Fun Facts about Beethoven - 1st - 2nd grade

The students in first and second grade have been learning about the composer Ludwig Van Beethoven.  Some of the fun questions you could ask your child are:

What was Beethoven's favorite food?  (macaroni and cheese)
How many coffee beans did he need for each cup of coffee? (60)
Can you name one if the songs that Beethoven wrote? (Fur Elise, Ode to Joy)
Did Beethoven lose his hearing or sight?  (hearing)

You can find more fun facts about composers in the the book Lives of the Musicians by Kathleen Krull.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61SrHBHo8kL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg

The Syncopated Clock - K-3

The students in Kindergarten through third grade just finished listening to a piece by Leroy Anderson called The Syncopated Clock.  They performed the song with scarves and learned about Rondo Form, Steady Beat, and Staccato (short), Legato (long) and Coda (the ending).  You can share this experience with your child by downloading this song from music4you.lorenz.com.

William Tell Overture - 3rd-4th grade

The students in 3rd -4th grade have been listening and studying Gioachino Rossini's "Finale" from the Willam Tell Overture.  Our focus was steady beat and form.  The students played small percussion instruments as we went through the form and practiced following the conductor.  I think they really liked it - they asked to do it again!  Ask your child about the history of the hero "William Tell".  If you would like to listen to this piece as a family, you can download a recording at music4you.lorenz.com.

Music Vocabulary we learned from this study
Introduction
Interlude
Coda
Conductor
Composer

Recorder Karate

Here is the website for you to visit if you are working on your Recorder Karate belts.  You can check out the interactive fingering chart found on the left hand side or sign in under student on the lower right hand side of the page to practice with the full accompaniment.  If you look in the back of your recorder karate book, you will find the password.  Have fun practicing!

http://www.musick8.com/rkdojo/rkdojo.php

Honors Choir Lion King Music (Recorded by the East Elementary Honors Choir and the Littleton Chorale 2006-2007

Honors Choir:

Here is the recording of The Lion King for you to listen to and learn.

The Lion King

Honors Choir - Small Part of the World - 5th Grade Continuation

Here are the lyrics and a link for you to listen and practice our up-coming music:

I AM A SMALL PART OF THE WORLD

I am a small part of the world. 

I have a small hand which to hold.

But if I stand by your side and you put your hand in mine,

Together we can be so strong and bold.

I am a small part of the world. 

I have a small dream in my eyes.

But if I tell you my dreams and if you add yours to mine,

Together we can reach up to the skies.

Hand in hand, dreams combine,

Voice with voice, together for all time.

Hand in hand, dreams combine,

Voice with voice, for all time.

I am a small part of the world. 

I have a small voice ringing clear.

But if I sing out for freedom, and you add your voice to mine,

Together we have nothing left to fear.

Hand in hand, dreams combine,

Voice with voice, together for all time.

Hand in hand, dreams combine,

Voice with voice, for all time.

I am a small part of the world.  Take my hand.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQZCZfMVEaw

Baritone Ukulele Club

Today was the first Baritone Ukulele club at East.  We had a great time and many of the students were interested in purchasing their own ukulele's.  The brand we have at school is Rogue and the price is $30.00.  I purchased the 12 that we have for clubs on Amazon.  Make sure when you are ordering that you buy a BARITONE ukulele.

Here are a couple links if you are wanting to purchase a Ukulele.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/folk-traditional-instruments/rogue-baritone-ukulele/519282000000000

http://www.amazon.com/Rogue-SO-069-RU20-Baritone-Ukulele/dp/B003PVIWFQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1333665612&sr=8-2