During the second marking period, kindergartners are focusing on the concept of pitch (high and low). Stories and songs which encourage students to move and sing on higher and lower levels and pitches are being presented each week. In addition, students will explore the four voice channels: whispering, speaking, singing, and calling.
First graders are working on the concepts of tone color and dynamics. Various songs and stories are being performed in class to assist in discriminating between loud and soft (dynamics). In addition, students have been playing several kinds of rhythm instruments, comparing the different sound (tone color) of each one. Assessments on patterns of loud and soft notes (dynamics) and identifying the sound of the woodblock, tambourine, triangle, rhythm sticks, tone bell, hand drum, shaker, and jingle bells (tone color) will be administered during this marking period.
Second graders are working on dynamics and an additional rhythm during this marking period. Recognition of forte (loud) and piano (soft) and gradually getting louder and softer (dynamics) will be experienced in numerous songs and listening selections.
The half note (tah-ah) will be located and read in many songs from our songbooks. Assessments on dynamics and reading rhythms will be administered during this marking period.
Third, fourth, and fifth graders will also work on dynamics, but in more detail.
Third graders will have a multiple choice test for the following dynamics: p or piano (soft), f or forte (loud), pp or pianissimo (very soft), ff or fortissimo (very loud), crescendo (gradually getting louder), and decrescendo (gradually getting softer). |
Fourth graders will have a matching test of terms or symbols with the correct definition for the following dynamics:p or piano (soft), f or forte (loud), pp or pianissimo (very soft), ff or fortissimo (very loud), crescendo (gradually getting louder), decrescendo (gradually getting softer), mp or mezzo piano (medium soft), and mf or mezzo forte (medium loud).
Fifth graders will work in groups of two or three, selecting one of five provided poems, choosing 3-5 dynamic markings from the Symbol Bank that includes:p or piano (soft), f or forte (loud), pp or pianissimo (very soft), ff or fortissimo (very loud), crescendo (gradually getting louder), decrescendo (gradually getting softer), mp or mezzo piano (medium soft), and mf or mezzo forte (medium loud). Following ample practice time, each group will perform its poem with the application of dynamic choices.
The rhythms that will be introduced and read this marking period are the dotted half note (tah-ah-ah) in third grade, the eighth note followed by two sixteenth note (tah tee-kee) in fourth grade, and the dotted quarter note followed by an eighth note (tah-ee-tee) in fifth grade. All third, fourth, and fifth grade students received a blue rhythm sheet during the first marking period for home practice.
One final reminder: ALL THIRD, FOURTH, AND FIFTH GRADE STUDENTS NEED TO BRING THEIR RECORDERS TO EVERY MUSIC CLASS. |
