiquette when a group or soloist is performing. As always, we are continuing to sing. Some songs added to our growing list: "Shoo Turkey" and "Here Comes A Bluebird".

First Grade: We are analyzing songs with three sounds MI, SOL, and LA. In addition, we are taking these sounds and learning how to place them on a two line staff. This is the beginning of your child learning music lliteracy, that is, writing, reading, and composing music. In our discussion of rhythm, we are looking at songs and chants with rests and how to indicate when there's no sound on a beat. We are also writing rhythms using popsicle sticks. As always, we are also working on our singing voices and adding more songs to our repertoire.

Second Grade: Second graders are working on their music literacy. With our solfege sounds DO, MI, SOL, and LA, we are practicing how to place multiple notes on the music staff. We are continuing to work on more complex rhythms. Students are also composing their own rhythms, clapping them for the class and having a student dictate the rhythm back, whether with popsicle sticks or on the board. Students are really taking an ownership in their music making skills, learning to assess themselves and assess other students. Finally, we are working on dynamics (loud vs. soft) through a fun game called "Closet Key". It's very similar to a hot and cold game except we are using the volume of our singing voices to help a student find the missing key.

CHORUS: Chorus students are working hard! They are working on their concert pieces as well as explanding their music making skills through music literacy, and part work (two part harmony and singing in a round). I am confident we will be ready for our Winter Concert which is on December 17th.

Mr. O