Quarter 2 Review

Quarter 2 Review

 3rd Grade

This last quarter, third grade students learned about the differences between Tempo and Dynamics. Some of the new Italian terms they learned include: Largo (Slow), Presto (Very Fast), Piano (Quiet), and Forte (Loud). These scholars also learned about notes beyond the staff: Low D, Low C (Middle C), and High G. The highlight of Quarter Two was the Winter Concert in December. Every scholar did a fantastic job performing their songs. I can hardly wait for their performance in the spring!

Composer of the Month: Robert Schumann

To listen to one of my favorite compositions by Schumann, click here: Traumerei

 4th Grade

This last quarter, fourth grade students learned about the dotted quarter note and eighth note rhythmic pairing. To help internalize the syncopated rhythm of these note combinations, scholars learned a sea shanty called John Kanaka. They also created their first four-measure composition using the pitches: Do, Mi, and So. The time signature of their piece was in 4/4. Several scholars volunteered to have their composition performed at the end of each class. It has been fun playing their pieces on the piano!

Composer of the Month: Antonin Dvorak

To listen to one of Dvorak's compositions, click here: Symphony No. 9

 5th Grade

This last quarter, fifth grade students learned about new time signatures. They were introduced to the concept that in 3/8 and 6/8 time, the eighth note equals one beat. Scholars have also learned about the major scales: C, D, F and G. They did a wonderful job writing each scale on the music staff. Recently, fifth graders were introduced to the "Circle of Fifths." This unique diagram assists musicians with key signature placement. They will be learning more about this concept as the year continues. 

Composer of the Month: John Philip Sousa

To listen to a composition by "The King of Marches," click here: Stars and Stripes Forever

 6th Grade

This last quarter, sixth grade students learned about the eighth note and eighth rest. They also spent a portion of the quarter learning about music from the Middle Ages. Scholars learned about both sacred and secular music of the time, and listened to instrumental samples of the shawm, sackbut, and vielle. They also learned about the first female composer: Hildegard von Bingen. The next genre of music we will be listening to comes from the Baroque Era. The music of this time was popularized by J. S. Bach.

To listen to samples of music from the Middle Ages, click here: Medieval Instruments