Yeah for the ice cream social tonight. Too bad I can only make it to half of it!
Kindergarten saw the violin today, and thought for sure that I was going to hold it wrong, and make it sound terrible! Well, I definitely held it correctly, but they were right when it came to making it sound terrible! Unfortunately, I wanted Kyle to come in and demonstrate it for us, but he had to be taking the MEAP. (Sorry Kyle!) So I did the best I could with explaining an instrument I never learned how to play. We also watched a video on Youtube that showed a 5 year old girl playing Vivaldi's Concerto # 1 on violin. Can you even imagine? Here is the link if you are interested! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7ILP7bbd-g&feature=related
2nd grade learned about the highs and lows, fast and slows, etc of music today. They drew a picture to represent each of those musical terms. Should be interesting to see what they drew for me!
1st graders have learned all about how to use their voice, and today they had to decide about what they heard in 4 examples. How many voices do you hear, and is it a child's voice or an adults voice. Sometimes it was difficult to determine the difference between an adult female and a young adult female. We also learned a tongue twister- Let's see if you can say it! "The big black bug bit the big black bear and made the big black bear bleed, black blood." Have fun!
Jonah's will be singing in chapel tomorrow, so "Look what God is Doing" will hopefully sound beautiful!
6th grade bells made it all the way through their song, yet, we still need work, considering we had to count out loud all the way through it! We are getting there!
Good News sang with all their heart today! They are starting to really learn what it means to sing in two part. And that can be difficult at age 8,9, 10! When they get to Jonah's Wailers I won't have to teach them how to do that, and we can move on to three and four part!
4th grade chimes is really kicking along. We made it to measure 16 today! Well, some of us did, and others of us... maybe still back at measure 1!!
See you all tonight!!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Friday, October 9, 2009
October 6,7,8 all week...
Wow, it is so hard to remember to update this every day! I even have a little note on my computer that says "DO BLOG" and do I? Nope! So here is what we did (and their assignments for all week long!)
Primary Praise! NICE JOB on Sunday! You did wonderfully!
Tuesday:
The Kindergartners learned about the flute today. In connection with watching Peter and the Wolf a few weeks ago, they remembered that the Flute was represented by the Bird in the story. We talked about how to put it together, how to hold it and play it. We also talked about how the bird and the flute sound a lot alike. They thought it was pretty funny when I started playing the flute like a trumpet. For some reason, they knew that wasn't quite right!
2nd grade finished up their beat/no beat test today!
1st grade started talking about the different ways to use your voice. They are starting to learn how and when to use specific ways of speaking, singing, humming, shouting and whispering. Each one of them got a card with those words on them and by the end of the class period, before they could leave, they had to demonstrate how to do what it said on the card. Of course, the shouters had the most fun of them all! I also was able to learn who was really shy, and who was outgoing!
Jonah's is progressing well on their song for the 18th, we have some great soloists for this song!
6th bells has begun to realize more and more that they have to work together as one to make the group really solidify. They understand the technical aspects of playing, now they just have to put themselves into it a little more!
Good News Choir started learning the 3 songs for the Reformation Celebration on Nov. 4th, and they will be ready to sing to their fullest extent with the mass congregation that morning.
4th grade chimes, group 1 was able to make it to measure 8 today! They are really starting to understand all the "music theory" that we have been learning since they were in 1st grade. Wow, a treble clef actually means something now? It's not just a musical symbol, but it now tells me what chimes I am supposed to play! I can read the notes and rhythms and it actually produces something other than a grade in music class! I am creating and playing music now!
Wednesday:
Advanced Band started the mass band songs for the Reformation Celebration today, and let me tell you, it was a grueling experience. Lot's of negativity, I can'ts and I don't like this song, I don't know how to play that note, what is this rhythm, Mrs. Scheiderer help me! No! Help me first! How do I tune this timpani? What do you mean you pushed the timpani pedal? I just fixed that!... My trumpet is broke! I can't find my reed! You didn't give me that song! I can't find my music!!!! I can tell you that NONE of this is new! The first time I give them a song, the questions come flying at me, and while I think I know what they are going to be, there is always one or two that take me by surprise. Just the sheer volume of questions asked by the 23 students is overwhelming! Most questions, if they just took a minute to think about them, would be answered without them even being asked! When they came back on Thursday, there were more questions, but they were thought through and asked in a manner in which we could all learn from! Thankfully we have a month to practice these songs before we perform them! ASSIGNMENT FOR BAND: Keep playing through Air of Nobility. We play that on Oct. 21st in chapel. Focus most of your attention on the second page of "Heavenly Hosts-rhythms and correct notes. And on Processional Hymns of Faith- Watch your key signature, figure out where you are melody and where you are support and be able to effectively play through measures 1-29
Beginning band, while still learning how to make pleasant sounds from their instruments, are catching on to the procedures and order in which we hold class. Next week they will be learning more notes. Your assignment is to practice number 18- Go tell Aunt Rhodie and fill out your fingering chart (Brass and woodwind) and rudiments and keyboard percussion sheets (drummers) Due Thursday
Primary Praise! NICE JOB on Sunday! You did wonderfully!
Tuesday:
The Kindergartners learned about the flute today. In connection with watching Peter and the Wolf a few weeks ago, they remembered that the Flute was represented by the Bird in the story. We talked about how to put it together, how to hold it and play it. We also talked about how the bird and the flute sound a lot alike. They thought it was pretty funny when I started playing the flute like a trumpet. For some reason, they knew that wasn't quite right!
2nd grade finished up their beat/no beat test today!
1st grade started talking about the different ways to use your voice. They are starting to learn how and when to use specific ways of speaking, singing, humming, shouting and whispering. Each one of them got a card with those words on them and by the end of the class period, before they could leave, they had to demonstrate how to do what it said on the card. Of course, the shouters had the most fun of them all! I also was able to learn who was really shy, and who was outgoing!
Jonah's is progressing well on their song for the 18th, we have some great soloists for this song!
6th bells has begun to realize more and more that they have to work together as one to make the group really solidify. They understand the technical aspects of playing, now they just have to put themselves into it a little more!
Good News Choir started learning the 3 songs for the Reformation Celebration on Nov. 4th, and they will be ready to sing to their fullest extent with the mass congregation that morning.
4th grade chimes, group 1 was able to make it to measure 8 today! They are really starting to understand all the "music theory" that we have been learning since they were in 1st grade. Wow, a treble clef actually means something now? It's not just a musical symbol, but it now tells me what chimes I am supposed to play! I can read the notes and rhythms and it actually produces something other than a grade in music class! I am creating and playing music now!
Wednesday:
Advanced Band started the mass band songs for the Reformation Celebration today, and let me tell you, it was a grueling experience. Lot's of negativity, I can'ts and I don't like this song, I don't know how to play that note, what is this rhythm, Mrs. Scheiderer help me! No! Help me first! How do I tune this timpani? What do you mean you pushed the timpani pedal? I just fixed that!... My trumpet is broke! I can't find my reed! You didn't give me that song! I can't find my music!!!! I can tell you that NONE of this is new! The first time I give them a song, the questions come flying at me, and while I think I know what they are going to be, there is always one or two that take me by surprise. Just the sheer volume of questions asked by the 23 students is overwhelming! Most questions, if they just took a minute to think about them, would be answered without them even being asked! When they came back on Thursday, there were more questions, but they were thought through and asked in a manner in which we could all learn from! Thankfully we have a month to practice these songs before we perform them! ASSIGNMENT FOR BAND: Keep playing through Air of Nobility. We play that on Oct. 21st in chapel. Focus most of your attention on the second page of "Heavenly Hosts-rhythms and correct notes. And on Processional Hymns of Faith- Watch your key signature, figure out where you are melody and where you are support and be able to effectively play through measures 1-29
Beginning band, while still learning how to make pleasant sounds from their instruments, are catching on to the procedures and order in which we hold class. Next week they will be learning more notes. Your assignment is to practice number 18- Go tell Aunt Rhodie and fill out your fingering chart (Brass and woodwind) and rudiments and keyboard percussion sheets (drummers) Due Thursday
3rd grade continues to learn from Maestro Max on Music Ace. Today we finally got to use the smart board instead of just the projector, and the students were able to manipulate the board to move the music notes up or down to match the pitch given to them. Other than they fact that they had to wait 15 minutes for the smart board to read my computer, the lesson was fast, easy and fun!
8th grade bells is really grasping on to the technique of the bells. I asked them to play their song Holy Jesus, and when we got to the section when we had to switch bells, all but a couple people remember to do it. And after I reminded them, the others who had forgotten, remembered and apologized up and down about messing up! And Kudos to those of you who have multiple places where you have to weave!!
Thursday:
Primary Praise started a new song today: It is called "Who built the ark?" I love this song, and after they learn it, they will too!
Jonah's continued to learn their hymns for Reformation and for the 18th. Ask your kids about the M&M's and the Big Black Bug. I guarantee that they will laugh before you even get out what is happening!
Beginning band played 18 fairly well after about the 7th time. We talked about how many times it takes the average person to memorize something and be able to play it correctly. Seems as though they are ahead of the game! Homework for today is 18, 19, 20. They are also continuing to listen to quality bands play a wide variety of music. It is good to hear bands who are accomplished and to strive to sound like them some day.
7th bells struggled today with when to play their techniques, mart, mart lift and when to shake. I don't know if they are being lassie faire, or if they don't understand! Help me 7th grade!!
Have a great weekend all! Practice Practice Practice!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Just like any other day...
Oh the love of what can come out of a students mouth... ever just have one of those days when you just think everything a kid says is funny? That was today!
Just as a quick note about Primary Praise: We have changed the time we sing on Sunday, to 11:00 because of the presentation of the bibles to the second graders. Please be in the church choir room at 10:40 in white tops and dark bottoms. I also sent home a PINK HALF sheet with the same info on it.
Kindergartners learned more about the instruments heard in last weeks lesson/video on Peter and the Wolf. They learned what a Clarinet looked and sounded like. They also connected that it was the Cat, in Peter and the Wolf that the clarinet went with, and also.... what Squidward plays on Sponge bob...if that is even how you spell it.
1st and 2nd graders completed their Beat/No Beat lessons with a formal assessment today. Looks like everyone did a nice job on their tests!
Jonah's is starting to put together their song for church on October 18th. We will have a good solid praise song, with some duets in the middle. It will be wonderful!
6th grade bell members can be mind boggling sometimes. After 3-4 weeks in class, they wanted to switch bells! So I let them switch with the PROMISE that the wouldn't ask me next week what bells they played, or where it was on the music! If you want to move that badly, you will know where they are! Surprisingly enough, they played through the first 24 measures without many mistakes. In fact, it was almost better than last week!
Good News choir sang in church this last Sunday and did wonderful! Thanks to all the parents who's child could not make it, for your emails and letters. I really do appreciate you all letting me know when you can't make it. They started a new song in class today, called "I'm a Soldier of the Cross" and they have started learning it all ready!
4th grade chimes, group 2 made it farther than last weeks group, only because they didn't want me to poke fun at them for being as silly as last weeks class was! Either that, or I got better at explaining what I wanted them to do! At either rate, we a moving right along, and I am beginning to see all ready who is interested in becoming handbell players, and who may be in band. Oh the choices!!
Good day over all-
Oh and if you are reading these, please let me know with a post of any kind!!
Just as a quick note about Primary Praise: We have changed the time we sing on Sunday, to 11:00 because of the presentation of the bibles to the second graders. Please be in the church choir room at 10:40 in white tops and dark bottoms. I also sent home a PINK HALF sheet with the same info on it.
Kindergartners learned more about the instruments heard in last weeks lesson/video on Peter and the Wolf. They learned what a Clarinet looked and sounded like. They also connected that it was the Cat, in Peter and the Wolf that the clarinet went with, and also.... what Squidward plays on Sponge bob...if that is even how you spell it.
1st and 2nd graders completed their Beat/No Beat lessons with a formal assessment today. Looks like everyone did a nice job on their tests!
Jonah's is starting to put together their song for church on October 18th. We will have a good solid praise song, with some duets in the middle. It will be wonderful!
6th grade bell members can be mind boggling sometimes. After 3-4 weeks in class, they wanted to switch bells! So I let them switch with the PROMISE that the wouldn't ask me next week what bells they played, or where it was on the music! If you want to move that badly, you will know where they are! Surprisingly enough, they played through the first 24 measures without many mistakes. In fact, it was almost better than last week!
Good News choir sang in church this last Sunday and did wonderful! Thanks to all the parents who's child could not make it, for your emails and letters. I really do appreciate you all letting me know when you can't make it. They started a new song in class today, called "I'm a Soldier of the Cross" and they have started learning it all ready!
4th grade chimes, group 2 made it farther than last weeks group, only because they didn't want me to poke fun at them for being as silly as last weeks class was! Either that, or I got better at explaining what I wanted them to do! At either rate, we a moving right along, and I am beginning to see all ready who is interested in becoming handbell players, and who may be in band. Oh the choices!!
Good day over all-
Oh and if you are reading these, please let me know with a post of any kind!!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Tuesday and Wednesday....because I forgot!
Ok so I didn't forget yesterday, I just didn't have time! I got here at 8:00- left at 3:30 and never stopped to even look at my computer! So all today was, was looking at emails that I had gotten from last Wednesday! AH!!!
Tuesday first!
Kindergarten watched Peter and the Wolf and we had to practice closing our eyes and sticking our fingers in our ears to show that we didn't want to see the wolf! I do think however, that no one was frightened, and we learned something about the instruments that accompany the video. Ask your children what a Kettle Drum is!
2nd graders are now able to understand Beat, rhythm and pattern, and they also know that patterns don't just happen in math, but in music as well! We however, have to work on making sure that our rhythm sticks stay quiet when I am talking!
1st graders listened to a variety of "Styles" of music, everything from classical (Mozart's Dies Irae) to ROCK AND ROLL! (The new song from Transformers- New Divide) to Opera and Country. We discussed how we could tell that each one of those songs fit into one or more of those categories.
Jonah's Wailers listened to Andrew Johnston , a 13 year old boy from Britain sing "Pie Jesu" If you ever want to trick your students into thinking that all girls sing high, and all boys sing low... think again! 3 of the 36 said it was male, the rest believed it was a female singing. Here is the link to the youtube site if you want to hear him sing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJidPdlBKm8
6th grade bells reached their goal today of 1-24, fairly efficiently. They also listened to their song on CD and tried to play along with it... That was pretty scary! They weren't quite ready to play it that quickly!
Good News choir is singing this Sunday(at 8:00am), so they learned and polished the remained of their song. They are singing it tomorrow for chapel as well.
4th grade chimes can tell you one thing from our class today... after you play measure 1, you ??? PLAY MEASURE 2!!!! What a revelation they all had! We had a good laugh after our neurons had finally connected theory with practice! Let's just hope that those synapse stay connected until next week!
Wednesday
Good News choir sang very well for chapel this morning, we could have sung louder, but we had never practiced outside before! See you all on Sunday!
Oh advanced band. . . after listening to the recording this afternoon, you are going to want to practice more than you have ever practiced before! Amazingly enough I was able to listen to it once through, after that, I wanted to erase it from my memory. And after you hear it tomorrow... oh the torture! we will know what to fix! I really do apologize in advance for not having enough battery to tape you the second time around. It really was much better! When I get more tech savvy, I will put the recordings on the blog to let your parents hear the torture!!
Beginning Band is chugging right along with their first few notes! Our assignment, due tomorrow in class is ww/br- 5, 6, 7 and Dr- 10, 11, 12. Watch yourself in the mirror! Some of you look like you are in pain when you play!! We also discussed how you should practice when at home. No TV or radio (unless using the accompaniment CD) and try to be free from other distractions. Practice at least 10-15 continuous minutes without being interrupted, and if you get stuck on something, formulate a question to ask me in the next class period.
3rd graders got to experience Music Ace for the first time. Music Ace is a computer software program that is designed to teach the students about the staff and how to read the notes. It is all interactive and works very well on the smart board (too bad I don't have one!) We made it through lesson one today with very little trouble. Next week- on to lesson two!
8th grade bells listened to their Holy Jesus Think on Me, and was able to successfully play with the CD until about measure 26, when the reason it is a Level 2 piece came into play, the key change! Oh please! There are NO Bb in the Key of G!!!!! Thanks to those who stayed after to make sure the room was clean!
Off to rehearsal...again!
Tuesday first!
Kindergarten watched Peter and the Wolf and we had to practice closing our eyes and sticking our fingers in our ears to show that we didn't want to see the wolf! I do think however, that no one was frightened, and we learned something about the instruments that accompany the video. Ask your children what a Kettle Drum is!
2nd graders are now able to understand Beat, rhythm and pattern, and they also know that patterns don't just happen in math, but in music as well! We however, have to work on making sure that our rhythm sticks stay quiet when I am talking!
1st graders listened to a variety of "Styles" of music, everything from classical (Mozart's Dies Irae) to ROCK AND ROLL! (The new song from Transformers- New Divide) to Opera and Country. We discussed how we could tell that each one of those songs fit into one or more of those categories.
Jonah's Wailers listened to Andrew Johnston , a 13 year old boy from Britain sing "Pie Jesu" If you ever want to trick your students into thinking that all girls sing high, and all boys sing low... think again! 3 of the 36 said it was male, the rest believed it was a female singing. Here is the link to the youtube site if you want to hear him sing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJidPdlBKm8
6th grade bells reached their goal today of 1-24, fairly efficiently. They also listened to their song on CD and tried to play along with it... That was pretty scary! They weren't quite ready to play it that quickly!
Good News choir is singing this Sunday(at 8:00am), so they learned and polished the remained of their song. They are singing it tomorrow for chapel as well.
4th grade chimes can tell you one thing from our class today... after you play measure 1, you ??? PLAY MEASURE 2!!!! What a revelation they all had! We had a good laugh after our neurons had finally connected theory with practice! Let's just hope that those synapse stay connected until next week!
Wednesday
Good News choir sang very well for chapel this morning, we could have sung louder, but we had never practiced outside before! See you all on Sunday!
Oh advanced band. . . after listening to the recording this afternoon, you are going to want to practice more than you have ever practiced before! Amazingly enough I was able to listen to it once through, after that, I wanted to erase it from my memory. And after you hear it tomorrow... oh the torture! we will know what to fix! I really do apologize in advance for not having enough battery to tape you the second time around. It really was much better! When I get more tech savvy, I will put the recordings on the blog to let your parents hear the torture!!
Beginning Band is chugging right along with their first few notes! Our assignment, due tomorrow in class is ww/br- 5, 6, 7 and Dr- 10, 11, 12. Watch yourself in the mirror! Some of you look like you are in pain when you play!! We also discussed how you should practice when at home. No TV or radio (unless using the accompaniment CD) and try to be free from other distractions. Practice at least 10-15 continuous minutes without being interrupted, and if you get stuck on something, formulate a question to ask me in the next class period.
3rd graders got to experience Music Ace for the first time. Music Ace is a computer software program that is designed to teach the students about the staff and how to read the notes. It is all interactive and works very well on the smart board (too bad I don't have one!) We made it through lesson one today with very little trouble. Next week- on to lesson two!
8th grade bells listened to their Holy Jesus Think on Me, and was able to successfully play with the CD until about measure 26, when the reason it is a Level 2 piece came into play, the key change! Oh please! There are NO Bb in the Key of G!!!!! Thanks to those who stayed after to make sure the room was clean!
Off to rehearsal...again!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Rat-a-tat-tat
Thanks to the 5th grade drummers for providing today's blog title!
Advanced band really really missed the 6th grade today... did you?? They did their Bb concert scale test today, and learned about how to tune their instruments with the electronic tuner. We also started "In the Hall of the Mountain King". Their assignment is to practice measures 1-33, making sure they have rehearsed the staccato (short) technique.
Beginning Band started with their instruments today! I have 2 flutes, 2 clarinets, 1 trumpet, 1 baritone and 2 percussionists. It is a fairly balanced group, but we sure do miss having a saxophone player! Their assignment today is to practice long tones on the note they learned today. (Trumpets and clarinets "G" and Flutes and Baritone "F") Drummers are practicing 1-5 and making up their own rhythm to perform in class tomorrow. Your first practice card is due NEXT Wednesday, 50 minutes total.
3rd grade finished up their matching worksheet today. What beautiful work you all did!
8th grade bells got two new songs today, and we have progressed to level 2 music. So many key changes, so little time!! Joyful canticle and Holy Jesus think on me. To hear Holy Jesus think on me go to this website: http://www.jwpepper.com/catalog/lsearch in the search category put this number in: 20/1469L, then select MP3 audio. You will need windows media player to play the song.
Advanced band really really missed the 6th grade today... did you?? They did their Bb concert scale test today, and learned about how to tune their instruments with the electronic tuner. We also started "In the Hall of the Mountain King". Their assignment is to practice measures 1-33, making sure they have rehearsed the staccato (short) technique.
Beginning Band started with their instruments today! I have 2 flutes, 2 clarinets, 1 trumpet, 1 baritone and 2 percussionists. It is a fairly balanced group, but we sure do miss having a saxophone player! Their assignment today is to practice long tones on the note they learned today. (Trumpets and clarinets "G" and Flutes and Baritone "F") Drummers are practicing 1-5 and making up their own rhythm to perform in class tomorrow. Your first practice card is due NEXT Wednesday, 50 minutes total.
3rd grade finished up their matching worksheet today. What beautiful work you all did!
8th grade bells got two new songs today, and we have progressed to level 2 music. So many key changes, so little time!! Joyful canticle and Holy Jesus think on me. To hear Holy Jesus think on me go to this website: http://www.jwpepper.com/catalog/lsearch in the search category put this number in: 20/1469L, then select MP3 audio. You will need windows media player to play the song.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Alien Abduction
Have you ever had one of those days when you feel like you have been abducted by aliens, and they have replaced your brain with goo? Well, that was today! I was woke up this morning at 6:30 (and if you know me, you know that this is not a pleasant hour for me!) by a plethora of jackhammers tearing up my street. Did they bother to tell me that I wasn't going to be able to get out of my driveway when I needed to go to school? NO. Of course not. Needless to say, I was late and the goo in my brain was starting to ooze out all ready.
Kindergartners did not have class today, but we will see them on Thursday!
1st and 2nd grade both had an in class assignment to draw what they heard on the CD I had playing, and congrats to E.E. (you know who you are!!) for getting "Popcorn" by Gershon Kingsley. I can't say that I could have even told you the name of the song when I was in college! He said "I heard that on Crazy Frog! It is called "Popcorn"! I just stared at him, ooze coming out of my brains again! As I sit here, I am listening to the crazy frog version of the song. You should check it out! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXrnKGSShMk&feature=fvw
Jonah's came into class today and asked why there was an aisle between their seats. If they told you it was because the sopranos think that the altos have cooties, they are lying to you! I told them that one of the most important things for me as a teacher is to be in the middle of the choir to listen to how they sing. Sometimes directors can fall into the trap of standing up front and hearing only one perspective of the music. So I get right in there with them and help sing. I hope they didn't think I had cooties! And Chase, I still think that your aliens need to be named Bob and Steve!
6th grade bells got a new song today called "Spirit of the Living God" And were successfully able to play the first 8 measures. (With brand new people, and everyone in a different spot from last year, I would say that is pretty fantastic!) Here is a fabulous version of it, with a soloist. It sounds like Michael W. Smith. Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXrnKGSShMk&feature=fvw
The Good News Choir worked SO hard today to get ready for their first time to sing in church this year. I can't believe that we learned about 71 measures of the song in about 37 minutes!! It got to be so hot in my classroom (even with a fan!) that kids were starting to fall asleep and I think that their brains were turning to goo... I will just leave it at that!
4th graders learned about the grand staff and what handbell/chime music looks like and were taught how to find their notes on the music. So many symbols, so little time! Ask your 4th grader what notes they play, and see if they can remember!
Hopefully, tomorrow the alien goo should be dried up and I will be ready to teach!
5th grade Band members! Bring those instruments tomorrow!
Advanced band, better have those practice cards, even if you didn't practice! (which I hope you did!!!!!!!!!)
Kindergartners did not have class today, but we will see them on Thursday!
1st and 2nd grade both had an in class assignment to draw what they heard on the CD I had playing, and congrats to E.E. (you know who you are!!) for getting "Popcorn" by Gershon Kingsley. I can't say that I could have even told you the name of the song when I was in college! He said "I heard that on Crazy Frog! It is called "Popcorn"! I just stared at him, ooze coming out of my brains again! As I sit here, I am listening to the crazy frog version of the song. You should check it out! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXrnKGSShMk&feature=fvw
Jonah's came into class today and asked why there was an aisle between their seats. If they told you it was because the sopranos think that the altos have cooties, they are lying to you! I told them that one of the most important things for me as a teacher is to be in the middle of the choir to listen to how they sing. Sometimes directors can fall into the trap of standing up front and hearing only one perspective of the music. So I get right in there with them and help sing. I hope they didn't think I had cooties! And Chase, I still think that your aliens need to be named Bob and Steve!
6th grade bells got a new song today called "Spirit of the Living God" And were successfully able to play the first 8 measures. (With brand new people, and everyone in a different spot from last year, I would say that is pretty fantastic!) Here is a fabulous version of it, with a soloist. It sounds like Michael W. Smith. Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXrnKGSShMk&feature=fvw
The Good News Choir worked SO hard today to get ready for their first time to sing in church this year. I can't believe that we learned about 71 measures of the song in about 37 minutes!! It got to be so hot in my classroom (even with a fan!) that kids were starting to fall asleep and I think that their brains were turning to goo... I will just leave it at that!
4th graders learned about the grand staff and what handbell/chime music looks like and were taught how to find their notes on the music. So many symbols, so little time! Ask your 4th grader what notes they play, and see if they can remember!
Hopefully, tomorrow the alien goo should be dried up and I will be ready to teach!
5th grade Band members! Bring those instruments tomorrow!
Advanced band, better have those practice cards, even if you didn't practice! (which I hope you did!!!!!!!!!)
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
The One Forgiven Chance!
Thank you the one lone 6th grade flute player for the title of today's blog :)
The title came from the fact that only 1 of the 27 kids in band turned in their first practice card of the year (Due today). They should have all failed and all gotten a detention! I forgave them all and this is the ONE forgiven chance! Every Wednesday 50 minutes are due, or else they get a check and a failing grade. I am pretty sure that we will all be turning in their cards next week!
Things to make sure to talk to your children about-band wise: A practice card must be turned in every week, signed by the parent, EVEN if they did not practice! Part of my masters degree is the documentation of practice cards. Thanks! There is a TEST next week (Wednesday) on the Bb concert scale. Don't know what that means? ASK ME!
Band has ALMOST chosen their instruments! See you this Friday night (September 11) at beginning band night at St. Luke. Questions? Call me at school! They had an assignment- in class- most of them finished. Not finished? We still have tomorrows class!!
3rd grade had a music Symbols matching game. We got to color with pretty crayons and colored pencils! We will finish it next week.
8th graders! I can't believe how many of you wanted to play bells! WHY didn't you come last year!!! anyway, welcome to the newbies... dive in!
And I am out............
The title came from the fact that only 1 of the 27 kids in band turned in their first practice card of the year (Due today). They should have all failed and all gotten a detention! I forgave them all and this is the ONE forgiven chance! Every Wednesday 50 minutes are due, or else they get a check and a failing grade. I am pretty sure that we will all be turning in their cards next week!
Things to make sure to talk to your children about-band wise: A practice card must be turned in every week, signed by the parent, EVEN if they did not practice! Part of my masters degree is the documentation of practice cards. Thanks! There is a TEST next week (Wednesday) on the Bb concert scale. Don't know what that means? ASK ME!
Band has ALMOST chosen their instruments! See you this Friday night (September 11) at beginning band night at St. Luke. Questions? Call me at school! They had an assignment- in class- most of them finished. Not finished? We still have tomorrows class!!
3rd grade had a music Symbols matching game. We got to color with pretty crayons and colored pencils! We will finish it next week.
8th graders! I can't believe how many of you wanted to play bells! WHY didn't you come last year!!! anyway, welcome to the newbies... dive in!
And I am out............
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