MUSIC

December was a very rich month for us, musically speaking.  The 5th and 6th graders have pretty much mastered a 5-part Orff ensemble called "Perekai" that hails from Zimbabwe.  The kids were so capable that I actually added a pretty complex melody line for those that wanted or needed a challenge.  They sounded fantastic!  We have also started to listen to a little bit of swing music.  The kids have decided to take on piece called "Sing, Sing, Sing" by Louis Prima.  There is a piano part, a drum part, a recorder part, vocals, Orff bass and Orff melody.  This piece has set a high bar for the kids but they seem up for the challenge.  

In honor of African-American history month, January and February will be spent exploring the rich array of musical material that has supported everything from the transport of slaves via the Underground Railroad, to the songs that inspired millions in the Civil Rights era.  We will be learning singing games such as "Down in the Valley" and "Pour me a Bucket of Water" as well as hand jive games such as "Juba" and attempting to sing "partner songs."  Partner songs are when the kids sing 2 or more different songs at the same time - in this instance it will be 3 songs -  "This Train," "When the Saints Go Marching In" and "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot."  As we learn songs and musical material, I enjoy reading books to the children that are pertinent to deepening their understanding of this important part of our American history.  Some books we will be touching upon include, "This is the Dream" by Diane Shore and Jessica Alexander, "Rosa" by Nikki Giovanni, "Follow the Drinking Gourd" by Jeanette Winter and "Jazz on a Saturday Night" by Leo and Diane Dillion.

I have had a wonderful time getting to know the strengths and interests of each individual child over these last few months we've had together.  I'm excited to continue our musical adventures together.