Music with Mrs. Cherry
JANUARY notes of interest
6th graders will begin a unit on chord roots and triads. By the end of this unit, the students will have built I, IV, and V chords in several different keys and played these chords on a variety of instruments to accompany two- and three-chord songs. Lots of singing, lots of playing instruments, lots of fun!
4th graders will begin playing recorders in music class. This unit will allow the students to put their note and rhythm reading skills into practice. They will gain experience in playing as part of an ensemble and build a foundation for future instrumental opportunities. If you are a 4th grader or have a 4th grade student in your family, read on for more information!
January 5, 2011
To: Fourth grade students and their parents
From: Mrs. Cherry
RE: Recorder Unit
The fourth grade students will soon begin learning to play recorders in music class. This unit will provide an opportunity for the students to review and practice basic music skills. In addition, they will be learning new skills that can be transferred to other instruments. The recorders we will be using in class are one-piece plastic, soprano recorders.
Students may purchase a recorder for $3.50, payable in the school office. If preferred, students may use a school recorder for no charge. Each school recorder will be assigned to one student for the duration of the unit, left at school when the unit is completed, disinfected, and used again next year. Students may also choose to bring a recorder from home, providing it uses German style fingering. (If you’re not sure what style your recorder is, I can check it.) If you are bringing a recorder from home, please bring it to class on Wednesday, January 12. All of the recorders will be sprayed with a nontoxic instrument disinfectant each time they are used. I will generally give students the option to take their recorders home on Fridays, with the requirement that they bring them back in time for class the following Wednesday. I will also provide music they can practice at home if they choose to do so. The unit will culminate with a written test and a selected piece or two that the students will play for me in small groups for assessment purposes.
Feel free to call me with any questions, either at school (352-1484) or at home (352-1048).
Sincerely,
Mrs. Cherry