Music - Mrs. Lois Spanton

Music Update                                     September 5, 2010

Yes!  We've already completed 2 full weeks of school and the students have been very cooperative!   This year  I really tried to start out doing some more "serious" work from the textbooks and with the Jr. High, but Friday I spent the day singing songs that were meant to be "fun"!  We all enjoyed "Forty Hour Week"  by Alabama.  (My attempt at a Labor Day song!) We also sang some traditionally patriotic songs.  The younger kids really enjoy this, especially finishing off with "God Bless the USA!"   

Grades Seven & Eight   I have been presenting some basic information about how historians divide music history into a few general eras.  We have reviewed the Medieval and Renaissance Eras and are finally getting into the Baroque Era.  We will focus on 3 composers of this era: Vivaldi, Handel and Bach.  Some of the students can barely tolerate the listening activities, others say it's okay---but all of the students have been good note takers and listeners.  We have also been working on a 2 part version of the oldie "Stand By Me!"

Grade Six  The 6th graders continue to be great participaters!  Their music books have focused on musical expression, especially dynamic markings  (louds & softs)   We just finished a unit that focused on "Lean on Me."  Next week we will look at an old Cowboy ballad and add some chordal accompaniment using tone bells.  

Grade Five   The 5th graders have been reviewing some basic rhythm patterns.  We have also enjoyed listening and moving to processionals from around the world. I think most of them enjoyed the song "Don't Worry! Be Happy!" as well!

Grade Three & Four   I have been very pleased with the new format for Music & PE.  The students seem happy with the mixing of grades and they have really been participating.  It's fun to see all 25 of them together on Wednesdays, simply because they sound super! We will focus on singing partner songs or rounds and on basic note reading when we're all together on Wednesdays.  In our smaller groups, we'll continue working from our music books.  Their favorite song from the books so far seems to be "Soldier, Soldier."  Ask them about the story from this song!

Second Grade  The 2nds are also very nice participators!  They still seem to really enjoy practicing songs for our weekly school masses!  We have been reviewing quarter notes, quarter rests & double 8th note rhythm patterns.  They all created & performed a simple 8 beat rhythm pattern for the class last week--their papers are hanging up on the back wall of the music room!

First Grade   It has been fun getting to know all 11 first graders.  They are nice singers and are very good at coming up with creative movement ideas!  Their favorite songs so far seem to be "Lord, I Lift Your Name on High" and "Sodeo."   Ask them to sing something for you!