October in the music room

Dear families,

This blog post will be longer than most, as this month kicks off big projects for the older grades!  Please scroll down to the grade level (K, 2/4), that pertains to your student.

Kindergartners

This month in kindergartner we contrast steady beat with rhythm, defined for your students as: The pattern of the beat. Long sounds, short sounds, no sounds.  Ask your student to teach you the chant: “Beat, beat is in your feet. Rhythm goes on top of it.” Can you put the beat in your feet while clapping the rhythm, (syllables), in your hands?

It’s more difficult than it sounds! It will be at least a year (or longer) before most children are able to accomplish this task. We also explore voice choice by singing a fun song entitled: “Whisper, talk and shout and sing.” Ask your student to teach you our 4 levels of voice choice at Cascade Ridge!

2nd and 4th grade

Students at both grade levels will begin preparing for upcoming concerts this month! Fourth graders will be performing on Tuesday, January 21st at 6:30. Second graders have their performance scheduled for

Monday, February 3rd at 6:30. Music and lyrics will be posted on my website in the next month.

Through concert preparation, students see the impact that their contribution has on the group result. They show respect for each other through thoughtful preparation, cooperation, and lots of teamwork. Responsibility and respect are core values of Endeavour Jaguars. Opportunities abound to reinforce these values at every rehearsal!

We will also be trying some things this month that are brand new: 4th graders will have a hand at West African drumming styles, while 2nd graders will give improvisation a try.

It will be a busy month! Thank you for your support of our young musicians!