GRADE 5
Welcome to Year 2018-19
In 3rd, 4th and 5th grade we learn music in the four main areas: CREATE, PERFORM, RESPOND, CONNECT.
As we learn about various songs, we CREATE ways to enhance the experience, such as adding rhythmic or melodic accompaniments. Sometime we learn or invent movement and/or dance, which adds to the expression of the music.
Sometimes we use Core Knowledge poetry or books as a springboard for an enhanced lesson. We may create music and movement to bring them alive in new dimensions of sight and sound.
Lots of exploration and experimentation are needed so that we learn what “works” for the song, and what we would like to change or delete. What seem like “mistakes” are actually just steps to figuring out what we like!
We PERFORM on Orff instruments (child- sized xylophones, metallophones and glockenspiels) and we have a large collection of drums and hand- held percussion. Carl Orff was a composer and educator, and along with Gunild Keetman and others in the 1940’s and 50’s, develop this methodology called “Orff Schulwerk.” It is a joyful, experimental, involving way to engage students of all abilities and experience. Rhythmic speech, creative movement, work with bean bags, scarves, hoops, wands and more add to the fun!
Grades 4 and 5 begin to play the soprano recorder. We learn to make up our own music, and to create our own melodies. 5th grade begins reading music on the treble staff.
We RESPOND to sounds all around us, and we respond to others in the room. We echo, answer and improvise we collaborate and cooperate.
We also respond to musical compositions, discussing the origins of the music, the form, the reasons why the music is considered “great” and the composers behind the music. We study musical time periods and relate music to history and social studies.
We CONNECT by sharing music in our daily experience. How does a certain piece of music relate to me and to my classmates? What does the music mean to me? Can I understand why the composer made certain choices in expressing feelings? How does my family encounter and enjoy music?
Materials: 4th and 5th graders need to bring a soprano recorder to school. We will have several weeks in a recorder unit. In the weeks when we are not playing, the recorder can be stored at school. It must be in a case, and both the recorder and the case must be labeled with the student’s name and class (for example: John Doe, 4th Erickson)
Recorders can be purchased at Music Works here in town. Please do not get recorders at the dollar store or Walmart. They are not of sufficient quality. I can easily loan one to you if necessary.
I welcome e mails at any time!
Grade 5 Music pages
