This week, the first graders have been continuing to prepare for their Winter Showcase (December 20th). One of the songs they will sing is about a sleigh ride in the snow. I'm sure you know it - Jingle Bells! We talked about the verse and the refrain, then did a great passing game with our wrist bells. The students who got the bells when it was time for the refrain got to play them during that section of the song. They also learned about The Nutcracker, a famous ballet by Tchaikovsky. The students learned a special finger dance to go along with the Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy.
The second-grade students learned about an important Jewish holiday - Hanukkah. We read them a book about latkes and applesauce, then they sang a song that connects with the story. They also reviewed their Nutcracker dance from last week, then got a special treat. They started to watch the Nutcracker, performed by the New York City Ballet! Unlike a play or musical, the performers in a ballet don't speak - the story is told by their movement, as well as the words were spoken by the narrator. We will finish the movie next week!
The third graders reviewed the symbols on the staff that they learned last week. Then, they sang a song to help them remember the order of the line notes and space notes on the staff, called "I Don't Know the Notes." We will be continuing to review how to read musical notation for the next few weeks to prepare the students for the recorder.
Some students had a visit from the middle school music teacher, Mr. Mullen. They had so much fun playing and singing with the stretchy band!
The fourth and fifth graders are all ready for next week's concert! We hope you join us on Wednesday, December 13th (9:00 a.m. for students, 7:00 p.m. for parents and families).
Have a wonderful weekend!
