Multi-Pitched Instruments

The kids are completing their multi-pitch instrument creations and are starting to share them with the class.  They definitely have put some care, time and thought into these instruments!  I am so proud of how they demonstrated their understanding of how frequency determines pitch!  Check out some of our creations below.

Acoustics
Fourth Graders spend some time learning about the science of sound (Acoustics).  In this video we were talking about changing frequency using reed straws...earplugs, anyone? Anyone?

Music Class Happenings

The fourth grade students have been working on a new combination rhythm.  Basically we took two apart and then spliced them together a little differently.  They composed AND performed using this rhythm (performed original compositions!!!!) and finally this rotation did some rhythmic dictation.  Some of the rhythms I said and they wrote them and others I played and they wrote.  This is truly outstanding work--higher level thinking all around.  I am so proud of the kids and they're efforts at these rhythmic activities!

Soon we will begin the study of Acoustics, which surprisingly has become a favorite unit of mine.  It has been great to see how excited the kids get about discovering how sound travels through various objects and how seriously some of them are about being "scientists."  It takes us a little outside of our normal day-to-day in music class but I think it also helps them to better understand how music itself actually works (and how much thought goes into creating a musical performance space!).

Halloween

To celebrate the season the kids sang "The Ghost of John" and added instruments to help set the mood of the piece.  Check out some of the kids' performances!  We've also continued the study of a new rhythm and it seems the favorite new song is "J'entend la Moulin."  One of the classes wanted to share their performance, so it's below as well!