Email Me Music Games Return to Teachers' Page Home I am excited about the 2007-2008 year in Elementary Music!!! The elementary music class provides students an opportunity to learn about general music concepts through participation in singing, movement, instrument playing, and games. It encourages students to discover, use and develop the gifts God has given them in an atmosphere of fun, creativity, and respect for one another. "...Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything..."   Ephesians 5:19-20 WEEKLY SCHEDULE Preschool - once a week - 15 minutes K, 1st and 2nd grade - twice a week - 30 minutes each 3rd and 4th grades - twice a week - 45 minutes each 5th grade - once a week - 45 minutes PRESCHOOL Preschoolers begin to learn about steady beat and moving to music using large motor skills such as skipping, galloping, hopping, marching, etc. They will begin to learn basic rhythms by clapping, stomping, and snapping, as well as using rhythm instruments. K, 1ST AND 2ND GRADES These classes begin learning and growing in how to use their singing voices correctly - matching pitch, singing loud and soft, etc. Steady beat and basic note values are learned with the use of rhythm instruments, rhythm games and movement. 2nd graders begin using the xylophones, metallaphones and bass bars to aid in learning notes and rhythms. 2nd graders also begin learning about the staff and the placement of the musical alphabet on the lines and spaces. 3RD, 4TH AND 5TH GRADES These classes continue building on the basic music skills that began in kindergarten. The introduction of the recorder provides another way to reinforce those skills. The use of the recorder* is also an effective way to begin learning to read and play the notes on the staff. Each student in these grades is assigned an individual 'slot' in the elementary music classroom where they may keep their required materials. Students may take materials home at any time to practice, but must return them on their particular music day to use in class. ALL MATERIALS MUST BE IN CLASS READY TO USE BY SEPTEMBER 3! A student's daily participation grade will be affected by failure to have all of their materials in class on music day. Required materials: Recorder* - must be purchased by student Music book - 4th and 5th grades only (provided by BCS) 3-pronged pocket folder Pencil *It is suggested that recorders be purchased from the school. Yamaha soprano recorders are bought in bulk from Keyboards and More, thus providing a discounted price to students. Students may bring a check made payable to Bradenton Christian School in the amount of $5.25 and give it to their classroom teacher. The checks will be collected and given to me and a recorder and case will be given to the student. If a student has access to a recorder that can be theirs for the entire year, purchasing one is certainly not necessary. However, if a recorder is needed, I would encourage buying it from the school. Past experience has shown that inexpensive recorders bought at toy stores or discount stores do not respond as well and students have often been frustrated at their inability to keep up with the rest of the class. I will be glad to look at any 'questionable' recorders to determine if the purchase of one is recommended. 5TH GRADE ONLY 5th graders will continue to participate in the elementary general music class once a week but in addition, are provided the opportunity to begin participating in the band and string program. Please look for more information about those programs from Mrs. Magley, Mr. Miller and Mrs. Rinsema. GRADES Pre-K students do not receive a grade in music class. Kindergarten students receive happy faces and sad faces. The 'expression' on the face is determined by their behavior, attitude, effort, and participation. 1st and 2nd grades receive E(Excellent); S(Satisfactory); and I (Improvement Needed). Grading is based on each student's overall behavior, attitude, effort and participation. 3rd, 4th and 5th grades receive letter grades. Grades are determined by each student's behavior, attitude, effort and participation. Recorder playing tests are also given periodically to measure progress in the effort a student has shown to improve his/her skills. If a student does not bring his/her materials, they will be penalized. 3rd and 4th graders have 3 'grace' days and 5th graders have 2 'grace' days, after which time their grade will automatically be lowered by one letter. In all grade levels incentives are used throughout the year to encourage and reward positive behavior and participation in class. Parents will be notified of any persistent 'difficulties' in these areas. SPECIAL PROGRAMS Christmas Program (K-4th grades) - Friday, November 30, 2007; 7:00 p.m.; Bradenton Christian Reformed Church Grandparent's Day (K-3) - Friday, February 8, 2008; Bradenton Christian School Students also present musical programs throughout the year based on special educational experiences in their individual grade levels. Classroom teachers will provide more information as those particular events are scheduled. This will be a great year!!!!! If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me!! Jan Bell