Looking back...

Looking back over the past nine months, I am completely thrilled to see the progress that students have made in music.  Here are some highlights:

In September...

Grade 1 students explored different vocal qualities including speaking voice, singing voice, whispering voice and stage voice.  Now, these young budding musicians are able to sing, notate and create original melodies using solfège and talk about what makes two songs "the same."

Grade 2 students told simple musical stories using non-pitched instruments.  Now, they can use this knowledge to create sound effects to accompany poems and to play barred instruments to accompany the musical stories. 

Grade 3 students sang and moved to songs.  Now, they have explored a range of instruments including non-pitched instruments, barred instruments and the recorder.  They can notate a song rhythmically or melodically and create simple musical structures using different rhythmic patterns.

Grade 4 students also sang and moved to songs and performed soundscapes.  Now, they are able to play multi-voiced texture, many instruments including non-pitched instruments, barred instruments, the djembe (African drum), and the recorder.  They can read and notate familiar songs on the staff.

As we look back, our students have grown so much as budding musicians.  There is every reason to celebrate!