Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Music Happenings

The musical year is off to a great start at JME!  5th graders have received their recorders and are busy learning BAG.  Don't worry parents - the shrill sounds will quickly change to beautiful melodies!  It is not too late for those students who haven't purchased their recorders to do so this week.  4th graders are busy reviewing the treble clef while 3rd graders are experimenting with ostinatos.  3rd graders are also relating the characters in "Charlotte's Web" to themselves through the song "We've Got Lots in Common."  2nd graders are busy with strong and weak beats while 1st graders are sorting syllables into beats while distinguishing between rhymes and songs.  1st graders are also determining whether two 4-beat rhythm patterns are the same or different.  Kindergarten students began learning the title song from their musical, "Amazin' Shapes," which will be presented at 1:00 on Friday, September 28th.

4th and 4th grade students will have the opportunity to sign up to audition for the JME Chorus next week.  There will be a sign-up sheet in each classroom.  Students will sing "America" ("My Country 'Tis of Thee") for the audition.  If they are chosen, a letter will come home for parents to sign.  Chorus meets on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 7:20 - 7:45.  I am looking forward to having a great group of young singers!

Until next time -

Musically,

Lynn Poppell

Friday, August 3, 2012

Welcome to the JME music room!

The JME music room is the place to be during the 2012-2013 school year!  The happy sounds of rhythm, harmony, and melody will be seeping out of every nook and cranny of the music room into the main hallway and beyond!  My wish is for every student to be busting at the seams to share what they did in music with every family member every week.  Please find out what day your child comes to music and get into the habit of asking them what we did that day.

Each grade level will have a music program during the school year, but our main focus will be on building basic music skills at each grade level.  We always build on skills learned in previous years.  Rhythm and melody are important parts of our everyday lives down to our breathing and heartbeats.

Kindergarten will have the first program of the school year.  They will present "Amazin' Shapes" for your entertainment on Thursday, September 28th at 1:00.  Parents will receive more information later in the month.

Fifth grade students play the soprano recorder as part of their music curriculum.  It is important for each student to have his/her own instrument for sanitary and practice reasons.  If you have not ordered your child's instrument, please contact me as soon as possible.  They will start recorder the first day of music.

Information about the JME chorus and other grade level programs will be forthcoming!  Please feel free to contact me at any time at 368-3114 or lpoppell@liberty.k12.ga.us.

I am looking forward to a great year with your children!  KEEP LISTENING!