We are well into the school year now, and rolling along with music activities for the children of Armstrong Elementary. Here is what will be happening in music class this month!
Covid Protocols
The covid protocols are still be enforced in the music room. Everyone must wear a mask properly, or be 2 meters apart from their classmates. We spread as far apart as possible in the music room. There are plenty of wipes around the room for kids to clean the materials and instruments they use. The windows remain open all day for air circulation. And there are markings no the floor to keep kids apart in line ups and as they walk in and out of the music room.
The Activities
The Kindergartens are starting to read rhythm notation and being introduced to the non-pitched percussion instruments. They are still learning classroom routines couched in the fun songs we do in class. (train songs are being used to teach walking in lines and lining up). We are learning to use a proper singing voice, match pitches and sing independently.
The CBC Music Challenge deadline is coming up on November 23rd, so Divisions 17, 18 and 19 are working on their song “Small But Mighty” and will perform their video soon.
The primary students are also entering the CBC Music Challenge singing “Hey Dum Diddly Dum” for Divisions 14, 15, and 16 and Ode’min Giizis for Divisions 10, 11, 12 and 13. They are continuing to refine their performances.
The grade ones will be using the non-pitched percussion instruments as well and reading rhythms. They will also be studying the Elements of Music. These include Tempo, Dynamics, Pitch, Articulation, Form, Timbre and Texture. These lessons will be written lessons and also couched in listening excerpts from Peter and the Wolf. We will also play games to do with these concepts.
Divisions 7, 8 and 9 will be beginning “Recorder Heroes” for this year. They will each need a German Soprano recorder. Those can be purchased through School Cash Online for $10. They will learn songs and how to read music notation and earn points as they do so. As they go, they will earn prizes and privileges in music for the points they earn. See the grade 4/5 tab for more information and a song list!
Divisions 4, 5 and 6 are still working on their CBC Music Class Challenge song – “Sandwiches” made famous by Fred Penner. We have divided up the parts and will put together a performance to submit by November 23rd.
Divisions 1, 2 and 3 are playing some instruments and learning music notation – focussing mostly on rhythms.
And that is November in the Music Room at Armstrong!