Class was fun today! Believe it or not, even with the rigor of the concepts we're learning, we actually have quite a bit of silly fun during kid-only days. Your kids are eager and seem to be enjoying all they are learning. I love teaching them! Most of the kids had a chance to play Bounce and Roll for me and if your child hasn't yet, I'll be sure to listen to them play it for me next week. They did so great! I feel like all of them really understand the concept of legato and staccato playing.
We played our C minor cadences (p. 5) and reviewed how to play the flat in the red and blue chord. If your child is struggling with this cadence, please help them understand how to play. Use the Play at Home demonstration video to ensure they are using the correct fingering.
The new song this week is Halloween Night and their task is to just learn the RH a little bit at a time. We examined the first 4 measures in class today. The rest of their practice will be review of stuff they've already had a chance to practice! This review is not busy-work - - it builds technique, strength, and a solid foundation for the new stuff we'll learn in coming weeks.
If you aren't sure where to find the Play at Home videos password, look at the homework booklet bookmark! This may be at the bottom of your child's tote bag as I've noticed that many of them are easily falling out. (Sorry!) If you need me to text you the password separately, don't hesitate to reach out.
Ode to Joy
We practiced hearing downbeats last year, now we’re listening for the upbeats as well. The downbeat is the first beat of the measure, and the upbeat just precedes that stronger downbeat. This song helps us feel that with our bodies --- and helps us to get to know a little bit about Ludwig van Beethoven along the way!
Halloween Night
This 'spooky' song is a great repertoire piece to give us a little more practice on our C minor cadence. Hands will play together in our new 3/4 time signature, and we will even have an opportunity to try a bit of improvisation as the semester continues.
Even the Muppets like to have a little fun with the upbeat in Ode to Joy. Click here if the video doesn't display below!
[Re, Sol, Do!]
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Thank you!