March Newsletter

Lower Grade Music Newsletter: March, 2010

Dear P.S. 58 Families,

February has been quite the busy month in Lower Grade Music, as well as in both extended day choruses. I hope everyone enjoyed the snow days! On Friday, February 12th, Kindergarten students we treated to an Afro/Brazilian drumming performance, during which time students participated in song and movement as audience members, and some on stage as drummers with the performance artists! Thanks again to all of the parents who assisted with this project.

Here’s a look at what’s happening throughout the month of March.

Kindergarten: As mentioned above, the Afro/Brazilian performance marked the end of the Afro/Brazilian section of the K Drumming unit, which means we are now studying Japan! Through March 12^th, Kindergarten students will be studying the art of Japanese Taiko Drumming as well as Japanese culture through song, movement, and literature. On Friday, March 12^th, Kindergarten students will be treated to a Taiko Drumming performance by the Taiko Masala Troupe of Brooklyn. Remember that updates and information about this program can be found right here on the blog.

First Grade: First grade students have been making connections between what music sounds like and what music looks like, expanding their knowledge of music theory using the Kodaly system. Using “beat boxes,” students create, perform and interpret their own compositions, with special focus on the quarter note (ta), eighth note (ti-ti), sixteenth note (ti-ka ti-ka), quarter rest (shh), and most recently, the half note (too, pronounced toowoo to emphasize the two beats). These compositions are then performed individually and in ensembles on percussive instruments in class.

Second Grade: Students in second grade have also been studying the connections between aural and visual music, with an emphasis on understanding the difference between beat and rhythm. Students will use percussion instruments in groups in order to do so, with the goal being to understand the concept of polyrhythms, which will help prepare us as we begin to experiment with two-part vocal lines in upcoming songs.

Please remember to check www.ps58makesmusic.blogspot.com for up-to-date information regarding what’s happening in your child’s music classroom, and that you can always feel free to contact me with questions or concerns at ps58makesmusic@gmail.com.

-Mr. C