Catching Up From the Start of the Year

We've had a busy and exciting start to the year in music! Across all grades, students have been building classroom routines, practicing how to work together as an ensemble, and developing their skills as singers, players, movers, and listeners. Here's a quick look at what's been happening in each grade level.

Kindergarten

Our Kindergarten students have been discovering what it means to be musicians! We've been practicing how to follow the teacher, listen carefully, and make music together. Students have learned songs about ducks and hens, clapped simple rhythms, and transferred those rhythms onto instruments such as rhythm sticks and tambourines. We've also been exploring movement in music by taking giant steps for loud sounds, tiny steps for quiet sounds, moving like different animals, and dancing to familiar favorites such as the Chicken Dance.

Grade 1

Grade 1 students have been strengthening their singing voices while learning how to keep a steady beat using different actions and movements. We have started building instrument skills with rhythm sticks and have been practicing proper mallet technique to prepare for future instrument work. Students have also been learning important performance habits, such as watching the conductor, playing together, and knowing when to listen. A class favorite has been Two Little Apples, which challenges students to chant lyrics, move, and perform actions all at the same time!

Grade 2

Grade 2 musicians have been continuing to build their confidence on barred instruments while practicing rhythms connected to songs and spoken lyrics. Students have been learning about musical form through a fun binary (two part) song called Go, Go, Go! and have started exploring solfege using the notes sol and mi along with hand signs. We have also begun learning how to move efficiently between instruments and are taking our first steps into reading rhythm notation.

Grade 3

Grade 3 students have been combining singing, rhythm work, and instrument playing as they transfer rhythms from songs onto rhythm sticks and barred instruments. We have started developing our solfege skills using la, sol, and mi hand signs. Students are also beginning preparations for their Orange Shirt Day assembly performance of Sherryl Sewepagaham's The Children's Blessing Song, and we are looking forward to sharing that music with our school community next Tuesday.

Grade 4

Grade 4 musicians have been reviewing rhythms and building their skills on barred instruments. They are exploring how different sections of music fit together through a rondo piece called Listen, where they perform different parts and learn how their role contributes to the whole ensemble. They have also been tackling a three-note ostinato pattern that involves crossing their hands while playing, which has been a fun challenge! Near the end of the week we will begin reviewing rhythm notation and continue developing music-reading skills throughout the year.

Thank you for supporting your child's musical growth. It's been wonderful to see students singing, playing, moving, and learning together, and we're looking forward to all of the musical experiences still to come this year!