BARBARA BENNETT

Welcome to the music classroom! We learn about beat, rhythm, melody, form, expression of music through singing, playing instruments, movement and dance, and creating.

Kindergarten students explore music through singing, movement, and playing simple percussion instruments. These activities help them develop a very necessary ability to hear and respond to the steady beat in music. There are many studies that report the important connection between response to steady beat and improved reading.

First and second grade students begin to read simple rhythm patterns and play them using a fun game we call "Poison Rhythm". These students continue to explore music through lots of movement.

Third through fifth graders learn to play soprano recorders with the very fun and cool method called "Recorder Karate". Through this method, students earn "belts" by playing various songs on the soprano recorder. These students can even practice online at the website www.musick8.com. They have been given information about the check-in process.

Sixth graders will have the opportunity to explore acoustic guitars this year during 3rd quarter.

We have two after-school singing opportunities for Gladys Wood students. The Second & Third Grade Chorus meets every Tuesday afternoon 3:30-4:30 in the Music Classroom. This group will be singing at the fourth annual Dimond Area Choir Festival on Wednesday evening, November 16, 2011. The concert begins at 7:00. The Intermediate Chorus meets every Wednesday afternoon 3:30-4:30 in the Music Classroom. This group will also be singing at the fourth annual Dimond Area Choir Festival on Wednesday evening, November 16, 2011. Both of these choirs will be singing during the month of December.