Music Class 1/28-2/1

We have had a great week in music class! Our week began on Sunday with the Christ Kids Choir singing in the 8:00 service here at CLCS. What a great way to kick off National Lutheran Schools Week! On Monday we had a special chapel service, where we sang "It's Cool in a Lutheran School." I only hope that the kids like this song as much as I do :)

Throughout the week, different classes visited Briarwood Nursing Home to volunteer. Our 4th, 5th, and 6th graders visited on Tuesday and sang, "Peace Like a River," and our Preschool visited on Wednesday and sang, "Jesus Loves Me," as well as "Alligator Pie" for the residents. They received many compliments for their work!

Our Journal piece for this week was, "Prelude No. 2" by George Gershwin. We discussed what a musical prelude is, as well as the influence that George Gershwin had on American music in the early 20th century. I chose this piece primarily for our 7th grade, seeing as they are in the middle of their piano unit :)

Our 7th and 8th graders seem to be enjoying their instrument units (7th-piano, 8th-guitar), and are making great progress! The iPad app that the 7th grade is utilizing for piano is called, "Virtuoso" and is working great! The students are able to use a duet option that allows them to share iPads with two keyboards on them. I am also rotating students onto the real piano so that they are able to practice on the real deal. The 8th graders are moving along well on their guitars. I will try and take a picture this week so that I can share their learning experience with you!


4th and 5th grade discussed "counter-melody" this week, and practiced singing different parts together. We discussed the difference between a counter-melody and harmony, and the class was divided into four groups to sing all of the different parts of the song, "Our Melody." It worked out great!

Kindergarten and 1st grade led chapel for us on Wednesday and performed the hymn, "I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light." What a great joy it was to hear them sing and talk about being children of God in their chapel message! In their music class this week (as well as PK) we read the book, "Freddie the Frog and the Thump in the Night." This is a newer children's music book that helps children learn the names of the notes on the staff. Freddie is a Frog that lives on the far north side of Treble Clef Island, and the book takes the children on Freddie's adventures with his best friend, Eli the Elephant (who lives at the bottom of the staff). We can't wait to hear what other adventures the two friends will share!

Our 2nd and 3rd graders are continuing their hard work in "Recorder Karate!" Many students have already passed their first song, "Hot Cross Buns," and have earned their white belt! The next song is, "Gently Sleep," and the students will earn a yellow belt for their completion of this song. They are having a great time learning how to take care of their recorders, as well as in practicing how to read music. Keep up the great work!









That is all from Music class this week. I pray you all have a safe and blessed weekend!

-Mr. Walter

Journal for this past week: "Prelude No.2" by George Gershwin (American Classical, Blues, Jazz, Easy Listening)