Dear
Students and Parents,
Welcome
back! I am very excited to begin another exciting year of music education
here at St. Peter’s. I am looking forward to sharing my enthusiasm about
music with your child.
We
are already in full swing in the music classes. All students are learning
about rhythm and beat. These concepts are taught in a variety of
ways. It is a cumulative process as they progress to each grade level.
Kindergarten
is learning how to pat the beat, and feel the beat to music.
First
and second graders are learning how to pat and feel the beat, as well as learn
about the music notes “ta”(quarter notes), and
“ti-ti”(eighth notes) using notations. We love to use our Popsicle sticks
to write our own rhythms.
Third
and fourth graders continue to build on previous concepts, and also add
rests. They are learning how to compose their names using “ta’s”, “ti-ti’s” and rests. They also learn how to notate
using appropriate note values.
Fifth
and sixth graders are building on the concepts by layering various rhythms into
drum or rhythm circles using various instruments, and boom whackers. We
love to add sounds to our rhythms as well. Have your child teach
you the cup activity they will be learning.
Seventh
and eighth graders are composing their own rondo rhythms using a large number
of note values, and elements of composition. They are also participating in
drum circles, which continue to strengthen rhythms and beat.
Believe
it or not, we will be beginning preparation of the Christmas program the first
week of October!!! Feels like we just completed last year’s!!! Time
flies when you are having fun!
Everyone
has musical ability, and I look forward to strengthening that ability and
desire to learn about music in your child. Music is one of the
greatest joys in life!
Sincerely,
816-523-4899
ext. 324