Greetings! I know we got out of school in June, but I have been here throughout June and July. Now it is time to actually HAVE to come to school. School starts for me officially next week and for students August first. That must of been the shortest summer break for some of you! There were so many resources I wanted to add to the blog this summer but it has been all work and recuperating for me. Hopefully those resources will be posted soon. I look forward to seeing what this very different school year will bring for all of us.
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April is so many things but two stand out the most to me: National Poetry Month and Jazz Appreciation Month. In honor of Jazz Appreciation Month 2022, RHINO has 24/7 Jazz Radio on YouTube. Check it out here. Also, here is the Jazz Academy's "What Is Jazz?" playlist. Below you will find one of those videos.
As we wait for our Orff instruments to come, we have been doing more listening lessons with movement props. Before Spring Break the students were introduced to piece "Galop" from The Comedians composed by Dimitri Kabalevsky. They used ribbon streamers and scarves to do movements that represented the form of the piece. Though the form is ABA, it is filled with interludes between the main sections. I enjoyed teaching the students the movements as well as seeing them do the movements. They did an awesome job showing and describing which movement represented each section of the piece.
PICS/VIDEO to COME Coming back from Spring Break, I decided to stick with the listening lessons. This week back is a short one for my classes so we are learning about and doing "Trepak (Russian Dance)" from The Nutcracker by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. We are looking at AABA form in a short piece. Of course, there is an interlude and coda in there for more to do. It sounds like a lot because the song is only just over one minute! This was a fun piece with which to start our last leg of the school year! PICS to COME I am so proud of how great the students at Marion Intermediate School performed at Art in the Park. As stated, the day of the performance was the first time we had ALL of the students at the rehearsal. We've had several practices but usually with some groups of students missing. I am thankful of the time that our Assistant Principal Mr. Washington allowed us to get together to rehearse; this time eased many of the students apprehensions. It warmed my heart to hear our students singing using the correct voice and tone.
There was to be video, but it didn't record!!!! Yes, my heart dropped when I realized this. Hopefully someone has a recording of the MIS performance to share. This is just to let the performers and all of the students at MIS know that I am proud of them and what they have shown me they can do. PICTURES TO COME There is a full blown post to follow this one, but I just wanted to remind you that March is Music In Our Schools Month (MIOSM), Theatre In Our Schools Month (TIOS), as well as Youth Art Month (YAM). This is a time to amp up the advocacy and show the benefits of a strong program (when one is ALLOWED to have one). Though advocacy should be happening year round, this is the students time to shine. Hopefully, they will get responses this year from those in positions to cause change. To introduce some movement and music to MIOSM, here is a video from Mr. Henry's Music World. For those who want to experience a piece of our Full February, the MIS 2022 Black History Program (revised) has been included also. Also, I've included videos from various organizations and school districts celebrating TIOS and YAM.
Good December to you all! Before the Thanksgiving Break, fifth grade started to learn basic grip as they prepared to perform a simple syncopated pattern for a reggae piece (Remember 1 tika 2 tika 3 tika 4 tika?). We continued that as December rolled in last week, and this week we are reviewing and hopefully adding dotted notes to the mix. Fourth graders have been trying to get the hang of canons and were closer to succes when we switched to the speech "A Journey". They also covered octaves, descants, and patriotic music. They are slated to do triads (with a focus on minor home tone and the dominant V7 chord) and part songs. Third grade is in gear to be introduced to canons and rounds now that they have had to identify different singing voices, perform a cumulative song, and identify the musical alphabet. I am looking forward to seeing how they do with the canons and rounds! Below are some videos to reinforce all of the concepts listed in the above sections.
I hope you are enjoying your Thankgiving Break. We started the syncopation lesson with the fifth grade so Mr. Henry's World Thanksgiving Day Rap is perfect for that. It even has dotted notes which is the lesson after syncopation. Take notes and have fun with this piece! Now some of have had at the privilege to hear about A Turkey Named Bert. Here is a chance for you to move and see how Bert avoided being eaten by the King and Queen!
November is full of so many wonderful things. It being National Native American Heritage Month is one of those things. Google Doodles has this great interactive weaving doodle. Try it here! While doing the interactive, you will learn of a famed Native American fiber artist. November 11th is Veterans Day. Veterans Day (formerly Armistice Day) is when we honor those who have served in the Armed Forces. Do you know of someone who has served in the military? Ask them about their service to the country! Thanksgiving is in this month too! What else is happening in November that is special to you? |
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