Grade 4 Ada's Violin and the Paraguay Landfill Orchestra

Grade 4 was introduced to a new story in music class entitled Ada's Violin,

book by Susan Hood, illustrations by Sally Wern Comport.  

It tells the story of students in Paraguay, whose family and neighbors 

 

collect garbage from trash and landfills. Members of their community 

construct their own instruments from recycled materials.

Then a qualified music teacher instructs them on how to play music.

It is transforming the young kids lives in more ways than one can imagine.

It also helps our students to recognize and appreciate all the opportunities

 and resources they have afforded to them in their own world. 

    

 Grade 1 Solfege and Kodaly Hand Signals

As the year is coming to a close, Grade 1 is reviewing crucial concepts 

they have studied and learned this year. 

One component of music literacy for 1st grade is learning the solfege syllables

and the corresponding Kodaly hand signals. 

Here they are seen and heard implementing the hand signals into a song. 

 Grade 4 Bucket Drumming 

This year in music class, we introduced a new activity among many of the grades,

 designed to improve rhythm, coordination and music literacy.

We purchased bucket drums, and several of the classes

are developing their percussion skills.

Here is an excerpt of 4th grade learning a rendition of a classical piece: 

The Radetszy March by Richard Strauss. 

 Grade 4 Celebrates Cinco De Mayo Day

              Every year on May 5, people all over the globe celebrate Cinco De Mayo.
                             This day commemorates Mexico's victory over France                                                                             occupation in the Mexican city of La Puebla.
                                It is a day celebrated with parades, breaking pinatas, 
                                Mariachi music, eating Mexican food and fireworks.
                            4th grade participated in such a celebration in music class.
                               Here they are receiving their boarding passes to board
                                         the plane for their virtual trip to Mexico. 

 

That was followed by listening to music performed by Mariachi bands. 

Next came activities where they brushed up on the Spanish, 

and had a snack of chips and salsa.

 

It concluded with dances to Mariachi music and the song La Bamba. 

A great time was had by all!

Grade 1: Mexican Folk Dance

In honor of Cinco de Mayo, the 1st Grade learned 

a Mexican folk dance with rhythm sticks.

Here they are seen practicing the tricky routine.