This week, the first grade students discussed the instruments of the orchestra and talked about the song, Carnival of the Animals. This hilarious musical suite which consists of fourteen movements is composed by a French composer, Camille Saint-Saëns. Each movement is about a different animal (except for the little joke) and features different instruments of the orchestra. The animals are having a carnival and everyone is invited to participate, even our own students! After discussing each part, the students had a lot of fun moving around to the music of the various animals. Next week we will watch a movie about the Carnival of the Animals.
The second graders worked on a class composition. They will be learning to read music notation next year, so this week we gave them a brief introduction to the staff. Then, we reviewed rhythmic values and the musical alphabet ABCs - there are only 7 letters! To compose, students took turns with selecting a rhythm (quarter note, eighth note pair, or quarter rest), then choosing a pitch (A, B, C, D, E, F or G). Students continued until each class had their own song! The next step is to add lyrics. Students will work in pairs to write words to accompany the tune, making sure to match up the correct number of syllables to each rhythm. They also reviewed their dance move for the songs that they will be singing for the Memorial Day concert on May 25th.
The second graders worked on a class composition. They will be learning to read music notation next year, so this week we gave them a brief introduction to the staff. Then, we reviewed rhythmic values and the musical alphabet ABCs - there are only 7 letters! To compose, students took turns with selecting a rhythm (quarter note, eighth note pair, or quarter rest), then choosing a pitch (A, B, C, D, E, F or G). Students continued until each class had their own song! The next step is to add lyrics. Students will work in pairs to write words to accompany the tune, making sure to match up the correct number of syllables to each rhythm. They also reviewed their dance move for the songs that they will be singing for the Memorial Day concert on May 25th.
The third grade students are also busy preparing for their concert in June. They reviewed, "Juba Jive" and enjoyed their centers day. Students learned how to play the F# on the recorder, and practiced "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." Playing from the F# to the E is really tricky so don't forget the seesaw move!
The fourth and fifth graders are almost ready for their concert! Students have been in and out of the music room all week rehearsing solos, dance parts, acting parts, and speaking parts. Don't forget that program covers are due on Monday, May 7th. We can't wait to share with you all our hard work on May 11th! As a reminder, here is the concert attire and the call times. Please feel free to email Mrs. Rzasa or I for any questions.
Have a wonderful weekend!
- Concert Attire:
Morning - The students may wear regular school clothes in the daytime - but please no t-shirts with logos or words.
Evening - Our concert is all about opera and music from classical composers. We would like the students to be as fancy as possible, while still being comfortable. Below are some ideas:
- Girls: Fun/fancy dresses, skirts, or nice pants.
- Boys: Suits and ties/bowties, dress pants with polo shirts, or even tuxedo t-shirts!
- Mrs. Niu and Mrs. Rzasa will likely be wearing gowns with opera gloves and costume jewelry. Have fun with your outfit choice!
- Call Time:
Please make sure that your child arrives to the school no later than 6:40 p.m. Band students will report to the music room, string students will report to the lesson room, and chorus students who do not play an instrument will report to the Art Room at 6:50pm.
Have a wonderful weekend!
