Welcome Students and Parents
This year in music we will be learning about many aspects of music utilizing students' musical creativity while listening to, performing, and creating (including composing & arranging) music. In addition, third, fourth, and fifth graders will be learning musical notation and theory as they learn to play recorder/other instruments and sing many styles of music. A diversity of multi-cultural repertoire will be introduced to all grade levels as well. Composing and arranging music will incorporate music software and technology. It is important for students to be exposed to a wide variety of musical experiences, in as many of the roles possible in the music classroom setting to expand their innate musical intelligence. As a result, there may be some homework for the older students regarding musical vocabulary and concepts, practicing various musical skills, composing their own music, attendance of concerts, and even blogging their musical interpretations of audio files on this website!
Recorders
A recorder is a Baroque wind instrument producing sounds somewhat comparable to a flute, piccolo, pipe, or penny whistle. It is an authentic orchestral instrument; and will be used to promote students' learning of various musical elements and instrumental techniques/skills such as tonguing, embouture, fingering, posture, etc., in addition to musical notation and theory. Students will need to purchase their own recorder, if they do not already possess one. PLEASE DO NOT BUY DOLLAR STORE MODELS!
I will be sending a parent letter home that explains their advantages, cost for one or more recorders, and the responsibility students will need to take in owning and learning how to play one. I will order the recorders in bulk from a reputable dealer so that all may have a quality instrument with significant savings. Those who feel they cannot afford it, please call, write or email me regarding my lease plan--it is possible for all to participate! Your student and I are hoping you will take an active role in helping them be responsible with their instruments and for their musical achievement on them.
5th Grade Band: Tips For Buying Quality Band Instruments On the Internet
1. BUYER BEWARE!! If you see any badly-made Chinese instruments (new or used) from discount stores/sites do not buy! These instruments may look very nice, but quickly break and often cannot be repaired.
2. Yamaha is a well-respected maker of band instruments. However, if you are buying off Ebay etc. you may see "Yamaha" (in quotes) instruments. These are actually badly-made Chinese instruments. If in doubt, ask--I will gladly help you sort out which is which.
3. Here are some suggested brand names for good-quality instruments:
Clarinet: Buffet, Vito(Leblanc), Bundy, Yamaha, Selmer, Jupiter
Flute: Armstrong, Gemeinhardt
Sax: Selmer, Vito, Yamaha
Trombone: Conn, Bach, Holton, Yamaha, King
Trumpet: Same as trombone
Percussion: Ludwig, Pearl
These are just suggestions--there are other quality brands I haven't listed. If you need help selecting just ask.
4. Make sure the instrument is in good shape. If they have not been well cared for by their previous owner, they can cost as much or more than a new instrument in order to return them to a playable condition.
Here are some things to look for:
Woodwinds: Flute, clarinet, sax--all use pads to help the player cover the holes. These are small cushions under the keys that cover the holes when the keys are pushed. If the pads are ragged and worn they will need to be replaced and the repair is costly. In addition, look for large dents, bent keys, loose cork, and missing screws/parts.
Brass: The lacquer on older brass instruments may be worn and it should not deter you from buying them. Dents on the other hand can affect the instruments function. Some dents are fixable some are not and will render the instrument useless. The slides (little moveable tubes) need to move freely on any brass instrument. If they don't they may need to be pulled out and/or straightened at the repair shop.
GOOD LUCK AND ASK IF YOU NEED HELP DECIDING--I WILL DO MY BEST TO HELP YOU SECURE A QUALITY INSTRUMENT!!
Concepts, skills, and musical activities for learning and practicing this year:
Vocaulary: tempo, dynamcs, articulation, rhythm, beat
Skills: Steady Beat keeping, pitch matching, beginning vocal technique, singing simple melodies
1st Grade:
Vocabulary: tempo, dynamics, articulation, rhythm, beat, form
Skills: Same as K + demonstrate difference between beat and rhythm, and tempo changes in their compositions, singing simple melodies & harmonies.
2nd Grade:
Vocabulary: tempo, dynamics-crescendo, decrescendo, articulation-legato, staccato, rhythm-eighth & quarter notes, beat, texture, form-rondo, rubato, major, minor
Skills: Same as 1st + reading simple rhythms, creating a texture, writing lyrics, composing with dynamic changes, singing more complex melodies with simple harmonies
3rd Grade:
Vocabulary: Same as 2nd grade + staff, treble & bass clef, time signature, downbeat
Skills: Read iconic & standard music notation naming both pitches and rhythms=Western music theory, perform music with both voices and recorders, compose music using standard musical notation, play/sing a three part texture, understand rondo form, sing complex melodies with complex harmonies and maintain expressive qualities i.e. tempo and dynamic changes.
4th Grade:
Vocabulary: Same as 3rd grade + review: rubato, time signature, downbeat; new: 16th notes, monophony, homophony, polyphony, contextual understanding of the words of the Star Spangled Banner; ABA & rondo form
Skills: listening, performing, and composing utilizing all of the above concepts to describe, perform, and compose music of different cultures and styles--world musics, correct vocal/instrumental technique
Historical Contexts: Baroque, Classical, Renaissance, Impressionist, Modern/20th Century & Popular Music
Social Contexts: Popular, Patriotic, Sacred
5th Grade Band:
Vocabulary: Same as 4th grade with a theoretical and technical slant toward instrumental music + new: ensemble, ictus, beat pattern, baton, ties, breath marks, bar lines, measure numbers, AB & ABA form, canon, solo, tutti,
Skills: Utilizing all of the above skills/concepts to listen/describe, perform, and compose varied styles of instrumental music.
Historical & Social Contexts: Same as 4th grade
