Music is Everywhere

While we may associate music with the orchestra or the choir, concert halls or churches, music is actually found everywhere.  And...musical instruments are also found everywhere.

Grade 1 students has been focusing on "body percussions", i.e. using our body to create percussive effects such as snap, clap, pat and stomp.  Don't under-estimate the expressive power of body percussion.  Did you know that Steve Reich, a minimalist composer, wrote a work called Clapping Music, which features nothing other than "clapping?"  Grade 2 students are exploring different vocal qualities (i.e. speaking voice, singing voice, stage voice and whispering voice), non-pitched instruments (i.e wood, metal, membrane and shake-and-scrape families).  They also try to vary the dynamic levels when performing.  Grade 3 students are being introduced to the three different types of barred instruments ---- xylophones, metallophones and glockenspiels while Grade 4 students had their first experience of performing a multi-voiced texture on barred instruments.  

Making a Joyful Noise!

Grade 3 and 4 students, are you interested in making some joyful noise with me over the lunch hour on Tuesdays?  For details, please read the choir notice that has gone home.  If you are interested in joining the choir, please sign and return the tear-off slip to Ms. Ling.  See you at the first practice on Tuesday, October 3!

Sing, Move, and Play

Language and music are inseparable and it is on this belief that I build my music program.  During the second week of learning, Grade 1 and 2 students focused on the concepts of loud and soft, high and low pitch as well as exploring different vocal qualities.  Grade 3 students tapped into their imagination by designing creative movement and soundscape based on two poems, namely, The Wind Song by Lillian Moore and Who Has Seen the Wind? by Christina Rosetti.  Grade 4 students explored, for the first time, xylophones and basic mallet techniques.

First Week of School

I was completely thrilled about my first week of music class and I hope your child felt the same way. Through singing and movement, children experienced some basic music concepts at an age-appropriate way.

Here are some of our highlights so far:
Grade 1 and 2 students focused on experiencing body percussion and listening for beats vs. rests. Grade 3 students began working on the creation of a "soundscape" by using non-pitched instruments (e.g. wood, metal, membrane and shake/scrape instruments).  Grade 4 students had an African experience as they sang and moved to the song Funga Alafia accompanied by the djembe.

Welcome to Music!

My name is Ms. Ling and I will be teaching music to the students in Grades 1 to 4 at Elboya School this year.  I am thrilled about the opportunity to make some "joyful noise" together with the students.  

"The true beauty of music is that it connects people.  It carries a message, and, we, the musicians, are the messengers."

~ Roy Ayers

Music is a unique and powerful language.  As children make music, they develop self-awareness and express themselves in many different ways.  This year, Grade 1 to 4 students will have the opportunity to enjoy and gain an insight into music through exploring, improvising, and performing while combining elements of speech, rhythm, movement, dance, and song. They are active participants in a process which allows for differing musical abilities.