Peter and the Wolf

The students have been learning about different instruments in an orchestra and how they can tell a story.  

Here is a link for Peter and the Wolf: a story told through instruments

Peter and the Wolf

Strong and weak beat

The students have been learning about strong and weak beats.  We practiced this concept by bouncing a ball on beat 1 and then holding for 8.  This shows the students what it sounds like and prepares them for the feel of an 8 count.  We have also been practicing this concept with the song C'est L'halloween

Here is a link to the song if they want to try it at home: C'est l'halloween

Body percussion

We have been working through many different ways to keep a steady beat and rhythm.  This includes using instruments such as drums, cups and rhythm sticks.  We have also been using bean bags to toss them to the beat and jump over them to the rhythm.  We have been practicing some body percussion rhythms and adding in instruments such as the triangle. 

Here is a link to an example of a body percussion rhythm we are practicing. Body percussion lesson

Class song

The kindergarten and grade 1's also start the class with a song.  We keep the beat to this song in different ways including clapping, moving back and forth, swaying our arms, clucking our tongues, stomping our feet and snapping (if they can:)  

Here is a link to the song if they want to practice at home:

Raffi: All I really need

Beat and Rhythm 

The students have been learning about drumming and how it is used in different cultures.  Here is a website we were looking at in class about First Nations and the important of the drum to them.

First Nations Drumming

Overview:

Over the past few weeks we have been learning about steady and unsteady beats as well as rhythm patterns.  We have practiced this with a series of games, songs and instruments.  

This week we are looking at different ways to make percussion beats and rhythms and writing our own body percussion sequences.  

Here is a video example body percussion

This week we have been learning the different parts of a song and trying to keep a steady beat.

Here is a link to a website if you want to practice at home.

Parts of a song

Kindergarten to Grade 3 Music

I am very excited to be teaching music to the younger elementary students this year! 

The focus of this program is as follows by Alberta Education:

The systematic development of musical skills, knowledge and perception is fundamental to the total development of the individual. Music education should begin at an early age and should continue to encourage creative expression through performance, listening and composition. As students become sensitive to the expressive elements of music, they develop insight into human feelings.

The purpose of the elementary music program is for students to develop: 

• enjoyment of music 

• awareness and appreciation of a variety of music, including music of the many cultures represented in Canada 

• insights into music through meaningful musical activities 

• self-expression and creativity 

• musical skills and knowledge.

The students will also learn specific skills such as rhythm, harmony and melody through singing, instruments, listening, moving and creating.

There will be opportunities for performance within the program, including an artist in residency from One World Drumming for three weeks concluding with a winter concert.

If you have any questions or concerns do not hesitate to contact me.

Looking forward to the year!  

Thank you,

Ms. Bly