Arts in the Yards Kick-Off Showcase

ALIEN INVASION: ORCHESTRA FROM PLANET X

3rd grades are currently learning about the Solar System and have previously learned about the orchestra along with the family of instruments. On February 7, 2014, we had the opportunity to see the 

ALIEN INVASION: ORCHESTRA FROM PLANET X, performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Aliens have invaded Orchestra Hall! Two extraterrestrials stumbled on stage during a concert performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. This sci-fi thriller featuring well-known masterworks and out-of-this-world surprises!This extended learning experience allow students to associate previous knowledge of their music units, along with their current solar system unit. 

Music & COLLEGE- AND CAREER-READY Integration Unit.

Music & COLLEGE- AND CAREER-READINESS 

Every student should graduate from high school ready for college or a career. Every student should have meaningful opportunities to choose from upon graduation from high school. But while all states have developed and implemented standards as required under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), in many cases, these standards do not reflect the knowledge and skills needed for success after high school, either in further education or in a job. We must follow the lead of the nation’s governors and challenge students with state-developed, college- and career-ready standards, and more accurately measure what they are learning with better assessments. 

Resource: ed.gov

The 8th grade music class, room 301, is currently working hard on a new Music integration unit recently added to the curriculum- "College and Career Readiness". This unit serves as a great  opportunity for students to research the numerous careers in the music industry, and possibly find future careers of their interest. Their final project includes a presentation with visual aids to describe their career of choice including: a job description, duties/responsibilities, education/skills required, salary, and career opportunities. 

I can Read, Write, and Perform MUSIC!!!

During the second quarter, students have been learning how to read and write rhythm using the Kodaly method. In the pictures below, you can see our classroom progress from their early compositions, to their ensemble collaboration, and final group performance on an instrument. 

Storyline Writing to Beethoven Rooms 311 & 205

Today, students in the intermediate grades 3rd-5th learned how dynamics can add expression to a musical piece. They listened to let Ludwig Van Beethoven's fifth Symphony in C minor as an example. Beethoven was known for is masterpiece symphonies and turning them into a form of self expression. Students applied this musical expression to their instruments, performance, and their story line writing. As they listened to the fifth Symphony, they wrote an ad lib. storyline that complements the expression and mood of the musical piece; therefore, reinforcing their writing skills as they learn the music content- Dynamics!!! Students were eager to share and read their creative stories aloud to the class. 

Learning my first instrument!

Third-grade students are thrilled and eager to learn their first instrument. Over the last few weeks, they have learned to identify the notes in the musical staff, composed their own melodies, and learned the beginning techniques on the recorder instrument. Techniques such as proper seating posture, hand positions, and embouchure. Below you will see students working on their new song "I Know Where I'm Going" as they identify the notes, rhythms, and learn the lyrics. 

Quick Writes

Students across all grade levels are writing Quick Writes. In my Music class, Quick Writes is practiced daily to write a summary of the days lesson and activities. This is a great way to have students practice their writing skills and retain information of lessons learned. Students also read their previous quick writes to review for assessments, prepare for activities, and help other peers understand any missed material.