Grade 2

September

Fun With Composers!

Grade 2 students were given the opportunity to experience classical music in a way that was meaningful and significant to them. Musical concepts and skills were creatively woven into the lessons so that the focus remained on imaginative fun.

Each piece was centered on sparking excitement and developing in your child an appreciation for classical music. The expectation was for every child to participate, feel successful and, most importantly, thoroughly enjoy the music. In music class we were able to take classical music from its elusive realm to one that is close to their hearts!

Classical Repertoire:

The Marriage of Figaro: Mozart  (Figaro the Magical Chef)

Persian March: J. Strauss (The Pirate Sneaky Sam)

Turkish March - Mozart

The Magic Flute- Mozart

Blue Danube - Strauss

Singing Time- When the Lights Shine, Obwisana (coming in October), Engine Engine, (coming in October) Oh the Horse Went around, Swimming, Swimming, Let your light shine

Movement: Flea Fly Mosquito, Shark Attack, Turkish March (Mozart), Pop Se Ko, Handshakes

Dances: Dino Stomp (Ku Ku Kangaroo), 1 Green Jelly Bean, The longer The Faster

Orff Ensembles (xylophones)- La Boomba, 

We are also preparing for UN Day assembly.  Unfortunately parents are not able to attend this one but ask your child to sing it at home. 

As we continue to learn about composers we have now learned about Johann Strauss.  He was called the new "Waltz King" like his father before him.  We learned a fun song that we did a pirate dance to called the Perian March.  THen we listened to the Blue Danube one of Strauss' most famous waltz.  We even tried waltzing in class.  Here's your chance to dance with your kiddo mom and dad!

Here is a fun version of one of his famous melodies Blue Danube.  

We are also going to begin to review and learn about quarter notes, eighth notes, quarter rests and the difference between beat and rhythm.  

The last Opera that Mozart ever wrote was called The Magic Flute.  Enjoy a kid friendly version of it here.  

Mozarts' 'The Magic Flute' Opera - https://youtu.be/WyAtvg3Sufk?t=2m28s

August

We have been learning about Mozart.  If you haven't heard a little bit about him or about his mysterious death, you should ask!! Which way did he die - was it the man who asked him to write the requiem?  Was it just simply stomach problems?  Or was it Saliere's jealousy??  

Here is a clip of Saliere and Mozart.
Mozart vs. Salieri - https://youtu.be/-ciFTP_KRy4

Here is another fun way to experience the music of Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro.  
Mozart's 'The Marriage of Figaro' bar graph score - https://youtu.be/kYPDGUZyQ4Y

Week 1
We've been singing an 'anti-bullying' song called "Let Your Light Shine" by the D'Ambrosio twins. Sit up straight and tall, open your mouth and sing-a-long.  Check it out.

AUGUST

Oh how I love my job!  The first day of Music Class students went straight to the instruments no rules, expectations, just "let's play" and they were awesome.  I will post videos of the classes playing soon.  Look for your teacher name.   We are playing a song called "La Boomba" with the instruments.  It's not perfect but after only a few minutes of playing we think we sounded pretty good.