Representing Ideas Through Music

This week was all about the Gingerbread Man in Kindergarten!  Students retold this old story using a variety of sounds to represent different parts of the story. The shaker eggs made the sound of hissing snakes, the guiros made the sound of growling bears and the finger cymbals played the part of tweeting birds. Students also used their voice to make different sounds, from sound effects to shouting to singing. Our bodies also added to the soundscape as our feet made the sound of the Gingerbread Man running away!

Click HERE to listen to the
"Surprise Symphony"

Grade One students spent some time analyzing the “Surprise Symphony” this week. It begins so quietly and slowly that it’s tempting to fall asleep. But suddenly (you guessed it!) there’s a big surprise that wakes everyone up!. Click on the link to the right to find out what happens.

Grade Two and Three students also listened to some famous music and considered how the composer inspires our emotions and imagination. Click on links below as you read some of the students’ responses.

Click HERE to hear the Grade Two sample:
"Fossils"

"It feels excited because it is presto and forte. I imagine a dog running to chase a cat."

"I imagine a mouse is looking for cheese."

"I imagine a bunch of lizards being crazy all over."

Click HERE to hear the Grade Three Sample:
"Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks"

“It feels annoying and presto and forte. I imagine people poking me.”

“It feels happy. . .  I imagine a new born puppy.”

"I imagine a small mouse trying to get out of something but gets cornered every time."

I imagine monkeys invading the Walmart."