November Newsletter

This month in the music room is all about instruments!

Class 311 is jammin'!

We are getting our hands on all kinds of percussion instruments. Pre-K and Kindergarten students have been learning about making sounds on the rhythm sticks. They're also learning music literacy in the process. We're learning simple songs and chants and writing out the number of sounds we hear on each beat (represented by a felt heart) with popsicle sticks. Of course we are always singing and improving our singing voice. Call and response songs and echo songs are great ways for young children to improve their singing.

My student teacher, Kristina Abella, and K-115 working on reading and performing rhythms.

1st Graders are working on songs through movement and imaginary play. We've also been listening to music and noticing the instruments we hear. We are discovering new sounds and perfecting our rhythm skills.

2nd graders are still working on note placement on the staff. We're also taking those notes and learning how to play them on the xylophones. Because I believe that singing is the foundation for building musicianship, students must learn how to sing their part before they can play it on an instrument.

2-309 does ostinato work on the xylophones using two pitches.

DON'T FORGET! The Winter Concert will take place on Wednesday, December 16th. The 4th Grade Chorus and 5th Grade Chorus will be featured. It is their first major performance, and the concert is one of the biggest performances of the year!

Finally, Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place on Tuesday, November 24th. I will post my hours of availability outside the Music Room soon.

Happy November!

Mr. O