Sharing at the Piano

When students tell Ms. Mutz they take piano lessons (or any other, for that matter), she likes to have them come into the Music Room and play for her.  Then she invites the student to play for the class.  This helps students build confidence on new learning, and it also encourages other students to consider playing an instrument if the opportunity comes up.  In this photo, one student played for the class.  Then Ms. Mutz asked if it would be ok if the class came up and gathered around the keyboard to watch him play again.  It is so much fun to see the expressions on the other students as they watch the fingers moving on the keys!  Thanks for sharing!!

Bass Xylophone Used to Accompany a Circle Game

Second Grade students played a circle game called “Charlie Over the Ocean”. The object of this game is to get tagged (vs. trying NOT to get tagged). Then the “out” students go take a turn playing the accompaniment for this song using the bass xylophone. Students played a steady beat pattern using both hands on an open fifth (notes C and G). Another instrument was added: finger cymbals. Students played the bass xylophone for seven beats and then the finger cymbals played on the eighth beat.

Hopes and Dreams for Music

Second Graders were asked what their hopes and dreams are for music.  This is a big question!  Not just what they want to do in music class, but what they might like to do with music in their lifetime.  The answers are very interesting.  Students mainly want to learn how to play an instrument, but there were other responses that may surprise you!  Those hopes and dreams were written on the backs of their stars.  Then students worked on coloring, cutting and pasting their stars onto their music folders.

Second Grade "Sodeo"

Circle games are an important part of music class.  Students learn to listen to each other and work together to build a musical community.  Students also have the opportunity to let their personalities show!