November is a shortened month due to holidays and teacher in service; however, the primary classes had a special visitor…Hooty the Owl. He hooted some songs that we have learned in class and the children guessed what they were. I was so pleased to see that they knew almost every single song, including some the teachers didn’t recognize! Children are amazing with their ability to learn and retain information.

The lower elementary classes have been working hard on learning all of the music for their Winter Program. We have been practicing how to get on and off of the stage when our group is performing their dance numbers and how to ensure each person will be seen by their families. I’m feeling confident that we are going to have an unforgettable program. Thank you to Danna, Kini, and Olha for helping prepare the set and props. Our community support from parents is one of the true treasures of our school.

Upper elementary classes concluded Halloween by playing Only In October and Old Tom White on barred instruments and un-pitched percussion, accompanied by singing and soprano recorders on the melody lines. We video taped our performances and watched ourselves. It is exciting to see the students beginning to make music! We also learned about the woodwind family of instruments used in orchestras and bands. I brought my clarinet and played a short piece in class so the students could see what an actual instrument looks and sounds like. Some students were excited to share they have family members who play these kinds of instruments, as well.

Middle school students are working on finishing the Good, Better, Best section. They have made up hand games, dances, percussion rhythm compositions, and have now made up a group melody to sing to the poem. We will be putting barred instrument accompaniment with our melody. Finally, we will be performing the final arrangement as a rondo; playing, dancing, and singing each part we’ve created.