Here are some of the musical activities that our Clarks Summit and Newton-Ransom Elementary students are busy with throughout the year:

Singing:

Each class is always learning new songs, from traditional folk songs to brand new songs from many different sources.  Learning to match pitch and use our singing voices properly is an ongoing process.

Theory:

Our 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th graders are having a ball competing with each other using a music theory game found on the web.  Using modern technology we are able to project the website on the screen in our rooms and play a game to practice learning the names of the line and space notes on the treble clef.  The computer is one way to make learning fun!  All classes (K-4) are presently working on learning to read and write music at their specific grade level.

Instruments:

All classes are using rhythm instruments to accompany songs in class, and learning how changing the beat can result in a very different version of the same song!  Instruments are probably the children’s favorite thing to do, so we try to incorporate them into class as often as possible. We use xylophones, metallophones, and glockenspiels to accompany many songs.

 3^rd grade is chomping at the bit right now to begin playing the recorder.  They need to master some basic note-reading skills first, so patience is the name of the game at the moment, but soon they will have those instruments in hand, and you will all enjoy hearing them practice at homeJ.

 4^th grade continues to improve at their violin skills. They have learned the open strings, and are presently learning how to play the D Major scale, which uses all of the notes they need for 4^th grade violin class. They should be practicing at least three times a week to get any benefits of class!  Holding the bow correctly continues to be a goal, and learning how to read the notes we are playing on the staff is a constant goal.

Composer Corner:

We are studying Beethoven right now and have been listening to excerpts of his music.  His story is very colorful and has resulted in many interesting class discussions.  We will continue focusing on his life and music throughout the month of February.

In Conclusion:

Ask your child to show you their papers from music class.  Many of our activities include worksheets which are graded  and then sent home with the students for you to see.  If you haven’t seen any, please ask your child to share them with you instead of throwing them away or keeping them in their desks at school.  That way you will have an idea of some of the things your child is learning!

Enjoy the winter months with a song in your heart!

Mrs. Shaw and Mrs. Kuzma