November 17 - 21 (Music Week 9)

UPCOMING DATES

Performing Arts Club @ Lunch - Thursday, November 27th 

Parent Teacher Conferences - Thursday, November 27th 

Winter Concert - Thursday, December 11th (daytime and evening performances - more information to come)

TO SUPPORT LEARNING WHILE SWIRLING AROUND IN YOUR LIVES WITH KIDS:

HUM along to your favourite songs. Did you know that humming activates all the right stuff to support resonance and beautiful tone in your singing voice? It's also fun!

Continue to encourage resiliency with your kids. Everyone experiences frustration when learning and trying things for the first time. Teach kids to be graceful with themselves while learning new skills in all facets of their lives. Gently remind them to keep trying!

LEARNING INTENTION LEGEND (Blue = Kindergarten, Green = 1 / 2, Purple = 3 / 4, Red = 5 / 6)

K missed this week - we will resume our music fun next week. 

-I can identify like and unlike patterns in music.

-I can play rhythm patterns (subdivisions of beat) on rhythm instruments.

While learning new songs this week, grade 1 and 2 students identified same and different phrases. We explored a variety of rhythm combinations using xylophones, bells and sticks. Students also continued to experience phrases kinesthetically through movement with scarves. 

-I can read and sing rhythm names, attending to pitch (in terms of where notes are placed on the staff).

-I can demonstrate pitch awareness while singing.

Students continued to learn the melody for 'Jingle Bells' this week. We chose this song for several reasons: The students can readily recall the melody and sing with confidence while playing. Also, this song can be played on what piano players call a G5 finger scale (G A B C D) where melodic intervals (distance between the notes) is executed through simple mallet movements on the xylophone. Students are learning to be efficient in their practice by identifying patterns and motifs in the music. By identifying the A B A C phrase pattern, students know that when they have learned the 'A' phrase, they have learned half of the song. 

-I can perform ostinato patterns (musical pattern that repeats) while singing. 

-Different chords can be used to accompany melody (specifically I and V / 1 and 5 chords).

Students continued with F and C chord accompaniment on both ukuleles and barred instruments this week. Students sang the ostinato pattern to feel the movement from one pitch or chord to another in their singing voices. Singing melodic passages is an effective strategy for playing instruments; it helps us to hear intervals that we need to play. Learning to sing instrumental passages also helps us to feel and hear the expressive qualities of the music which, from my perspective, is a beautiful gift and experience.

Best wishes to everyone for a beautiful weekend!

Love from, Mrs. M.