50 States in Rhyme!

It's been a tradition at FPD for the 2nd grade classes to sing "The 50 States that Rhyme" for the End-of-the-Year Celebration.  This song names all 50 states in alphabetical order!  Since there are so many words, I'm positing the video here for any kids that would like to practice at home.  

It's a fun song, but it will twist up your tongue :) 

50 States that Rhyme (YouTube link)

QuaverMusic.com Update

***UPDATE ABOUT USERNAME*****

I just found out from Quaver that in a few weeks they will be changing the log in process so that only ONE person can be logged on under a username.  The "fpdmusic" username will still exist, however, if two students try to log on at the same time with it, they will be kicked out of the program.  

Again, this is a purely if your child wants to type thing.  I'm not requiring anyone to make an account. However, if your child is really into the composing aspect of the Quaver Music website, I would suggest maybe having him/her sign up for a private account.  You as the parent will receive an email that requires you to approve their sign-up.  It's very, very well monitored.  

You can read more under the FAQ section found on the Quaver homepage. 

QGrooves NEW Loops

I was so excited to see a few kids had gone on to the QGrooves site and made some songs!  This morning, I purchased about a dozen new loops for everyone to use.  They are under Latin, Funk, Electro, Pop, and a few in Hip Hop.  You might have to search for the loops I bought--I didn't get everything in every category.  I tried to go for the ones that had the highest popularity ratings.  

Happy composing!  

www.quavermusic.com 

Quaver Music Online Composition Instructions

Today in music, we started with a program called Quaver Music.  It is a combo of short dvd clips, interactive class activities, and an online component where student can create music for FREE!  Today we started studying Baroque music, and I showed each class how to go online and use one of the programs called QGrooves today. 

The website to go to is www.quavermusic.com  You will enter the “Kid’s Area” on the front door.  You need an account linked to an email to play.  If you do not want your child to have his/her own Quaver account (using your email), I’ve set up one that any FPD student can use.  This account is linked to my school email.  Note that if your child wants to save something on this account, that’s fine, but make sure his/her name is in the title so I know who it belongs to. 

Here’s the info:

Username: fpdmusic

Password: govikings

To get to the QGrooves program we used today, enter the Kid’s Area.  From the Music Shop, click on the door marked “Studio.”  Once inside, click on the icon that says “QGrooves.”  Happy composing!

It seems in some sections there are options that require a few, however, everything we did today in class was free.  If you have any questions, please let me know.  This company is very reputable in the music ed world—in fact, I met Quaver himself at a music teacher conference I was at in January!  They also just released an iPad app last week, but that does cost $1.99, I believe. Note that the website itself does require Flash, so will not work on an iPad. 

If you would like more in-depth information about Quaver Music, here is the link to the parent/teacher info page.  http://www.quavermusic.com/ParentTeacher/

You can contact me at my school email any time of day!

Mindy.krejci@fpdmacon.org

Grandparents' Day Celebration

The FPD Elementary students presented the musical performance “The Vikings of the Caribbean” for our Grandparents’ Day Celebration last month.  The students were elated to perform for a packed house full of their grandparents.  Our theme was Caribbean music.  We had lots of drumming, Orff ensembles, dancing, the Limbo, and even a steel drum!  The children started working on the music and instrument parts at the very end of January.  It was a fun celebration indeed!  I am so blessed to work with the wonderful students (and families!) here at FPD. 

Here are a few pictures of the children in action: 

Singing and Dancing

Playing instruments

Doing the Limbo

Sunshine Days

While we may be experiencing strange winter weather, in the FPD Music Room we are soakin' up the sun and fun of the Caribbean.  We are studying Calypso and Caribbean music for this year's Grandparents' Day programs.  The students are learning that the syncopated rhythms of this music give it a life and groove unlike anything else.  We are adding in lots of percussion to help get that island beat.  Here are a few photos of some classes learning the music. 

Come out to FPD on Friday, March 22nd for our Grandparents' Day Program called "The Vikings of the Caribbean."  It will warm your soul! 

Quaver's Marvelous World of Music

Last week, I was privileged to attend the annual In-service Conference of the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA).  I love going to this event every year and learning how to be a better music educator.  I am already using ideas from the various clinicians I heard.  (If you know any 3K-K students ask them about Mrs. Krejci's "poor hand" that won't stop shaking! :) )  

I also was able to attend quite a few session son technology in the music room.  One session in particular was the presentation of a music program I've had my eye on for quite a while.  The program is called Quaver's Marvelous World of Music.  Quaver is a musician who leads kids through all kinds of musical adventures and experiences.  There is a class set of DVDs, which star Quaver.  It is like watching a musical version of Doctor Who, Monty Python, and Bill Nye the Science Guy all rolled into one.  And, they are quality productions.  These DVDs are quick 10-15 minute episodes on music theory, composers, history, instruments, and so forth.  They are meant to come along side what is already happening in my music room. 

However, what really stands out to me about Quaver Music is the interactive components.  Each lesson has a whole host of interactive white board activities, online games, supplemental information, and so forth.  This is truly a great way to bring technology into the elementary music room.  Those elements come with a subscription to Quaver Music.  HOWEVER, there is an amazingly well-done online component that is FREE for kids to use ALL THE TIME!!  Even without a subscription, I can point you to this website for your kids to use to explore music composition, history, note reading, and on and on.  Each child is required to set up a username and password for the site.  An email is required only if your child would like to be emailed an mP3 version of their musical creations.  

Click here to visit the website.  Simply click on the door labeled "Kid's Area" to get started.  Once inside Quaver's studio, there are a variety of activities that kids can choose from
.  

The Quaver Music homepage

And, parents, if you are interested in learning more about Quaver, and viewing some clips from the DVDs, click on the "Parents and Teachers" door.  

And, no, I do not get a dime for promoting Quaver :)  I have just been very impressed with the quality of this company's productions--from an educational standpoint, as well as from a technological integration standpoint.  Again, the Kid's Area is free, educational, and FUN!  What more could a parent or teacher want??  


Mrs. Krejci