Joyful Noises

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2018-2019 Welcome Letter

September7

Welcome to the beginning of a new year in music! I’m excited to begin my 4th year here at Daniel Bagley. In music class, students should expect to participate in singing, playing classroom instruments, moving (dancing), and listening activities. In alignment with the Washington State Arts Learning Standards, we will create, perform, respond, and connect through music. We will explore the music of many cultures using the Orff and Kodaly philosophies of music education. For more information on these philosophies please check out:

https://aosa.org/about/what-is-orff-schulwerk/

and

https://www.oake.org/about-us/the-kodaly-concept/

We move and sit on the floor often. Students should wear comfortable clothing, and may wish to wear shorts or leggings under skirts on music days. Comfortable, soft-soled footwear, that is safe for movement should be worn.

Patriotic and Secular (non-religious) holiday and celebration songs are part of our curriculum. I work to include music from many cultures in the most authentic ways I possibly can, and welcome students sharing their cultural experiences, particularly in how they relate to music and vice-versa. If there is a conflict with your child participating in these cultural experiences, please notify me in writing as soon as possible.

As we begin our music making this year, students in grades 1-5 will be reviewing rhythms, body percussion, and classroom instruments that they have previously experienced, while we work to have a common understanding of classroom procedures and expectations. Kindergarten students will begin the year singing, moving, and listening to songs with Farm and Animal themes, as they learn to feel music in their bodies, and understand music room expectations.

As part of SPS Policy #0030 regarding Welcoming School Environments and Recognizing Diversity, I am also incorporating Community Talking Circles into our music classes. “Community circles help educators create a welcoming school environment through the development of deep relationships that honor the uniqueness of each person, staff, student, and their families.” At least once a week, each music class will participate in a Talking Circle in which each student is given the opportunity to speak uninterrupted. Each circle will have a unique focus. Sometimes this focus may be related to a musical theme. Sometimes it will be an opportunity for each child to share a hope or experience. Sometimes we will share appreciations from our music class that week. By participating in these circles we can help develop trust that is necessary for students to learn together, perform as musical ensembles, and allow all voices to be heard.

I’m looking forward to a great year! Here are some conversation starters to get your kids talking about their music class:

  • What songs did you hear during your rhythm warm-ups? (1-5)
  • What are the four body percussion movements you used this week? (1-5)
    • Answer: Snap, Clap, Pat, Stamp
  • What are the four families of classroom percussion? (1-5)
    • Answer: Metals, Shaker Scrapers, Woods, and Drums
  • What animals did you sing about in Music? (K)
  • Did you play any instruments in Music? (K)
    • Answer, yes, rhythm sticks and hand drums.

If you have any questions, please contact me by email: lamillerklei@seattleschools.org

 

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