In music, the grades students have been having lots of fun. We’ve been playing games that teach musical concepts such as rhythm, rhythm reading, the way notes move (ear training) and an introduction to music notation. We warmed up our voices and learned to sing and play the lovely Lantern Walk songs. The classes have also been playing their pennywhistles, bells and ukuleles, and exploring the many moods that are created by music.

Please, PLEASE, remember, your child needs to bring their instruments and folders every Monday so your child will stay successfully learning with their class.

1st grade - pennywhistles.

2nd grade - pennywhistles.

3rd grade - pennywhistles, ukuleles and blue folders.

4th grade - pennywhistles, ukuleles and blue folders.

5th grade - ukuleles and blue folders.

Remembering to bring their instruments and music helps the children to build healthy habits that will support them throughout their lives. As the students are young, please help them with this at home. One suggestion is to have your child to draw a picture or write a note to leave in a certain spot as a reminder.

Record Time: This month's record time will be two parts. One because this is the last chance before the winter break for me to remind you all how wonderful the music of The Nutcracker is and encourage you to share it with your children along with the rest of the wonderful music that comes once a year.

The second album I would like to recommend to you is “Live Art” by Bela Felck and the Flecktones. It features Victor Wooten, who tops the list of incredible bass players, Future Man on “drums” which aren’t really drums and Bela Fleck, the preeminent Jazz banjo player. Yes, that’s right. Jazz Banjo. There are several special guests including Sam Bush, Branford Marsalis, Chick Corea, Edgar Meyer, Jerry Douglas and Bruce Hornsby.

Enjoy!!!

The song “The Message” has a positive message, but it does talk about war (and peace) so may not be suitable for some.

Kind regards,

Ben