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We’ve been at school for 6+ months!!! :)
It’s hard to believe that the 2020-2021 school year began six months ago! We’re grateful that all is well, with thanks to so many in our school, community, and on the whole of our small island.
What have we been accomplishing in the upstairs music room this year, with the contribution of the grade 4 English students, and all the grade 5 and 6 classes? Although our music curriculum and outcomes have been significantly revised to accommodate Covid protocol, we’ve been learning and enjoying lots of activities, as outlined below, having 2 music classes, every 6 day cycle.
September 8th – 28th
Discussions: What is music? What does it mean to you? How is a collaborative experience? How does it inspire kindness, and cooperation?
Songs to Analyze: 1. Walk Off the Earth, “Oh, What a Feeling” 2. Travers and Sons, “Smile!” 3. From Toy Story, “You’ve Got a Friend Like Me” 4. Beethoven, “Fur Elise” 5. Magic Dragon, “Believer”. 6. Paper Lions, “Believer” 7. John Williams, ” Raiders of the Lost Ark” 8. Okay Go, ‘Obsession” 9. Rachel Beck, “Reckless Heart”
Definitions of music: Let’s create our own!
What is “Song Form”? Analyze songs above to determine. (intro, verse, chorus, interlude, outdo, etc.)
Mood and Lyrics: How does a composer/singer/song-writer create mood? think of musical elements, such as melody, harmony, dynamics, pulse, instrumentation, tempo, etc.
What is Rondo Form? ABACA (Examples: “Fur Elise”, “Raiders of the lost Ark) Create your own composition in Rondo Form, using sticks to tap, or to gently hit the back of a chair, and body percussion.Experiment within a small group and/or with the whole class, divided into 3-4 subgroups, each with a different, but complementary rhythm.
September 29th – October 16
Orange Shirt Day inspired us to think about caring and kindness. What is the meaning of Orange Shirt Day? How can we ensure tragedies like the 60’s scoop, never happen again?
How do the following songs, help us understand empathy? Five for fighting, “What If?”; “What is Caring?”: DJ Shub, “Indomitable”; Thailand Insurance, “Unsung Hero”.
Flags of each of the 28 countries that represent the birthplace of students who have music upstairs, are now on display in the music room! We are in process of adding an additional 10, to feature parents’ roots/culture as it’s a part of our community as well! Within each music period, we admire 4-5 pictures from a selected country, that show urban and rural living, animals, celebrations, natural wonders, and foods. We also watch a video to learn about traditional music/dance from that country. It’s been amazing to see the smiles from the students who are from each specific country, and to hear many kids saying how excited they are to learn about a variety of cultures. We’re realizing that dancing, singing, family, friends, fun, food, candles, and the colour red, are celebrated by most people around the world!
Music to Relax: Have you ever invited 20+ kids to sprawl out on the floor, close their eyes, remain silent(!), and listen reflectively to calming music? Well, a couple grade 4 classes did this! Afterwards, comments such as, “Wow, I really needed that”, and “When can we do that again?”, were made!
October 19 – November 6th
Danse Macabre, by Camille Saint Saëns. After learning of Camille’s life story, students heard the story of Danse Macabre, based on a French poem. A sheet of questions was distributed to students, a word search, and pencil sketches were made of students’ favourite scene from the story. It’s truly unbelievable how Camile Saint Saëns cold create such beautiful and kind of spooky music, following his tragic happenings of his life. Perhaps his gift of music carried him through difficult times. Little did he know how much enjoyment his music would bring to many, throughout several generations.
Monster Mash: students created various rhythmic patterns to play along to this fun, Hallowe’en song.
MUSICAL UNITS in ukulele, circle drumming, creating sound stories, and rock/stage band, have begun for 5 cohorts of students(10 classes), who will video-record their accomplishments, and share with parents/guardians before the December holidays. The remaining 4 cohorts(8 classes) will complete a similar project in the new year/spring.
Rhythm Reading: We are learning rhythmic notation, quarter notes, half notes, whole notes, etc., and their time names, in preparation for students creating and performing their own rhythms, which we’ll call rhythm riddles! We’ve share a few riddles just for fun, and studied the video by, Five for Fighting, “The Riddle”, in an attempt to figure out it’s meaning.
Remembrance Day preparation: We shared a basic overview of WW2, with contributions by many knowledgeable students; read a short poem by Michel Hauer, called, “Just One”, and learned of her father’s survival as a captive during the Holocaust, and his forgiveness of those who persecuted him. We also reviewed the poems, “In Flanders Fields”, and “Words of Remembrance”. Islander singer/song-writer, Andrew Waite recently released a video of a song he wrote, inspired by the writings of his grandfather who served in the Canadian Forces, the last last letter as it turned out before his passing. Andrew’s video is called, “Cash It In”. In response to conflict, and the need for peace, India Arie and Idan Rachel, wrote a song a few years ago, called, “Gift of Acceptance”, featured at the Nobel Peace Prize concert, 2010. This song had been the opening song of our December concerts in the gym, for the past 9 years. It’s a great discussion starter, and an example of how music can inspire change.
More to come, as the year progresses! 🙂
November 9th – March 5th
A rotation of classes have been video recording musical performances, for the purpose of sharing with parents some of their accomplishments. With 18 classes, containing over 400 students, and 9 cohorts, it’s been impossible for all students to use the same equipment and instruments at the same time. Students have been patient and respectful of this, realizing that we are adhering to the Covid protocols of our school/province, to ensure everyone’s safety. It’s been a challenging year on many levels, but with the cooperation of all, we’re learning many life lessons. Thank you!
Recorded performances so far:
4A and 4B presented a ukulele song about Stratford Elementary School, based on the tune, “Lime in the Coconut”!
4C and 4D did a short piece, “We Are Circling”, by Buffy Sainte Marie, to complement the Sound Story, “Ruddy the Fox and Mouse Bring Summer”, by Julie Pellissier-Lush. We haven’t completed the sound story yet, as a result of more logistical details to figure out than anticipated, but, progress is being made, and the recordings should be completed soon!
5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D had a great time with a creative rhythmic routine using sticks, to the beat of the seasonal song, “Sleigh Ride”.
6B and 6C created rousing covers of, “Stompa”, by Serena Ryder, and at present, 6F and 6G now have the use of the instruments to do the same.
5/6Z is beginning to work on a sound story.
5G is learning a first nations song, while 5F and 6D are creating a puppet show to accompany the song, “Best Day of My Life”.
Please note: These projects are being straddled amidst music appreciation lessons. Again, please appreciate that due to Covid, these performances are not able to happen simultaneously.
So, what else have we been excited to learn about amidst all of the above?
- “The Nutcracker Suite”, by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, introducing students to the story upon which it’s based; a Zoomba version to dance along to; an introduction to the life of a ballet dancer; the various musical movements within the ballet; and, a spin off version of the Nutcracker’s Overture, by jazz musician, Duke Ellington!
- Within our multi-cultural community of Stratford, we learned about Mid-Autumn Festival, Hanukkah, Chinese New Year’s, Martin Luther King Day(favourite quote posters), and Baba Marta Day, all involving music listening, and learning of the stories and foundational pillars of each event and how stories, current events, celebrations, and emotions are reflected in music.
- Beethoven Project. Movie: “Beethoven Lives Upstairs”; listening lessons, Beethoven’s Greatest Hits; a listening fun sheet; review of musical terminology, musical expression, musical elements and terms, Beethoven Bingo, and more!
- Gustav Holst, “The Planets”. The connection to music for this study, is NASA’s Perseverence Misson to Mars! Music really does relate to everything…to life! We are listening to each of the seven planets represented by Holst’s music, and each child has been asked to respond to the emotion they feel, in response to the music. Through this learning, students are learning how music expresses what you feel, and how making music, or listening to music is a healthy response to emotion.
- Jam sessions. Due to scheduling, just a couple classes have enjoyed jam sessions so far, where each child chooses an instrument off the back shelf, and keeps the beat, together with his/her/their classmates. The main goal, is students keeping the balance/volume of their sound in mind. This activity is a creative one that helps us all feel, “in the groove”, co-operating and celebrating music together!
- Students who have music on Days 3 and 6, will soon be participating in a Department of Education initiative; an “ArtsSmarts project”, focusing on Diversity in Music! We’ve had to reschedule this opportunity 3 times, because of 2 storm days and the recent, 3 day lock down due to Covid, but hope to learn from our assigned, special guest, the week after March Break. Students involved in this project are encouraged to share their new learning with parents.
THANK YOU to all students, parents, staff, and admin for making a challenging year due to Covid, a safe, and meaningful one, in which we have learned much about cooperation, patience, sharing, and caring for the well-being of those around us. We are meeting our curriculum outcomes in music, although somewhat differently from years past, but in the process developing new strategies and experiences for the students that we might not have pursued before! We are fortunate, with much to be grateful for this year, and always, at Stratford Elementary!
What if you were me? What if I were you?
The band, “Five for Fighting”, that features the talents of Vladimir John Ondrasik, wrote this song in 2013. It’s still pertinent, 7 years later, as we stand up for those being bullied and not treated fairly. Please listen and watch this creative video, and ask yourself, 1. “What if I were you, and what if you were me?”. 2. “What can I do to make the world a better place for everyone?” 3. “Why do you think Ordrasik chose a young boy and a little guy from outer space as the two characters in the video?” 4. “What’s your feeling about a person before you really know them?” 5. “How does your feeling change once you become friends?” 6. “What is Article #1, of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?”
Enjoy this song! It’s a piece that you can listen to and think, “Oh that’s nice”, or, you can really focus on the lyrics and the mood of the music, and understand a deeper meaning to the song. I hope you’ll listen deeply and understand the true meaning of the words, “What if were you were me? What if I were you?.”
Have a good weekend, everyone!
Be your own, “One person band”!!!
https://mixcord.co/acapella/p/2rGVMCg090QTEH7Aj-qubA/
“Acapalla”, is a recording app to turn yourself into a “One person band”, or to create a band with with your friends, online! A first attempt is above…please take a look, and sing along! How about trying to make your own video!! Have fun!!! 🙂
“Roundabouts in the Kitchen !
MUSIC FUN, #11: Friday, May 22nd, 2020
Remember the musical form, called Rondo Form? (ABACA) Well, if this sounds familiar, here’s a review, and a chance to add your own B and C sections! If you’ve not heard of it before, here’s your intro!!! Watch the video above, find a few pots and pans, create a rhythm by opening and closing cupboard doors, or tap a beat on your kitchen table, and away we go, creating music together!!! Super fun!!! 🙂
MUSIC FUN, #10: Friday, May 15th, 2020
Be your own one-person band!
There’s a super cool app, called, “A Capella”, which you can download for free, and then begin multi-track recording! The video above is super professional, but gives the idea of how you create one sound at a time, and layer it together to produce a really cool final product! Give it a try! My goal, is to try it with the Beatles song, “Here Comes the Sun”! Stay tuned! Have a great weekend!
Draw What You Hear!!!
MUSIC FUN, Class #8: Wednesday, May 13th
Yes, you read that correctly! Draw what you hear!! 🙂
Find a pencil, pen, pencil crayons, markers, wax crayons or chalk, and paper, or use your driveway(!), to represent music with colours, designs, and shapes, that relate in any way to the music you hear!!
I’m sure you have zillions of pieces of music that you love, but if you need a few suggestions, read on, and listen to the music below!
“Appalachian Spring”. Spring in the mountains. Spring, representing new life, new beginnings. Maybe spring is your favourite season? If so, this is the music for you!!! At 20:36, you’ll hear a clarinet play a beautiful “shaker” melody.
Btw, if you’re going into grade 7 in September, you may have the chance to play the clarinet, at Birchwood, if you send your registration in by TODAY, May 13th!!! Hurry! fill in the form right now, it’s found on your classroom teacher’s page, and then continue on with this music activity!!!
Iz is an iconic musician from Hawaii, who was a master ukulele player, and singer! The message of this song compilation, is amazing, and soooo happy!!! It just can’t help but make you smile! I think that would make Iz smile too!!! How can you draw this music? Well, what makes you happy? Answer that question, and then draw what it is…family, friends, a hockey net, a piano, a birthday cake, a sunrise, a daffodil, a puppy…you get the idea? The sky’s the limit! 🙂
When things get tough, hold on!! This video from 2016, features Beard Guy, and Marshall(in the middle), both who are not with the band anymore. This song is an inspiration…what are we holding onto? What means the most to you? Maybe…you’d like to draw a picture of it! 🙂
And, finally, below, here’s a motivator for sure!!! Remember, it’s also the tune of our school song? There are so many images in this video…choose one, or several, or make up your own!! Have fun! enjoy your day!!!
Music videos to make you smile on this sunny Friday!! :)
Amazing! This will bring happy memories back from the SES production of Beauty and the Beast! 🙂
Homemade instruments? Creative lyrics? that;s all it takes! Give it try!
Just for fun! You can make music anywhere!
Yup! They said it! “It’s gonna be okay!”
Finally, WOTE can’t help but make you smile!! Have you heard this classic tune, yet? 🙂
Homemade Instruments, plus!
MUSIC FUN #7, Tuesday, May 5th, 2020.
1. Did you know that Eastlink TV, is devoting one hour, each weekday, from 11am until 12 noon for Music/Arts/Physical Education programming, created by Island teachers? Please take a look!
2. Homemade instruments. This is a topic with endless possibilities!! What might you create? Will your instrument be a percussion instrument, one that you have to tap/hit to make a sound? Maybe it will be like a brass instrument where you have to buzz into tube? Or maybe it will be like a woodwind instrument where you blow air across an opening, like a pop bottle! What patterns of sound can you make? Maybe Rondo Form, like we’ve talked about in school: ABACA, or maybe you;; create a song, with instrumental accompaniment: Intro-Verse-Chorus-Verse-Chorus-Interlude-Chorus-Chorus-Outro?
Instrument Examples:
Percussion: shake a Kraft Dinner box of macaroni, to create a pattern of rhythm! (It actually sounds super nice!) and/or, with a kitchen utensil, tap several glasses filled with water to create a melody.
Brass: add a funnel to a tube, like the cardboard roll from a tinfoil roll, or a small plastic pipe, and buzz into the end of it!
Woodwind: blow across the top of a pop bottle. Fill it with varying amounts of water to create different pitches.
HAVE FUN WITH THIS! Record your creations to admire for years to come!!! 🙂
ONLINE FUN #6: Music Monday, May 4th!!! :)
Click on the green words in the box below, to find out more, and to watch various performances from across the country!! How cool is that!!! 🙂
In the meantime, how about thinking about music and how it’s a part of your life, in so many ways! You could then write about it, or draw, to represent your thoughts!
MONDAY, May 4, 2020
- 9:00am Spotlight Celebration
- 10:00am Atlantic/Eastern Canada (featuring musicans from Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and PEI)
- 11:30am Quebec – content presented in French
- 12:30pm Music Monday Anthem Singing
- 12:35pm Spotlight Celebration (repeat from 9am)
- 1:30pm Ontario
- 2:30pm Prairies (featuring musicians from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta)
- 4:30pm Youth 4 Music
- 5:30pm Territories (featuring musicians from Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and the Yukon Territory)
- 6:30pm British Columbia
- 7:30pm Spotlight Celebration (repeat from 9am)
- 8:30pm After Party
ONLINE FUN: #5: 1. Music Contest: CBC Kids! 2. Note-reading games online
1. CBC’s Canadian Music Class Challenge, is offering a kid’s contest to sing, record, and submit, yourself singing, “Together We Are One”, by Serena Ryder! Cool song; great message; super fun!!! Check out details here:
2. Would you like to perfect your note-reading skills? Remember the notes on the TREBLE staff, on the spaces, spell FACE; the notes on the lines, are E G B D F (Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge; Empty Garbage Before Dad Flips; Ernie Gave Bert Dog Food; Elvis’ Guitar Broke Down Friday…get the point? 🙂
For the BASS STAFF, you know, the staff that has a backwards letter “C” at the start with two dots, and all the letter names of the notes are different, than with a treble clef at the start? Tricky!!! If you play a tuba, trombone, euphonium, baritone, string bass, piano, or electric bass, or sing low notes, you’ll use this staff to read music. The notes on the spaces are: A C E G (All Cows Eat Grass); the notes on the lines, are: G B D F A (Going Bald Deserves Fast Action)
Take a look at this; challenge yourself…have fun! http://musicteachersgames.com/trebleClefOne
Music Matters 