November Message

 Virtual Winter Celebration

Due to the impact that respiratory illness has had on student and staff absenteeism at Citadel Park School, the leadership team has made a decision to plan for a virtual winter celebration instead of in-person. In collaboration with classroom teachers, I will video record student performances – to be shared with the school community on December 15^th. We intend to share the video(s) with families via a private YouTube link. Only students whose parents have provided ‘consent for CBE use of student information’ will be recorded for video sharing.

Additionally, if you know in advance that your child will be absent during the week of December 12-16, please send me an email at jimtowill@cbe.ab.ca.

Students in grades 1-4 have been working hard on their songs in music class, and are excited to share their talents with you!

Grade 1

Students in grade one have used the xylophones for the first time at school! We started by learning about the instrument and proper playing technique. We learned how to hold the mallets, and how to hit the bars of the xylophone. Students have improvised melodies on the C pentatonic scale. We also practice how to keep the beat on the xylophone while we sing.

Grade 2

Grade two students have practiced improvising melodies on the xylophone. For an extra challenge, their improvised melodies had to start and end on a low C. Students have learned about the sounds of all of the different barred instruments, and have learned what part the glockenspiels play in a song. Playing the barred instruments helps solidify our knowledge of beat and rhythm.

Grade 3

In November, grade three students have been extending their skills on the barred instruments. Students have improvised melodies, learned bordun patterns, and have learned complicated melodies. Playing in pairs and groups helps students correct mistakes and play in a synchronized fashion. We also add instruments like drums and shakers to xylophone patterns to create an accompaniment.

Grade 4

Students in grade four are learning melodies on the xylophones. They are extending their skills to include faster tempos. We have been layering different melodies and rhythms on the bass, alto and soprano xylophones. Glockenspiels add colour to Orff songs. More complicated songs challenge students in grade four to count music as their playing.