Music Detectives

In 2nd grade this week the students figured out the rhythm and pitches to an old favorite, "Lucy Locket."  First, we figured out the rhythms of the song. We used rhythm sticks on the carpet to show the rhythm. Then, we figured out the pitches using Solfege--so, mi, and la.  We then transferred those pitches to the Boomwhackers and sang the Solfege names. You'll see this in the first video below. Then, we finally added in the words of "Lucy Locket."  In the second video you'll see the completed version.  As a reward for their detective skills, the students got to play a fun passing game while singing the song!  

Using Solfege (So, La, and Mi) to sing the song with the rhythms we notated on the carpet.

Finally!  We get to put the words back in to the song after all our "detective" work. 

4th Grade Recorders--New Songs Added!

The 4th graders have really impressed me with their recorder skills this year!  I just posted the next belt levels.  Remember, these songs and all the belt levels are posted under the "Recorder Resources" tab.  I can't wait to debut the Black Belt and a few "challenge" belts--be on the look out for those in the next few weeks!

Blue Belt

What note does this song start on??

Purple Belt

What is the first note?  

Video Uploading Tutorial for Teacher In-Service

• Make a Video
• I use my iPhone or my iPad.  You can use your tablet, but I find it easier to hold a smaller device.
• Email to yourself and save to your computer (H drive.)
• Sign in to YouTube 
• If you have Blogger and/or Gmail, this is the same account info.
• Click "Upload"
• Select Video from where you saved it on your computer.
• After it's processed, copy the URL provided to the video.
• You can alter the security settings on your Video Manager page.
• In your blog post, click on the Production Board Icon in the tool bar.
• Select "My YouTube Videos" and select the one you want.


• Or, you make a hyperlink to the video's page. (You can do this with any video or page you'd like to link to anywhere on the internet, also.) 

• You can click on the Production Board and simply add a video from your computer.
•  I find the video quality is never as good as linking to YouTube, and I oftentimes run into errors uploading.  
• Sometimes the videos I upload are not able to be viewed by others on the blog.  
• Right now, there is not a way to upload videos to the blog direct from the App.  

What is Orff-Schulwerk?

I know many of you have heard that I teach from an "Orff-based approach."  German composer, Carl Orff developed this approach to music education.  I like to think of it as a whole mind and whole body way to learn music.  The American Orff Schuwelrk Association (AOSA) recently produced some videos that are glimpses into the Orff process.  The first video is about 2 minutes long, and is a final performance of an Orff creation.  The second video is a 7 minute look at the classroom instruction behind the performance, as well as teacher commentary.  I think these are very well done, and a great visual of what we "DO" as Orff teachers.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7ZIUWyOLOs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIg57hqBYqY

Any Turkey Can Tango

The bird is the word!  Turkey, that is.  We have been singing songs and doing activities in the PK-K world about Thanksgiving and turkeys!  Ask your PreK students about "Super Turkey."  Or, have your Kindergartener show their "serious face," which is required in a Tango, of course!  Here is a short video of some Kindergarteners dancing to the Tango.  

I'm so very thankful to be able to teach music to your children at this wonderful school!
Happy Thanksgiving!!

Mrs K :)

Lyrics Now Posted

Lyrics for all the songs in the Elementary Christmas Program are NOW POSTED under the tab "Special Programs and Events."  This is only for students in grades 1-5.  Have your child entertain the family at Thanksgiving this year AND practice their songs at the same time! :) 

It's Beginning to Sound a Lot Like Christmas!

If you were to step into a music class at FPD, you’d find students hard at work learning the songs, recorder parts, xylophone parts, dance movements, and speaking parts to our annual Christmas program.  I am encouraged by their enthusiasm and proud of their efforts!

The 2013 FPD Elementary Christmas program is Christmas Eve at the Cabin. The story is about a group of children who are gathered at a snowy mountain cabin for a family reunion.  We join them in their festivities on Christmas Eve, right before going to sleep.  Songs will include some Christmas favorites like "Jingle Bells" and  "Away in a Manger, " as well as some newer, soon-to-become favorites. 

The FPD Elementary Christmas Program will be at 1pm and 7pm on Thursday, December 12th in the Clarke Fine Arts Center Auditorium.  The program involves all children in grades 1st-5th.  Please invite your family, neighbors, and friends!  It will be sure to be a bright spot in your Christmas Season!