March 4, 2022

 Kinder

The kindergarten students are continuing on with our Carnival of the Animals learning. We have listened to the following movements: lion, hens and roosters, donkey/wild horses, tortoise and elephant. For each movement, students participate in a movement activity, and often rhythm activities that follow the song. We are beginning to discuss concepts such as fast/slow, and soft/loud, in relation to the songs. Kinder students are getting very good at 'ta' and 'ti-ti' rhythms!

Grade 1

Grade one students have dug into our Carnival of the Animals learning. We have listened to the March of the Lion, Hens and Roosters, the donkey/wild horses, the tortoises, and the elephant. Students have learned to identify the sounds of pianos, violins, violas, the clarinet and the double bass. We have been discussing the concepts of fast/slow and loud/soft, and identifying those dynamics in each movement. Students have also engaged in movement activities pantomiming each animal!

Grade 2

Students finished their CDE songs and played them for each other on glockenspiels. We have started a listening unit based on Camille Saint-Saens symphony Carnival of the Animals. Each movement represents a different animal. We follow the listening map of each song by acting out the animal, discussing if the song is fast or slow, loud or soft, and why the composer chose those sounds to represent that animal. The sounds of the clarinet, piano, violin, violas, and double bass have been identified. Students connect the songs to their emotions by writing how each song makes them feel.

Grade 3

Grade three have moved on to add F, Am and C7 chords to their repertoire. We have practiced switching chords on a count of eight, advancing to a count of four. In small groups, students have practiced their finger picking songs (Twinkle Twinkle and Mary Had a Little Lamb) and chord progressions. We have worked on the chord progression F -> C -> Am -> C to play a fun Pop Tarts song.

Grade 4

Grade four students have learned chords C, G7, F, Am and C7. In small groups, they have practiced finger picking and chord progressions. They have learned two different strumming patterns to switch chords on a count of four. The chord progression we are working on is C -> Am -> F -> G7. This chord progression will allow students to learn many common songs.