Jinglin' with the 3Ks

Merry Christmas from the Wee Vikings!  Visitng the FPD 3K class is a highlight of my week.  They LOVE to sing and make music with the instruments that "Miss Mindy" brings over.  Today, we practiced keeping the steady beat with instruments and singing to "Jingle Bells."  Enjoy!

Christmas Program Countdown

The students in grades 1-5 have been working extremely hard on the Elementary Christmas Program!  This year's program is called Children of Bethlehem.  We have two more days of rehearsals, and then we are live to the world!  There are two performances this coming Thursday, December 13th.  The first performance is at 1pm and the second is at 7pm.  And, this year, the 1pm program is going to be webcast live.  You can direct anyone that would like to watch the webcast to www.fpdmacon.org/webcast. Again, it will begin at 1pm EST this Thursday, December 13th. 

'Tis the Season

I apologize for the lack of an update--Thanksgiving hit, Mr. Krejci and I visited my parents in Colorado, and next thing I know, it's December 3rd!!!  Where does the time go???  

We are busy preparing for the annual Elementary Christmas Program here in music classes.  Next Thursday, December 13th, at 1pm and 7pm, you are invited to come see our Christmas musical, "Children of Bethlehem."  The story is a fictional look at Jesus' birth through the eyes of young children living in Bethlehem the night He is born.  The musical selections include favorites such as "Do You Hear What I Hear?", "We Three Kings," and "The Little Drummer Boy."  Students in grades 1st-5th are all involved!  We have been learning about our singing voices, different instrument techniques that will be featured, and what a great opportunity we have to present the story of Jesus' birth.  May we all--the audience, the children, and me!--be able to pause during this program and come to the manger with a renewed sense of wonder and awe over Emmanuel's birth.  

In an effort to conceal some of our "surprises," I am positing some pictures instead of videos of the kids getting ready.  Hope to see you here!

4th Grade Recorder players and singers working hard

1st graders practicing motions for the Big Finale!

Hop Old Squirrel

We have been busy in 4K learning about our singing voice, the steady beat, and rhythm (the pattern of the words.)  We also have started using some instruments when we sing.  Fall is the perfect time to bring out "Hop Old Squirrel" to help us practice these concepts.  This song is an American folk song.  We practiced singing in different groups--the class on one part, Mrs. Krejci on the other part.  Then, we moved our bodies to the different musical sections.  Finally, we put the movements on instruments and all took turns playing the instrument while the class sang.  Our final product is "Hop Old Squirrel" with movements, tubano drums, egg shakers, and voices.  You will find all these displayed in the video below.  And, if you look closely, you just might spot our puppet friend, Mr. Squirrel, that helped us learn the song!  

Wee Vikings

A highlight of my week is visiting the 3K students--The Wee Vikings--in the Kindergarten building.  We are exploring our singing voice and moving our bodies to the music.  These students are full of energy and excited to learn!  One of their favorite songs is called "Jump Jim Joe."  Jim is a feisty fellow who has us moving in all kinds of ways to the music.  

Cover Design Contest Details

Check out the 1st grade and 2nd grade tabs at the top of the page for a cover design contest just for those grade levels!  I've asked 1st and 2nd graders to get their creative juices flowing to come up with a design for the program booklet for our Christmas performance called "Children of Bethlehem."  

Mrs. Krejci

Music Class News!

Hello, FPD Family!  I wanted to give you a quick update of things to look for on the blog.  First of all, a new addition on the right hand column of the Home page allows you to sign up to follow this blog via email.  Simply enter your email address in the box provided, and you will be emailed when the blog is updated!  

By the end of the week I will have videos up of the 3K class and a 4K class making music.  These little ones are great musicians and are a blast to watch!

Also, soon I will post news regarding the Christmas Program for various grade levels!  Of specific interest to 1st and 2nd graders, there will be a Cover Design Competition for the program handed out.  Watch for those details to be up in the next few days. 

As always, I love teaching your children!  They are a joy to be with during the day. 

Sincerely, 

Mrs. Krejci