Musical Learning in November

Kindergarten students began the month by retelling the story of the Gingerbread Man, using their voices, instruments and movement to bring new life to this old tale.  They also sang the story of Mr. Clickety Cane, who transforms everyday grooming into a ridiculous game!  Finally, students became papers and pencils through the poem “Criss Cross”.  Ask your child to draw it on your back – you’ll be amazed by how clearly little fingers can communicate!

Grade One students reinforced their ability to play the rhythm of text with our Animal Rhythm Project.  Each group composed a four-beat rhythmic phrase using the names of animals.  Then they played their rhythm of their text between a sung chorus.  Some classes even had the chance to act out their animals for their friends!  The students also began to learn how to speak like a musician, using professional terminology to describe the speed and volume of the music.  They also shared how the music made them feel and were surprised to discovered that each listener had their own unique response. 

Grade Two students sang the old song “Peas Porridge Hot” to learn their newest note “do”.  But then they gave it a modern twist by composing their own actions to illustrate a funny poem about that stinky, stinky porridge!  They also spent some time considering several famous pieces of music, Trepak (from the Nutcracker suite), Cuckoo and Fossils (from the Carnival of the Animals suite).  Listening as musicians, they determined the emotion or mood inspired by the music and what the composer did to make them feel that way.  Then they went a step further and visualized an image prompted by this music.  Each listener brings their own personality and life experience to the music, and it was very exciting for the students to celebrate the wide range of responses within their class!

Grade Three students were honored with the responsibility of preparing and performing a piece of music for our Remembrance Assembly this month.  They sang “A Song of Peace” by C. Cassils which celebrates the strength of our diverse community and our commitment to peace in our world.  I was very proud of the seriousness and diligence with which they embraced their work.  It was a beautiful and powerful performance.  On the lighter side, students deepened their understanding of melodic notation and xylophone accompaniments with our Candy Store Project.  First, groups of students composed and sang their own melodies about their favorite sugary treats.  Then they gathered everyone’s musical confection into a giant Candy Store, singing and playing a chorus between each groups’ performance.  Delicious!