We have started the new school year by attending the Olympics through
music. This has really been fun! We have been to Beijing, China and have
learned some interesting facts about that country. We have also traveled to
Ghana with a song and a game called “Obwisana”.
In this game, a bean bag is passed to the beat. If you hear the gong, make our
song sound more authentic. This has been a fifth grade activity.
The fourth grade have stayed at home in the United States with an
activity centered around “America the Beautiful”. We have been using red,
white, and blue paper plates to create patterns to fit the music’s flow. We
have broken into groups and then let the groups come back together to perform.
With the colors and the different movements, it has been beautiful to watch!
Third grade have been in Italy getting acquainted with Rossini’s William
Tell Overture”. Many of you will remember this music from The Lone Ranger many
years ago. We have been studying the musical pattern of the piece. To show they
know each musical section, I give them paper plates with the letters A, B, C,
D, and Coda marked on them. Whenever they hear a section, they hold up the
plate with the corresponding letter. After learning a particular section, I
give them all the lettered plates to see if they can distinguish all the
musical sections. This is a great listening game!
Second grade has been in the United States with a song named “Chatter
with the Angels”. This is another good listening lesson to learn a son by using
colors for each different phrase. This week, we added some Orff instruments, rhythm
instruments and a drum. We also practiced passing a bean bag to the beat.
First grade has traveled to Russia to study the “Russian Dance” from the
“Nutcracker Suite”. This musical piece is great for teaching simple rhythms.
This week we used rhythm sticks to play the patterns. It’s another great
selection for teaching musical patterns.
Kindergarten has been in the United States as well, having fun with
American children’s singing games. These games teach following simple
directions through song.
Our year has gotten off to a great start in Music. I have been very
pleased with the participation from all the students!!!
P.S. We have learned to speak a little Chinese, too!!! YEAH!! 
Make a Joyful Noise until next time!
Keep Singing!!!!
4th Grade from 2007- 2008 4th
Grade from 2007 - 2008
Ms. Pam Wolfe, The Music Room
*You can email me anytime by clicking on
my name.*
