I hope you had an awesome vacation, are well rested, and ready for a strong finish to this school year! We got right back into the swing of things here in Room 100 in Exploring Music!
On Monday we finished up "Ensemble 1". We had to review all of the parts to make sure we didn't forget them over the vacation! We split up into small groups where there was only one player on a part. After a brief rehearsal the groups performed for the class while being video taped. We had the unique opportunity to watch our performance and reflect on what we did well as well as things that we want to improve on.
On Tuesday, we took a break from playing our percussion instruments and were challenged to think outside of the box. Students learned that non-conventional items could be used as percussion instruments. We watched a video of the Blue Man group performing on an instrument called a drumbone which is made of PVC pipe. To watch this fun video clip, click HERE. After learning about how to correctly write music notation with an activity on the SmartBoard, students then learned that they would be challenged to create their very own percussion instrument! We had lots of excellent instruments come in on Wednesday! Students broke into small groups and composed their very own music which they then performed on their original home made percussion instrument! These projects were very well done!
On Monday we finished up "Ensemble 1". We had to review all of the parts to make sure we didn't forget them over the vacation! We split up into small groups where there was only one player on a part. After a brief rehearsal the groups performed for the class while being video taped. We had the unique opportunity to watch our performance and reflect on what we did well as well as things that we want to improve on.
On Tuesday, we took a break from playing our percussion instruments and were challenged to think outside of the box. Students learned that non-conventional items could be used as percussion instruments. We watched a video of the Blue Man group performing on an instrument called a drumbone which is made of PVC pipe. To watch this fun video clip, click HERE. After learning about how to correctly write music notation with an activity on the SmartBoard, students then learned that they would be challenged to create their very own percussion instrument! We had lots of excellent instruments come in on Wednesday! Students broke into small groups and composed their very own music which they then performed on their original home made percussion instrument! These projects were very well done!
We wrapped up our week by starting to learn our second ensemble which is called "Take Time in Life". This is a piece that originated in the country of Liberia. This song incorporates movement, clapping, singing, and a six part percussion ensemble! We learned about lyrics and how lyrics help the song have a special meaning. The message of “Take Time in Life” was to slow down and appreciate the small things in life because time passes by so quickly. We also learned the job of being a performer! Even if we aren’t feeling well or having a great day, our job as the performer is to show the audience how much fun we are having by smiling and being energetic in our performance!