3rd Grade Week 1 -- Intro to Aerophones

Instruction began today with 3rd grader receiving their recorders and learning about how recorders fit into the historical develop of aerophones -- instruments that produce sounds by using a vibrating column of air. We began with an improvised processional using tympani, bass drum and bull roarer tubes (pictured). The students received their recorders and learned the basics of handling them, as well as their first note -- "B."

Next week we will begin learning to make additional notes and our first song. All the kids were given their first song written in "tablature" -- a style of writing music which tell not just what note to make but how to make it. I will also be posting a couple of videos here to review what we talked about today and preview what we will discuss next week. Happy tooting, students! (Parents -- my apologies ;) )

A vidclip from last year's first grade performance

To get started I am posting one of my favorite clips from last year -- the First Grader's musical presentation of "The Three Little Pigs." The clip is on the long side, but contains many of the elements that we focus on in general music at Third Street including student composition. All the accompanying material you see here was developed by the individual classes them put together for the first time the day we recorded it. Enjoy!

The new year in music begins at Third Street!

Welcome back to a exciting new year in music at Third Street School. If you are new to the school, my name is Richard Lawton and I am the general music teacher at Third Street.

Music classes don't begin until September 16 (a week from Friday), but I wanted to put a couple of fresh posts on our music blog. I use the blog to post pictures of what goes on in class, examples of student work, videos of performances -- anything and everything related to music at Third Street. I hope you will check back frequently.

5th Grade Culmination - Korean Fan Dance

This last post is not my work, but the wonderful work of Hannah Limb and 5th Grade KDLP. I was saddened to learn that Miss LImb, along with Mr. Marks, will not be back to teach 5th grade next year. I will miss my colleagues as I will miss this year's 5th grade class, several of home are longtime ensemble players. However, I am grateful for our time together and I wish them all well as they head off on exciting new adventures.

Have a great summer everybody!

5th Grade Culmination - "In My Life/I Will Remember You"

The other song was a medley or combination of two songs -- "In My Life" by Lennon and McCartney and "I Will Remember You" by Sarah McLaughlin. Not an easy arrangement, but the kids did a great job.

5th Grade Culmination - "I Sing the Body Electric"

Yesterday the class of 2011 culminated and was able to snag a few video captures. This was the first year I was asked to help out with the music, and I was very proud of the job the kids did on the two songs we worked on, including this one from movie "Fame."

Concert in the Park - "How Many More Times"

Our final number was the Led Zeppelin classsic "How Many More Times" with the recorder players taking the Jimmy Page role, playing short improvisatory bursts against one of the coolest grooves of all time. For me it was the best of a lot of great moments. Thanks everybody for your inspired work!