High and Low

In our kindergarten and first grade classes we have been learning about the word pitch.  In class we learn how high or how low a sound is.  In first grade we learned two songs that has the melody going from low to high and one that goes from high to low.  I also love to use stories that can connect with our music standards.  I always love to read the story of The Three Little Pigs.  We discuss which characters would have a high pitch voice and which character would have a low pitch voice.  My favorite version that I am reading to the class is a book called, "The Three Little Pigs and the Somewhat Bad Wolfe."

If you're a teacher reading this, try to find a book that you can connect with the standards.  If you're a parent ask your child if they can tell you what pitch is in music and who would have the high and low pitch voices in the Three Little Pigs.  

Calypso!

Calypso!

The beautiful island of Trinidad. 

In our 2nd-5th grade classes we have been learning about calypso music.  We discussed how this style of music has it's roots on the beautiful islands of Trinidad and Tobago.  We found these islands using Google Earth  and learned about where it is located.

2nd grade learned a calypso song called, "Cookie."  This was a fun call and response song that they enjoyed dancing and singing to. 3rd grade calypso song is "Gypsy in the Moonlight."  In all our classes we learned about the steel drum or as some people call it the steel pan.  This instrument originated in Trinidad and Tobago when the islanders discovered they could bang on steel oil barrels and create different pitches.

We watched someone play, Under the Sea, on the steel drum. 

We also watched how they make steel drums by hand. 

In 5th grade the students learned about the King of Calypso: Harry Belafonte. He had many hits in the '50s and we learned one of the most famous, Day-O (The Banana Boat Song). 

Harry Belafonte, The King of Calypso.

One of our favorite things we saw was Belafonte's appearance on the Muppet Show, where he sang The Banana Boat Song. 

Harry Belafonte performed his hit song on the Muppet Show.

We loved learning our calypso music and we have many more to learn over the coming year!

Come Join Mustang Chorale!

   

     Mustang Chorale is starting back up for another year of great music making!  If you are or have a 4th or 5th grade student interested in Mustang Chorale a form was sent home last Monday and I will also attach it this post.  We have rehearsals every Monday from 2:30-3:30.  One of the requirements is to have a ride that can pick you up promptly at 3:30.  Students are picked up in the back of the school at the music room. We will begin rehearsals Monday, August 25. You must turn in your permission slip before you can attend Mustang Chorale.  Permission slips are due August 25. I will not accept any more students after that date.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.  I look forward to seeing you at rehearsal.  

CLICK HERE FOR MUSTANG CHORALE FORM