Frank K. Hehnly Elementary School

In 1^st grade, students will learn about:

• Steady beat: the heart of music, other wise known as tempo. Students will practice steady beat in every music class, learning that every song has a different steady beat.
  • Students will learn how to show changes in tempo using movement
• Rhythm: every sound and very word if a rhythm! In 1^st grade, students will learn how to identify the difference between steady beat and rhythm, as well as short vs. sustained rhythms,
• Volume: Music changes volume, has dynamics, frequently! Throughout 1^st grade students will be able to identify loud and soft in musical selections.
  • Voice: students will learn how to identify the different registers of their voice, and learn how to activate them; as ell as understand their relationship to the dynamic level. These registers being:
    • Head voice – OOO space, upper register
    • Singing voice – “But MOM!” register
    • Chest voice – the Koolaide man register
    • Speaking voice

• Students will learn to identify different musical genres from varying cultures around the world.
• Dance: Students will use movement to help them understand musical concepts) like steady beat and volume). Several different types of line/circular dances will be used to emphasize characteristics in cultural and musical genres/
• Instruments: Students will be introduced to several percussion instruments this year! Off instruments will be used in lessons to emphasize steady beat, rhythm, and dynamics. Orff instruments vary in size and style; and most often appear in the form of xylophones.
• Around the world! Students will be studying world music in 1st Starting in the Spanish speaking countries and taking a trip around the world students will learn to sing in many languages. Students will explore dances languages and songs from many cultures around the globe!

In 2^nd grade, students will: expand upon the objectives of their first grade class. This knowledge will evolve as they explore new concepts and ideas.

• Steady beat: the heart of music, other wise known as tempo. Students will practice steady beat in every music class, learning that every song has a different steady beat.
  • Students will learn how to show changes in tempo using movement
• Rhythm: every sound and every word have a rhythm! In 2^nd grade, students will learn how to identify the difference between steady beat and rhythm, as well as short vs. sustained rhythms. Students will begin to compose their own rhythms.

6/8 and2/4: students will learn to read, play, move and differentiate between the 8^th notes and quarter notes in both of these time signatures.

The dot! Students will learn the math behind the little dot that gives us more time. Students will learn a series of song and dances, encouraged by their flashcard review and white board review

• Students will learn to identify different musical genres from varying cultures.
• Dance: Students will use movement to help them understand musical concepts) like steady beat and volume). Several different types of line/circular dances will be used to emphasize characteristics in cultural and musical genres/
• Boomwhackers! in 2^nd grade the students learned how the Solfege syllables relate the major scale and pitches. This relation will now be taken to another level; students will learn to read music! Students will begin to read the treble staff, with a direct application on the boomwhackers!
  • What is a boomwhacker?! Pitched tubes that play like bells!
  • Will we have a concert? In the spring the students of the second grade will perform their class selections in a short 30 minute concert.

In 3^nd grade, students will: expand their current working knowledge of music in a practical application; RECORDER KARATE!

What is Recorder Karate?!

• Recorder Karate is a graded recorder learning experience. Like an actual karate class students will move through levels. Color-coded belts will be rewarded for satisfactory performance of the level selection. Students will learn new rhythms and musical vocabulary as it applies to instrumental technique and independent and ensemble practices. Each week the students will receive a practice assignment, to be done at home, to aid them in the growth process. There a nine belt levels, ending of course with black belt! Students will have the entire school year to pass their belt tests. At the end of the year, the grand prize….the recorders are theirs to keep!
  • All materials will be provided by FKH
  • Performance??!! Of course! In the Spring, the 3^rd grade will show off their musical talents to the community in an after school performance. The performance date and time will be announced in the winter.

Also to be explored…

• Reading the Staff/pitches: in 2^nd grade the students learned how the Solfege syllables relate the major scale and pitches. This relation will now be taken to another level; students will learn to read music! Students will begin to read the treble staff, with a direct application on the recorders.

• Breathing techniques: singing and playing a musical instrument require a different method of breathing. In 3^rd grade students will learn how to use their bodies an extension of their instrument by exploring breathing techniques.
  • “Air comes into the body like a wave from the bottom to top.”

In 4^th grade, students will: expand their current working knowledge of music in a practical application; Musicals! Students will build upon their singing, ensemble, organizational, and performance skills in an in-class musical. Each student has the opportunity to shine in various roles. Students will: sing, dance, create costumes play instruments, act, compose, and even sign!

• This is also a great place to practice their skills for the school musical!
• Performance??!! These musicals are in-class projects. All performances and rehearsals will happen inside the classroom.

TO be explored…

• Singing: This year students will build upon their singing technique. Their will strive to sing in unison using good intonation, sing in a two-part round, sing in tempo, and sing as a soloists and chorus members.

• Instrumental techniques: Your student will learn to play as ensemble with others, building upon the ensemble techniques learned in their recorder experience in 3^rd Instrument techniques to be learned are, and are not limited to:
  • Playing a harmonic accompaniment to singers
  • Improvising rhythmic ostinatos
  • Playing recorder-ostinato accompaniment
  • Playing Orff orchestration
  • Playing recorder accompaniment

• Creativity: All students will have the opportunity to participate in a way that motivates them, not all participants must sing solos or have lines. Other opportunities include:
  • Choreographer
  • Composer
  • Chorus member
  • “Orchestra” member

It’s Choir time!

 The Choral Program at Hehnly Elementary takes place in the 5^th grade general music class. All students in the 5^th grade participate in choir and are expected to perform at the winter and spring concerts (dates listed below). The Choral Program in the 5^th grade is a culmination of all knowledge leaned in the music classes here at Hehnly. Like in 3^rd and 4^th grade students will apply their musical skills in instrumental application.

• Vocal warm-ups & breathing: Starting in 3^rd grade students learn how to use the different registers of their voce, and to use their breath to activate these different placements. Vocal warm-ups learned this year will help student connect their breath to the frequently changing register movements required to sing the musical repertoire. Warm-ups vary in length, difficulty, and activity. Students will learn the importance of a good practice routine, warming up your instruments before playing; to prevent vocal damage, activate the breath, and open their tears to encourage good intonation.
• Concert dates: All concerts will take place at the Arthur L. Johnson Auditorium. Every student in the 5^th grade is required to participate in both concerts. These concerts provide the students the opportunity to showcase all of their musical knowledge with friends and family.
  • Winter Concert: December 14, 2016
  • Spring Concert: May 31, 2017

Select choir: is an auditioned choral group open to only 5^th graders. Rehearsals are on B day’s during recess. The students in this ensemble perform at all school assemblies and various events in and outside of school, as well as the winter and spring concerts. ALL INTERESTED 5^TH GRADERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO AUDITION!

I look forward to an exciting and musical year!