One of the highlights each year in music class is our all-school concert! This year, on December 19th we were able to have a winter concert at the Johnny Carson Theater. I wanted to share a little info about how we prepare for a concert, and how it reflects what students are learning in music class. You might not realize it, but in music class we do SO MUCH more than just singing! Other big components of class include movement, playing instruments, reading music and rhythms, and composing. While I can’t possibly fit it all into one concert, I do try to add a few extra items in each performance. Class sizes, stage space, and instruments available all determine what we can perform. Often, to make the number of students fit our space and resources, those who are interested get to audition/volunteer to do an “extra” part at the concert. This year that included performing a folk dance (3rd grade) and playing xylophones (4th grade) and in the lower grades, movement with a prop (colored plates!). All 3rd graders learned the dance in class and then just a few are selected to perform it. This was also the case for the xylophones/drums. All kindergarten, 1st and 2nd got to learn the plate routine in class, and only 2nd grade performed it. By including items in addition to singing in our concert, students continue to experience variety in music class throughout that reparation period. This is important because students generally spend 8-10 weeks learning music for a concert! This is due to the time constraints in class, and the fact that concert songs are generally longer and a bit more complicated than what we might do on a normal day to day basis. In addition to time spent in class, some of the small groups even volunteer to put in extra work during recess. Students really do work hard to prepare, and it is an exciting opportunity for them to perform for their friends and families in such a wonderful theater. If you missed it this time, you can always catch us next year, sometime in the spring semester!
