Fantastic+Fifth+Grade

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Composer Research Project: Go to [|classics for kids] Choose a composer -- YOUR CHOICE! Write it on an index card and give it to Ms. Scott. Answer these questions about your composer SECTION I: BIOGRAPHICAL FACTS What is the composer's name, date of birth & death? What musical style period did he live in (Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Modern or Contemporary)? What country was he born in? SECTION II: HIS MUSIC AND INFLUENCES What type of music was the composer most famous for (Symphonies, Operas, Sacred, Piano, Songs, Chamber Music)? You may have several categories to list. What are some of his most famous musical works? List at least 3 by title. Where did he work during his career? You may have several places to list. Did other living composers influence him? What other composers did he influence or teach? SECTION III: HIS CAREER & PERSONAL LIFE What sort of musical activities did he take part in as a child? Did his parents encourage him to be a musician or did they have other plans for his career? Was the composer always successful or did he have difficulties in his life? Explain.

I am so proud of our fifth graders! I was thrilled to be able to try to welcome home the WWII Veterans at the airport with them. Although the flight arrived much later than we were able to stay, I was proud of their behavior and patriotism. Many of our students were even on the news! Check out the animotos below :) media type="custom" key="10601248" media type="custom" key="10601272"

Week of September 21 -- This week we expanded on what we did last week. It's always fun to take something we have learned and turn it into something more! We tried our hand at part singing (boys on one part, girls on the other) while learning //Dis Solda La// a song from the Caribbean islands. We also re-examined the rhythms we learned while doing //The Pink Panther Theme// by Henry Mancini. We took those rhythms and performed them along with a recording. :)

Week of September 13 -- We started out with a little rhythm review. After the summer off, some of us were a little rusty on our rhythm reading skills. No worries!! With lots of practice, we will be right back where we need to be!! (Look back at third grade if you need a reminder.) We also started learning //Dis Solda La//. I can't wait until next week when we try to sing it in parts!! :)

Week of September 6 -- Wow! I was glad to FINALLY see Mrs. Cleland's class! I can't believe it's been so long!! Since it was their first time, we went over rules and procedures. Although it may seem like a boring thing to do, it is necessary to keep everyone safe! We also had a chance to do the Wavin' Flag dance. :) Mrs. Carman's class participated in a drum circle. We discussed the importance of listening and showing respect during the drum circle. There was a LOT of laughter... it was a fun learning activity. I was the leader most of the time, but we had some guest volunteer leaders from the class. We don't have enough drums for everyone, so we improvized with containers. We also added other non-pitched percussion into the mix. As soon as we have the media release forms we'll show you some pictures! This is not our class... but it provided the inspiration for our drum circle. Check it [|out!] media type="custom" key="10591742"

====Week of August 29 -- Even the best plans can be interrupted! Since many classes didn't get to do the Wavin' Flag dance last week, we pushed it to this week. Well... this week found us missing school due to Hurricane Irene AND without Air Conditioning for some classes. This means we move on to plan B. Plan B involves a quick study of Dmitri Kabelevsy and Galop from //The Comedians.// To find out more about this Russian composer, [|click here].After reading a Kabelevsky's short biography, we listened to Galop. It's a short piece of music... only one minute and thirty-one seconds! We examined a listening map that showed us the form of the piece. We also tried to identify the instruments we heard in the song. After examining and analyzing the song came the fun part! Playing along :) Students either played and eight note pattern on the xylophone or a rhythm pattern with the rhythm sticks. It was a challenge keeping up with the recording====


 * August 22 - Hurricane Irene has made for an interesting start to the school year! **

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‍We will spend most of the class period going over the rules, procedures and drills (fire, tornado and lockdown) that will help keep us safe this year. After that we will be revisiting a favorite song from last year //Wavin' Flag// by K'naan. //Wavin' Flag// was made popular during the 2010 World Cup soccer games in South Africa. This year we are adding an 'energizer dance!' It's a blast!! ===== = = = = =Welcome back Tigers!! Can't wait for another exciting year of music!! Get ready for fun classes full of singing, dancing, laughing and making music!!! So glad you're back!! = media type="custom" key="9700002" width="150" height="150"