Weekly Review 9/24 - 9/28

This week in music, the first grade students reviewed their new rhythm syllables, du and du-de. They played Poison Pattern, a game to work on their rhythms AND listening skills. Then, we talked about what makes a chant different from a song. In a chant the students use their speaking voices, and they use their singing voices for a song. We finished off the week's lessons with a chant called "Loose Tooth." Three body percussion parts accompanied some of the words - "loose tooth" (two claps), "wiggly jiggly" (pats on your knees), and "thread," "head," "bed" (snaps). We extended the activity by taking out these words and only using the assigned body percussion when we sang these words in our heads. Lastly, we transferred the body percussion to the hand drum, guiro, and triangle.

The second graders competed in Rhythm Telephone, a game to reinforce steady beat and rhythm. Then, they finished their Ickle Ockle game from last week. It was so much fun! The students also participated in another activity called "Old King Glory" - as they sing the "king" taps on 3 students, and the third one gets to be the new king (or queen!). Lastly, they learned "I'm a Nut" and added a rhythm stick part. Next week, they will compose their own verses!

The third graders reviewed quarter notes, eighth note pairs, and rests - then they practiced rhythm flash cards. We also sang "Four White Horses," a traditional Caribbean folk tune with awesome steel drum accompaniment! Once the song was mastered, we added a fun clapping routine. Quartets of students clap the hands of the person across from them (either high or low) then clap the hands of their neighbors to the sides. The routine repeats with regular hand claps in between each move, and alternating between high and low. It is a little tough to get the hang of it, so we will continue this activity next week!

Today was picture day, so Mrs. Ferullo's students took a few photos in music class to show off their nice outfits!

And here is a video I forgot to post last week of the students playing "Tideo."


The fourth grade students worked more on their cup came this week! It was fun to vary the tempo, and try silly things like performing with eyes closed. We will play a bit more next week.

The fifth grade students reviewed last year's cup game, and added another element - singing. The song they paired it with is called "I've Been to Harlem." It is very challenging to sing while doing such a complicated task! Especially since the rhythm of the song is quite different from the rhythm of the cup routine. Next week, they will learn a challenging new cup routine to accompany Edward Grieg's In the Hall of the Mountain King.

In chorus, the students learned how to read a choral score, then started to rehearse their songs for this year's winter concert. Two of our combined songs are Hot Chocolate and First Footsteps. We will continue these next week!

Have a wonderful weekend :)