This week, the first graders have been preparing for their Winter Showcase (next Wednesday, Dec. 21 for parents and families of first grade students). They also learned about one of Tchaikovsky's most famous ballets - The Nutcracker. The "Marche" has three themes: soldier, puppet, and mice. The students moved and danced along with the beat to each theme in the song. It was so much fun!
The second graders have also been learning about The Nutcracker. In their first music class, they finished watching the New York City Ballet's performance. Then in the second class, the students followed a listening map for the Chinese Dance. They followed the melodies performed by the flutes and the pizzicato in the strings. They also learned a new musical vocabulary word - coda. After the map, they started a fun rhythm stick routine to go along with the Trepak. They will finish it next week!
The third grade students are continuing to learn music notation. This week they reviewed the parts of the staff as well as the line and space notes. Then they played fun staff games to reinforce what they have learned! The first game is played on the floor staff - "On Your Mark, Get Set, Notate!" The second game is played on the board using magnets as note heads.
The classes did so well!
The fourth and fifth graders had an opportunity for self assessment after the concert. We watched the video from Wednesday's nighttime performance, and discussed things that went well and things that could be improved. Self-assessment is so important for musicians and performers!
We hope you have a great weekend, and stay warm!
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