Rhythm Sticks, Djembes and Garbage!

Kindergarten students explored a new instrument this week - rhythm sticks!  They may just look like two little rods, but they can make some interesting sounds. Students explored tapping them, scrapping them, playing on the floor and on the carpet - we even played them on our shoes! We discovered that these instruments can make both "quiet" and "loud" sounds, and decided to make our singing voices the same.  Finally, after all this exploration, each student celebrated their favorite sound by choosing how to play their own instrument.  It was exciting to see each of these young musicians make their own musical choice!

The highlight of Grade One music this week was their performance at the Terry Fox assembly on Friday! The students sang with energy and passion about Terry's strength, pride, kindness and caring. What a great way to inspire our school community before the big run!

Grade Two students had the opportunity to use the djembe this week, which is a drum

originating from the countries in West Africa.  They learned to hold the instrument using only their feet and knees, keeping the "mouth" of the drum open by tilting it slightly away from them. Once the drums were steady, we played a rhythmic pattern which will eventually be used to accompany our song about Liza Briggs. I was so proud to see many students helping their peers with kind hands and words. We are lucky to have such a cooperative learning community!

Finally, Grade Three students began their "Garbage Project" today, learning a rhythmic pattern on the xylophone to accompany that old campfire song "Don't Throw Your Junk in My Backyard." Again, the students themselves became the teachers, spreading their understanding of mallet technique and "what notes to play when" with their peers. It promises to be some beautiful "garbage" when we're finished!