Wednesday, December 9, 2020

December 9, 2020


Hello everyone!!   

      First of all, to ALL of you, I apologize for not having a blog last week.  The busyness of the season caught me last week!!  But I am here to catch you up on all music "happenings" this week!! 


Elementary Music: 

     The kids have been working hard on some Christmas music!  We have been using the abundance of Christmas music out there to learn all about arrangements.  We have continued to talk about Irving Berlin and used a few different versions of "White Christmas" to emphasis differences between arrangements of songs etc..   It's been a lot of fun. 

     This week, we have been working on a surprise for parents that I will hopefully be able to  share with you more next week!  I can't believe that next week is our last week of the year!!!  So much to do between now and then!!!  

     Have a great week and be watching for the blog next week!  

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MS Chorus: 

      We have been rehearsing hard to perform the Christmas musical.  The kids have been working really hard.  I have been working with them on listening to one another and practicing harmony.  They are such a good group of kids and are sounding more and more amazing!!  I continue to get compliments from students and teachers here about their performance last month!  I'm so proud of them all!   Next week is our final week before Christmas!  This wack-a-doodle year has gone by quickly!!! 


Mrs Durrell 

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

November 18th


 K - 5th grades: 

      Hi everyone!  We have been having a very busy time in music class lately.  I realized that when we get back from Thanksgiving, we will only have three weeks left until CHRISTMAS vacation!  SO much to do and not alot of time to do it!  The kids have been singing carols and learning a bit about the Number 1 selling single of all time....  do you know what it is?   Our composer of the month is Irving Berlin... and he wrote the song that has sold more copies than another other. Have you guessed it?  Written in 1940... it's "White Christmas".  We have been exploring the idea of different arrangements of songs too.. and no time during the year is that point easier to make than at Christmas!  Think how many different "versions"  Christmas Carols you have heard by different artists.  It truly boggles the mind!! 

     I am so THANKFUL for each of your precious kiddos!!  They make my job so much fun!  I hope and pray that you have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!  Enjoy your turkey and be safe!!  

STICKS: 

       We assigned some parts for the "Nativity portion" of our program!  I am so excited about how it is all coming together.. but it is super important for the kids  to keep practicing next week.. since we don't have school, we won't be having rehearsal next Tuesday!  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkKao-zZ8vc


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MS Chorus: (PICTURES BELOW!!)

        This week was a big week for the chorus!  I am so incredibly PROUD of them!  Yesterday, they sang in both the senior chapel service, and then again for the elementary chapel!  They sang "My Lord".. .and did it perfectly!  Some were nervous, but did such a good job!!  You can be very proud of them!! 

        After the two chapel services, we had our regular class in fourth period and I gave them some donut holes and let them relax... they had worked hard earlier that day.  Today, we will resume our work on Christmas Cross.. and some music theory too.  

        I am so incredibly thankful for your kids... they are a joy to work with!!  God bless each of you.. have a wonderful and Happy Thanksgiving!  


      





Thursday, November 12, 2020

Getting ready for... .CHRISTMAS!!!

 November 12


K-5: 

     Hi everyone!!  I am back at school after being sick all last week!  How I missed your kids!!  We are back and working on some Christmas music for December!!  Most of the music we are working on is familiar to the kids, with one exception!  They are learning it all well and we are having fun doing CHRISTMAS!! 

     Our Composer of the Month for December is Irving Berlin.   Some of the classes this past week were able to listen to White Christmas... one of his holiday hits!  We spoke about his being born in Russia and coming to America when he was only 5. It's quite a story! 

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STICKS: 

     Even though I thought I had email addresses for all the parents...for some reason some are coming back to me.  PLEASE email me your correct email address again so that I can update my parent/email list.   s.durrell@leechristianschool.org

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MS Choir: 

      We are working hard putting the finishing touches on our Christmas Musical...  music is pretty well nailed down, and speaking parts have been learned, we are just doing some "polishing!"   Also.. we will be working on the song "My Lord" which they  will be performing in Chapel very soon!  


SO glad to be back!!  Lots to do... and I wouldn't trade a minute of it!  Your kids bless me so very much! 

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

A four day week, end of the month.. Halloween and a time change!!! (oh, and a hurricane)


28 October 


K - 5th Grades: 

       Hi everyone!  This week we have been trying to concentrate on finishing up October and saying goodbye to Peter and the Wolf and our October composer of the month.. John Williams.  I think even the kids were surprised  at how much John Williams music they knew!!  

       November will mean getting ready for Christmas.. and we do that in music by learning and singing lots of Christmas songs!!  It's going to be a lot of fun!! 

4th & 5th Grades: 

      For those of you in our "STICKS" program.. we have had two rehearsals and have learned a bit more than half of the routine!  It's going so well!  I'm very proud of these kids for learning the song so quickly!  We will be finishing soon learning the basic routine and then we can start "polishing" our act and getting ready to perform!  

I hope that everyone has a good weekend! 

Mrs. Durrell 

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 MS Chorus: 

      So much going on in Chorus!   We will be singing in Chapel soon and the kids have been learning the song "My Lord" for that..  They are amazing!!  We have also had our auditions for the speaking parts for the Christmas musical so the kids are working hard memorizing them.  We are going to be working on putting "life" into the words!!  As far as the music is concerned.. they are doing an awesome job.  What a fun and talented group of kids they are!!  I'm so very blessed to be working with them each day!! 

Mrs. Durrell 

Friday, October 23, 2020

It's fall... but Christmas is coming.... !!!!!


October 21, 2020


K - 5th Grades: 

          This week we have been winding down our study of the orchestra and instrument families.  The kids have been watching "Peter and the Wolf" also.  Next week, we will be putting the final touches on October with the Composer of the month etc.   

          In November, we will be getting ready for Christmas. I know, it seems a bit early and we will talk about Thanksgiving, but Christmas music will be the focus for November.  Traditional carols will be sung! I'm very excited about it and hope the kids like it too!  

           NOTE:   This is the LAST week to join STICKS.  We had our first rehearsal this past Tuesday after school..  remember, this is ONLY FOR FOURTH AND FIFTH GRADERS!  If you are interested or just want to find out more, email me...  s.durrell@leechristianschool.org

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MS Chorus: 

      We have had to cancel our Pastor's appreciation and Veterans day chapel performances.  We are going to be singing in an upcoming chapel.   Also, work continues on the Christmas musical.  I will continue to  update you as we go along! 


ALSO.. don't forget your Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes!!!  


Thanks, 

Mrs. Durrell

Wednesday, October 14, 2020



 Peter and the Wolf / Changes for Chorus....


   K-5th grades: 

            Hi everyone!   This past week we have been learning about the different instrument families.  We have done this while still listening to John Williams music!  I hope the kids have enjoyed hearing familiar music from some of their favorite movies etc..  incorporated into our lessons.  We have also been learning about the importance of themes in music... and how certain melodies can bring to mind certain characters in a story.  To bring this home, for the remainder of the month, we will be listening to "Peter and the Wolf"... a wonderful Children's piece that has been used to teach children about the different parts of the orchestra and the idea of themes for decades.  

**NOTE**

         I sent a note home with the fourth and fifth graders last week regarding a new ministry we are starting here at LCS. THIS IS FOR FOURTH AND FIFTH GRADERS ONLY!! STICKS drama will start here in a few weeks.   Info below.. including a link to a STICKS performance so you can see what we are talking about!  I hope to see your student there!! 

    WHAT:   STICKS drama    ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkKao-zZ8vc  ) 

    WHEN:  Rehearsals starting Tuesday, Oct. 20th.   3-3:30PM.    Rm# 236 in High School building.  IF your child needs to get to Aftercare when we are finished.. we will get them there! 

We will be performing in Christmas Chapel as well as the Christmas Choral program in December! 


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Middle School Chorus: 

       We were informed this week that this year's Pastor Appreciation Chapel and Veteran's Day Chapel have been canceled because of Coronavirus.  The kids have been working hard on their song for the Pastor's Chapel, so we are still going to be performing it in Chapel here at school... date tbd.    

        IN the meantime, we are still working on our Christmas musical "The Christmas Cross".  We will be having auditions this week for the several speaking parts in the musical!!  The kids have done an amazing job with this and it is my prayer they have been blessed by the message of this musical and that it is also a blessing to others!  

ALSO!!  We are starting Operation Christmas Child here at LCS!!   We will be encouraging the students to pack shoeboxes that will be sent all over the world to needy children.  It is a fantastic way to give.. but also to share the love of God!!  Please join us!!   Information on how to pack your shoeboxes and what to put in them is below: 

Have a great week and keep a song in your heart! 

Mrs. Durrell

Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes

It’s time to pack Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes! Each year, LCS students send boxes

to impoverished children all over the world. To pack a shoebox, simply choose:

Boy or Girl,  age 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14, and pack the box with age-appropriate necessities and toys.

 Here are some guidelines for packing shoeboxes:

 Pack: school supplies (some children cannot attend school if they don’t have supplies), small toys,

stuffed animals, hair bows, brushes & combs, soap, wash cloths, socks, t-shirts, stickers, tissues,

flashlights, fishing kits, sewing kits, hats, scarves, soccer balls, pumps, Slinkies, plastic cups, cars 

- anything small, packable, and necessary.

Don’t pack:  food, vitamins, liquids, lotions, shampoo, chocolate, glass,  or  any toys that suggest war.

No Pokemon and no Harry Potter. NEW in 2017: DO NOT pack any candy or toothpaste.

 Any standard size shoebox is fine. You may wrap or decorate the box in any way,

but the top of the box must be removable. Don’t tape the box closed.

We will secure each box with rubber bands.

Dollar Tree, WalMart, the Carpenter’s Shop, and the clearance/dollar sections of

Target and Office Max are excellent places to shop.

Pinterest is full of craft and packing ideas for shoeboxes!

If you still have a rainbow loom and bands, please make some bracelets for shoeboxes!

One of the most important things you can place in your shoebox is a note from you.

You can include a picture and your address; the child may write a letter to you!

Your shoebox may introduce a child to Jesus Christ, so do your best to share His love!

You may pack as many shoeboxes as you wish.

Shoeboxes are due by November 20!  Please drop them off in my classroom (room 124),

or leave them with your child’s teacher.. If you have any questions, please email me!

                                                                              

 Mrs. Kelley Desjarlais                             k.desjarlais@leechristianschool.org

      


 

Friday, October 9, 2020

Instrument Families and Pastor Appreciation..


8 October 2020


   K - 5th Grade Music: 

        Hi everyone!!  We have been having fun in music with our composer of the month!  Listening to music that many of them know from different movies etc..   We do have some music that he composed from movies that some have never seen.. and that is totally cool!  We are still learning about fanfares, themes etc.. and the use of them in music to get people's attention etc..    Tying into this, we are talking about the structure of the orchestra and specifically "instrument families".  This past week we focused on the Brass and Strings families.  This coming week, we will focus on the Woodwind and Percussion families, and continue our study of character themes in music.  

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Middle School Chorus: 

      These kids rock!!   This week, we have been learning our song that we will be performing for the Pastor's Appreciation Chapel at that end of the month.  They have learned it quickly and are doing really well with it.  Work continues on Christmas music and we will be working on the Veterans Chapel music soon..  I am so proud of these kids!! 


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**NOTICE**

          If your child is in 4th or 5th grades:   We are starting a Sticks Drama Team here at LCS.  If your child is interested please email me at the email address below.  Rehearsals will start on October 20th from 3-3:30 in the high school building (Room#236).  It's going to be a lot of fun!!  

Thanks everyone!!  

Mrs. Durrell    s.durrell@leechristianschool.org  

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

   Movie... Music.. and More.  


September 30th 


K-5th grades: 

          This week we have introduced the October "Composer of the Month"...  John Williams.  Best known for some of his movie scores (Star Wars, Indiana Jones etc..) he is also known for the Olympic theme.  We are using him and the orchestras he directs to introduce instrument families to the kids.  Next week, we will zero in on the Brass and Strings.  We are also going to be  learning about his use of themes in music. 

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Middle School Chorus: 

        Work continues on our Christmas music...I will be announcing to the chorus and parents very soon when we will be having auditions for speaking roles in our musical.  Several students have expressed an interest in having speaking parts.  We have also introduced another Christmas song that we are working on and will be getting  our music ready for Pastor's chapel later in October as well as Veterans' chapel in November.  

       

     I really do consider it a joy to work with all of your kids.. they are a blessing to me.  

Mrs. Durrell 

Friday, September 25, 2020

Bye bye Beethoven.... Learning harmonies...

                                                                                                                      September 25th


K - 5th Grades: 

         Even though we have a few days left in September, we have moved on to our "October Composer of the Month".   Beethoven is gone and we are moving on to one of the most popular contemporary composers... John Williams!  The kids will be learning about themes and fanfares while we discuss his music.  We just might have to listen to some soundtrack music to... can anyone say "Star Wars"??   ;)   This month is all about themes and how music can help tell a story by letting us know what character we are talking about.  

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Middle School Chorus: 

          We have some new music to learn over the next few weeks in preparation for our Pastor's Appreciation Chapel at the end of the month.  We have also been learning harmonies and how to blend parts.  We will be taking a short break from planning the Christmas Musical but will be working soon on auditions for speaking parts.  


Have a great week!! 

Mrs. Durrell 

Thursday, September 17, 2020

Beethoven and Christmas...

                                                                                                September 17th


K-5th grades: 

         I have been really thrilled with how they have embraced our talking about Beethoven for the past two weeks.  They have learned some interesting things about the man and have listened to some of his music.  I have told them that they don't have to "like" his music, but I do ask that they listen at least once with respect.  We will listen to many different types of music this year and different composers.  Next week, we will finish with Beethoven and move on to the next composer in October. 

         We have also been working with basic rhythms .  The quarter note and eighth note will be reviewed next week

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MS Chorus: 

        Late this week I am introducing some new music to the Chorus... something that will be a bit more challenging for them.  They have done well with the Christmas music thus far, but we are going to take a break and work on some pieces over the next few weeks that will be more of a challenge! 

        They continue to excel with Dona Nobis Pacem and are doing well singing it as a round.  We will continue working on these.

Mrs. Durrell

Friday, September 11, 2020

Beethoven and onwards...

                                                                                                                      September 11, 2020

K-5th Grade Music: 

               HI!!   We are having so much fun in music class!  :)   I hope that this week they have been able to share some things about Beethoven!  We have been having fun listening to some of his music..that a lot of the kids were surprised that they had heard, but didn't realize that it was Beethoven!  We will learn some more about him next week.. and in addition to singing and playing some games...we will also listen to a bit more of his music!  


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Middle School Chorus: 

             We are "tweaking" our Christmas music now.  We have been working hard on harmonies and learning some of the different dynamics to choral music.  We will continue doing this as we go forward... they are learning a lot and starting to sound really good!  They are a fun group and I am enjoying my time with them! 


Mrs. Durrell 

Friday, September 4, 2020

Next week in music....

                                                                                                        September 4, 2020

K-5th grades: 
      
      Hey everyone!   We have been having a lot of fun in Elementary music...  and this week we are introducing a new feature...  "Composer of the Month"  The composer of September will Beethoven.  IN addition to our continued learning about basic rhythms.. we will be listening to brief excerpts from Beethoven's compositions and discussing his life.   We will still be singing and playing games along the way! 

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MS Chorus: 

     Because of some shipping problems with some music coming this way (Covid)...  I introduced the Christmas music early.. but the kids have really enthusiastically embraced this. (ask them about "Country Boys" )    We are expanding our warmups this week and learning some basic music theory along the way...we will begin concentrating more on some upcoming chapel services this coming week.   


For all of you... your kids are fantastic!!  My ultimate goal for this year is to give them just a little bit of my love for all kinds of music!!!  My time with them all is a gift!  

Blessings! 
Mrs. Durrell  \o/

Thursday, August 27, 2020

                                                                                                   August 27th


K5 - 5th grades: 

       Hi everyone!  This has been a busy week in music!  It has been our first FULL week of school...and with 11 music classes...it has been busy but SO much fun!    Our emphasis right now has been rhythm.  They have been learning some basics of rhythm, beat and some tempo.  We have played some games the they have had a lot of fun with, as well as singing some songs that we will be doing this year in chapel.  Your kids are great fun and I am having a good time singing and learning with them! 


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MS Choir;

      I have spent this week getting to know the kids better, hearing them sing (including a time in the hallway where each one sang "Happy birthday" as a solo!)  I am pleased to say that I have kids with great voices!!  They have continued to learn about correct breathing and vocal warmups.  We are working hard to perfect our Latin song "Dona Nobis Pacem" (Give us Peace)   And, by the way.. they have learned this one without music.. just from singing along with me.  They are awesome!  

     Next week, we will start working more towards our Christmas music.  There will be lots more news to come about that down the road... but I am excited about what's to come!   I am also going to be working towards separating them according to voice parts (SATB) and seating them accordingly... this will mean assigning them seating in Chorus.. but ultimately my goal is to have them seated with others singing the same parts in order to help them.  They are great kids and I really am grateful to have them in Chorus. 


Have a great weekend!!  

Mrs. Durrell 

Thursday, August 20, 2020

Looking forward!!

We're back at school!!   

 K5 - 5th grades: 

        I'm so excited to be back in the classroom and to finally get to be with all the kids!  I haven't had a chance to meet them all  yet, but the ones that I have meet have been awesome!  We have been having fun singing and playing games and I can't wait to continue! :)   We have been learning a new song with motions that we will be doing in chapel next Wednesday!  

Mrs. Durrell


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MS/HS Chorus; 

        This week has been a lot of fun getting to know the kids!  I'm so proud of them already!  They are learning their first song of the year, which will be used in vocal warmups going forward... and.. it's in Latin!   The kids have been participating well and we have been having some fun!  We are starting to work on the special chapel services that we have coming up this fall.  I'm already loving the kids and looking forward to singing with them this year! 

Mrs. Durrell

Thursday, May 21, 2020

                                                                                                  May 21, 2020

HI everyone!  Well, it's Memorial Day weekend...  so, I have made a short video for you to watch here.. in it I will explain this weeks assignment.  After you watch it... you can follow the directions below:

               https://safeyoutube.net/w/AlDG 


Here are the videos for you to watch.  To be honest.. this is a subject very "near and dear" to my heart.. I really love history and I had a difficult time choosing.  I hope that you all enjoy them.

1. https://safeyoutube.net/w/arqG     The American Revolutionary war was fought in the years 1775-1783.  Music became very important during that time.  Not only for keeping up the morale (mood) of our soldiers.. music was used to help them march together and to give messages even on the battlefield. Some of you will recognize this song.. it's called "Yankee Doodle"  Different songs would mean different things to the soldiers.. telling them to attack, or retreat (go back!)  This is a Junior Drum and Bugle corp in Colonial Williamsburg. These young people wear clothing like they did in colonial times and play the same music.  What you are seeing and hearing is just like what you would have heard if you had been alive back in 1775.

2. https://safeyoutube.net/w/O7rG    This song should be very familiar to you.  It's our national anthem!  This song, also called the Star Spangled Banner... was written during a battle of the War of 1812.  The songwriter was watching the battle.. and it was so fierce.. he was really worried that the American's wouldn't survive the night.. and he wrote this song and his joy, when "by the dawns early light - our flag was still there".  This video shows visitors at Ft. McHenry (near Baltimore) helping to raise the flag.  If you go there someday, maybe you can help raise it as well!
         https://safeyoutube.net/w/Ih1G  I wanted to include this video as well.. as you can learn a lot about our flag and it's history here.  It's is a bit "cut up" however and didn't make a good video to have you hear the National Anthem. My family and I lived near Baltimore a few years ago and I was able to go to Ft. McHenry.  I hope someday you will all get to go as well! Look at how BIG the flag is!

The United States Civil war was fought between 1861-1865.  It was a difficult time for our country, but one that helped shape who we are today.  There were two side in that war, commonly called the North and the South.  We will look at a favorite song from each side.
 3.  https://safeyoutube.net/w/RG1G - The Northern side was just that, from the north.  This song was actually a mixture of a few, but when a lady named Julia Ward Howe wrote the words, the song came together and was a favorite of people in the North. It's called Battle Hymn of the Republic.

4.  https://safeyoutube.net/w/fO1G  The arrangement of the song that I found for you is actually a very short medly of TWO songs that were very famous in the south. They were sung in the towns and cities and also on the battlefields.  They are Dixie and Bonnie Blue Flag.  I hope that you like them.

5. https://safeyoutube.net/w/Zn2G   World War I was fought mostly in Europe from 1914-1918.  America entered the war in 1917 and many young soldiers went to fight.  (My grandfather was one of them.)  This song was always a favorite of his and his soldier friends.  During the actual war, it was a song sung all over America to get people worked up about the war.  Soldiers sang it even on the boats going over to Europe.  The song is called Over There.

*From now on, you will notice some changes in style.  Up until now, alot of marching was done to military music.. and that continued.  But, as times changed, the popular music did too...

6.  https://safeyoutube.net/w/U6BG   For the United States, World War II was fought between 1914-1945.  Before the war started, Glenn Miller was a famous band leader and musician.  He enlisted in the US Army at the beginning of the war hoping that he could be of some help.  He started to mix together the sound of his popular music with the marching music.  This is a classic example.  It's called St. Louis Blues March.  I hope you enjoy this one!

7.  https://safeyoutube.net/w/fABG   The Korean was was fought between 1950-1953.  There are not alot of songs about this war.  This was one of the few that I could find.  It's called  God Please Protect America. 

8. https://safeyoutube.net/w/W06G    The Vietnam war was fought between the years 1955-1975.  The United States became officially involved in 1965.  Although the war brought many questions to many people.. music continued to be important.  The following song was used by the US Army to keep up the spirits of the fighting men and help in recruiting. It's called The Ballad of the Green Beret.  The beret is a type of hat, that is worn by soldiers that go through specialized training to earn them.

9.  https://safeyoutube.net/w/rN6G    America was involved in the Gulf War from 1990-1991.  This song was very popular then, it's called  I'm Proud to be an American.  My husband was in the US Navy during this war, and I can tell you that his captain played it daily on the ships loudspeakers!

10.  https://safeyoutube.net/w/afDG    Operation Enduring Freedom officially started back in 2001 and is still happening today.  Although military marches are still used in formal military ceremonies etc.. this song is one that we written a few years ago to celebrate our soldiers.  It's simply called American Soldier.


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In honor of those that have given their lives for our country.. this is a medley. A medley is a group of songs that are put together as one song.  This one is called  The Armed Forces Medley.  Each branch of our armed services has a special song that is just for them. This video was recorded at a special Memorial Day concert.  Please watch this.
The Coast Guard
The United States Air Force
The United States Navy
The United States Marine Corp.
The United States Army

https://safeyoutube.net/w/uE6G -  United States Armed Forces Medley

I hope you all have a good weekend!  I'm praying for you all! 

We are having a SNO CONE day at school on the 29th!  I will be there and hope to see many of you there as well! :)   Parents, you will be getting an email with all the details, but be assured, this will be a non contact event...  :)  You will stay in your cars and sno cones will be brought to you!!

Mrs. Durrell
s.durrell@leechristianschool.org






Thursday, May 14, 2020



Hi everyone!!  

     I hope that you are all having a great week!   This week.. we are going to continue our idea of getting outside and making some music! I have two videos below.. the first one is of ME...  the second one gives you some more directions as to HOW to make some musical instruments yourself!  
     Use your imagination... have some fun!  But remember... always ask your Mom if you can use anything that might belong to her... be careful what you use as a "percussion instrument!"   
      Have fun!  

1.  https://safeyoutube.net/w/ljBE   -  Just me and Maggie on the porch!!  Come join us!  

2.  https://safeyoutube.net/w/aQxA   -  Some directions for how to make your own instruments! 


Mrs. Durrell  :)  

Thursday, May 7, 2020



May 7

        Hi everyone!! 
                     I'm getting this blog posted MUCH later than I had planned and I am so sorry!  Today I filmed a video for you!!  I went outside... and after much work.. we had a video...  but then, getting it to my computer.. and through the editing software... well...  Hopefully next week we can do the video.  I will keep working on it and as soon as it is ready, I will post it!  
                     I want you  to do something a bit different this week....  GO OUTSIDE and listen!  Do you hear the birds?  They have been singing like crazy in my backyard this week... it's been beautiful!  So much music out there!  
                    Last week, I posted a video about making homemade instruments...  I don't know if any of you did that... but if you didn't, I will post the link again....  My goal for this week is for YOU to make some music!  Will post some videos of examples.. but I really want you to go out and make some music yourself... not just watch others do it!    
          Here is the vide about how to make your own instruments:   https://safeyoutube.net/w/aQxA


 Some examples of homemade instruments:  
                https://safeyoutube.net/w/p52C      Making a pan flute out of drinking straws! 

               https://safeyoutube.net/w/HU2C    Music with bottles!  

               https://safeyoutube.net/w/2f3C      UNBELIEVEABLE music with cups!!!!  

               

See what you can come up with!!  Meanwhile... I will try to get my video up and running!   Have fun, go outside and make some music!!   

Mrs. Durrell

s.durrell@leechristianschool.org

Thursday, April 30, 2020



    Hi everyone!  Can you believe that we are almost to the end of April??  WOW.  I know that school has not turned out as we all thought it would... but I hope that being able to listen to some different kinds of music has been interesting for you... and fun!   I know, some of you will like certain kinds of music more than others... and that's ok!  That's the really cool thing about music... God gave us lots of different styles to choose from.
     Last week.. we looked at different sort of choirs... basically... singing in groups.  This week, we are going to do the same.. but with instruments.  We have already looked at large symphonies... but did you know there are many different "types" of bands or instrumental groups?   Listen carefully to the different styles and see if you really like any...  learning and instrument can be a lot of fun.. and something that you will be able to play all your life!!
       1.  Symphony Orchestra (once again.. as a refresher)  https://safeyoutube.net/w/4quA             This is a great and FUN example of a YOUTH Orchestra....  See how you can do all sorts of fun things?   There is a youth chorus singing with them.. AND two (rather well known) guitar players/singers in front!  There is no shortage of fun you can have with music!!
       2.   Jazz band: https://safeyoutube.net/w/XAuA                                                                           Another great example of young people making great music!  This is jazz... and it sounds much different than the symphony orchestras that we've been listening to.  What do you think of this one?   How about the solo's... (that's when one player is featured and plays alone).  What do you think of jazz???
      3.  Marching Band:  https://safeyoutube.net/w/wmxA       
Now, check this out!  How about playing an instrument...  memorizing the music you are playing AND marching in formation... having to know where you play.. when to march.. where to go.. all at the same time!!  Do you think this would be fun?  Do you think it would be too difficult?? 
     4.  Dixieland or Ragtime band:    https://safeyoutube.net/w/9vxA 
This is Dixieland!  Very similar in some way to Jazz.... lots of very tricky parts for each instrument to play... and notice the addition of a piano!  Dixieland jazz is a lot of fun to play and to listen to!  What do you think of this type of band??
     5.  Big Band:   https://safeyoutube.net/w/U3xA
The name of this type of band is a bit misleading.   The band itself is not that big... but the sound is big!  This type of music became very popular in the US during the 1930's and 1040's.  It's not only fun to play and listen to, it was often danced to at large dances.  Listen to the sound particularly of the saxophones and the trumpets!   The Trombones are featured here as well and are fantastic! What do you think of this kind of band?
    6. Polka band:    https://safeyoutube.net/w/MBxA
Polka music came from eastern Europe and is still very popular.  A lot of people like to play it and dance to it as it is a reminder of the areas in Europe that their family is from.  Polka Festivals celebrate other cultures and are lots of fun!
   ~   Believe it or not, there are MORE types of bands and music!  Have any that you've listened to sounded really good to you? Do any instruments interest you?  Think on that... listen to the videos and let me know!

    Until next week....  I'm praying for you and love you all!  Take care!!

TO DO=>  https://safeyoutube.net/w/aQxA                                                                                              For next week...  make at least ONE of these instruments!!!  We need to make some music!!  (for younger students... PLEASE get help from your parents or a sibling!!) 

Mrs. Durrell
s.durrell@leechristianschool.org
919-935-1891

Thursday, April 23, 2020



      Hi everyone! 
           I hope that you all have had a great Easter and then week off!!  Hasn't the weather been wonderful?  I hope that you have been able to get outside a bit and listen to the MUSIC that God gave us in nature!!  WHHAAATT?   You don't know what I'm talking about?   On the next bright, sunny, breezy day...  go outside... find a comfortable place to sit … and just... LISTEN.    You might hear birds.... squirrels...  the wind rustling the leaves in the trees....  dogs barking....  there are all sorts of sounds that you can hear outside.  And I believe that sounds that we hear like that...  are a kind of music too! 
            This week, we are going to shift our focus from the Orchestra... to Choirs.  And there are many different kinds of those!  Listen to these different types of choirs... sing along if you want and think about which kind you like the best....

      1.   SHOW CHOIR:  This is an example of kids YOUR age performing in a choir... with a slight difference.  this is a  "show choir".   A show choir combines singing and dancing!!   Let me know what you thin k of this!!   https://safeyoutube.net/w/72p8
      2.  FORMAL CHOIR:   In this video...  the entire hall, which in this case is the Royal Albert Hall in London, is full of choir singers!  Listen as they sing praise to God with orchestra playing along!!   https://safeyoutube.net/w/M7p8
     3.   JAZZ CHOIR:   I really hope that you like this one.   This is a small choir singing an example of jazz music for voices.  Notice the different style... the harmonies etc...   what do you think of this style? https://safeyoutube.net/w/cYq8
     4.  MALE CHOIR:   Some of you might recognize this song from a movie. This choir is made of entirely of men.  What I want you to pay attention to is the deep harmonies of the male voices.  Do you like the sound of this?  https://safeyoutube.net/w/ljq8
     5.  FEMALE CHOIR:    An all girl choir.  This is a more formal example... they are singing in church and the words to this song are in a different language than we normally hear.  But, what do you think of the different girls singing different parts?   https://safeyoutube.net/w/Hoq8
    6.   BOYS CHOIR:   This choir is all made up of young boys.  They are from the country of Russia.  What do you think of their sound?  https://safeyoutube.net/w/X2q8
   7.   GIRLS CHOIR:   These little girls are all from the country of Armenia.   They are singing one of my favorite songs from my favorite movie?  Does anyone know what movie it is?   They are singing in different parts as well... do you think that would be easy or difficult to learn to do?  https://safeyoutube.net/w/d8q8
   8.  CHILDREN'S CHOIR:   This is the African Children's Choir! They came to my church a few years ago and we loved them!  Their music was excellent and their enthusiasm was fun!  I hope you enjoy this video!  https://safeyoutube.net/w/eFq8
  9.   VIRTUAL CHOIR:   This may be something you have seen over the past few weeks.  Alot of Choirs are recording their singing in their homes, and then putting the videos together in a virtual choir!  The results are amazing!!   This particular video is of the United States Naval Academy Men's and Women's Glee Clubs.  The pictures they show are of Annapolis, Maryland... that's where their school is!  I hope you enjoy this one!!  https://safeyoutube.net/w/ZLq8
10.  CAT CHOIR:    Just for fun... I found this as I was looking for boys choirs.  This is a boys choir.. but singing a song in total "meow"!!   Enjoy!!  https://safeyoutube.net/w/Zwq8


Remember... get outside when you can... and listen to the sounds all around you!  God gives us music everywhere!  And don't forget to SING!! 

I love you and am praying for each of you! 

Mrs. Durrell

GAMES:  There are many different games on the following link.  Some of these things we have not gone over yet.. but we will be getting to them this year when we get to the classroom and for sure next year!  Go ahead and try them out! 

http://www.musictechteacher.com/music_quizzes/music_quizzes.htm

and... the one we can't stop playing at my house!! 

https://www.incredibox.com/demo/

 Have a great week you guys!   If you or your parents need me... you can email me or text anytime! 

s.durrell@leechristianschool.org
919-935-1891











Thursday, April 9, 2020

*Note:  Sorry there is no video... my computer has been acting up a bit...:(

 Hello everyone!!   Happy Easter this coming Sunday!!   I hope that you are all feeling good! Before we get into our lesson, which will focus on some Easter music...   If you are wondering what all this Easter stuff is really all about...  take a look at this short video:
      https://safeyoutube.net/w/2PP5


  One thing that we have been talking about, is how music can help us to FEEL things.  Music can make us happy...and it can also help us to be serious about something.   We all know that Easter is a happy day.  It's the day that we celebrate that Jesus is alive!  So, music about Easter is usually very happy!  But do any of  you know, what happened three days BEFORE Easter?   If you said Good Friday, you were right!  On Good Friday, we remember the day that Jesus  died.  The music that helps us remember that day, isn't really happy...  in fact, it can be serious and even sound sad.  But.. it's all part of the story and makes that Easter music even happier!!   Let's listen to some examples and as you listen to each one... think about how the music makes you feel...

GOOD FRIDAY: 
       
                        https://safeyoutube.net/w/QPP5   - this is an small orchestra playing a very pretty arrangement of an old hymn  "Alas and did my Savior bleed and die".   Not a happy title... but they do a beautiful job with the song.
 
                         https://safeyoutube.net/w/nQP5    -  Some of the most beautiful classical music written for a Choir was written by a man named George Handel.   He was a Christian and used bible verses as the words for this music.  It was part of a large group of songs he called "Messiah".  The words for this song come from the book of Isaiah  "Surely He has borne our griefs".

                         https://safeyoutube.net/w/6QP5   -  Sing along with this one!
EASTER: 
          Listen to these... music can help tell the story of Jesus!!   Listen to them with your families and see which one they like the best!
     
                         https://safeyoutube.net/w/gRP5  -  Remember the man George Handel I wrote you about?   He wrote this one too... it is all about the first Easter when people first knew that Jesus was alive!  This video was filmed in a department store!  Have you ever heard of a "Flash Mob"?? That's when people start singing together in public to surprise others!   This is one of my favorite videos!!!  What do you think?

                       https://safeyoutube.net/w/1RP5   -  Here is a great example of an Easter Hymn...  "Christ the Lord is Risen Today"  This isn't a full orchestra, but you have quite a few instruments and singers... and a handbell choir!  Do you feel the joy in this song?!  I hope so!

                        https://safeyoutube.net/w/ZRP5  -  Finally,  here is a song sung by my church here in North Carolina!  This is an example of what we call a contemporary worship song.  No orchestra...and the style is much more relaxed than that of a full choir.  But the message is the same... Jesus is alive!    I hope you feel the joy of knowing that as you listen to this one!

Your only assignment this week is to listen to the songs I've posted... and really think about how the music helps you to feel...  notice which songs make you feel the happiest... do any of them make you sad??
I am going to post some more games for you all to play...  I hope you have a great Easter at home... and a great week next week!  :) 

I'm praying for each of you!!!

Mrs. Durrell

GAMES: 
K-2:
http://creatingmusic.com/BlockGames/ComparingGame/

http://creatingmusic.com/BlockGames/3x3/testmode.html

http://www.musicgames.net/livegames/orchestra/orchestra2.htm

3-5:
http://artsalive.ca/en/mus/activitiesgames/games/popNameInstrument.asp

https://www.incredibox.com/demo/

FOR EVERYONE: 

In case you don't have one in your home... have fun playing the piano!!!

https://virtualpiano.net/

                       

                     
                         

Thursday, April 2, 2020

Week 3


Hi everyone!  I hope that you are all doing well!   Does anyone have any cabin fever yet?   We have awhile to go... but just for fun.. I found a whole song about Cabin Fever... take a listen here:

https://safeyoutube.net/w/xLP5


As I said in my video lesson...  my goal for the next few weeks is to show how big and wonderful God's gift of music really is!  Music can bring joy.. and there are so many different types of music out there!!  Last week, I shared a video introducing the orchestra and opera.   If you haven't had a chance to watch them.. please check them out. 

Take a look at this week's assignments... if you have any questions about any of them.. or if there is anyway that I can help you.. just email me  (s.durrell@leechristianschool.org) or you can call me (919-935-1891)

Orchestra Music: 
             This week, we are going to start looking at some different styles of music for orchestras.  Some styles require a large orchestra with many different instruments playing together.  Some styles of music require only a few instruments at a time.  This week, we are going to be listening to the SYMPHONY.   A symphony needs lots of instruments and can be long pieces of music with different sections, some fast and some slow.  Some symphonies have become very famous.

  ~  1.  https://safeyoutube.net/w/qMP5

  ~  2.  https://safeyoutube.net/w/OMP5

  ~  3.   https://safeyoutube.net/w/ENP5

     I would like you to listen to all three... email me and tell me which is your favorite and why?  Did you recognize any?

Choral Music: 
            Choral music is when a group of singers will get together to sing songs.. They will have different parts and blend together in a pleasing sound we call harmony.  You can have a choir with all men, all women or mix them up. Sometimes the choir will sing alone, without any instruments at all.  Sometimes just one or two instruments, but they can also sing with an entire orchestra!  Don't be surprised if they sing in different languages too!  Here are a few examples:

  ~ 1.  https://safeyoutube.net/w/hOP5     sometimes we can put a symphony orchestra AND a large choir together!  By the way, the language here is Latin.  They are singing "Gloria in Excelsis Deo" which means "Glory to God in the highest!"

  ~ 2.  https://safeyoutube.net/w/AOP5    This is the United States Naval Academy Mens Glee Club singing in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.  What mood do you think the singers are trying to show?   They are singing at a memorial to sailors that died there during WWII.

  ~ 3. https://safeyoutube.net/w/WOP5  This is ladies group from Norway.  Have any of you heard them in a movie lately?  You can hear them in the movie FROZEN and FROZEN 2.

    Did you like any one of these more than the others?  Email me and tell me which one you liked the most and why.  Pay attention to the different ways the songs might have made you feel.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GAMES: 
      K - 2nd:    Music Block Game:   http://creatingmusic.com/BlockGames/3x3/testmode.html

      3rd - 5th:    Incredibox:    https://www.incredibox.com/demo/ 

Hey guys... put a song in your heart!  God is in control!  The bible says we are to "sing to Him a new song"... so go ahead... sing! :)  Love you all and can't wait to be in school with each of you!!


Mrs. Durrell
s.durrell@leechristianschool.org
919-935-1891

Thursday, March 26, 2020

Week 2


Hey there! 
      I hope that everyone has had a great week!!    I thought I would share with you a bit about what is going on in my corner of the world...
      I live here in Sanford with my husband and daughter.. and of course, our dog Maggie.  She is loving having everyone home, by the way!!  Now, Maggie is a very musical dog... and loves to sing. Now, I can't promise that everything that she sings is always "perfect".. but she does get an A for effort!  Music of some sort is always playing in our home.. and especially now can really be a mood lifter!  I encourage all of you to find some sort of music that you like.. that lifts  your spirits or that you can sing or dance to and play it!!  Part of the reason that music is such a wonderful gift from God, is that there are so many different kinds of music!!  Take some time to listen to different types of music together as a family... you might be surprised at what you discover that you like!!   Here are some examples:  

1. Orchestra Music: 
This is a really wonderful introduction to the orchestra!                                                                     Check it out here:  https://safeyoutube.net/w/ZqL5
  Orchestra music  has been around a long time...sometimes you might hear people call orchestra music "classical" and that is very true, but new orchestra music is being written all the time.  In recent years, we hear it in the background of our favorite movies and even tv shows.  Take a listen to this and see if it's familiar: (by the way, the first gentleman you see in the video..wrote the music you will hear!)  https://safeyoutube.net/w/XrL5

ASSIGNMENT:   Email me one thing that you learned about the orchestra that you didn't know.  Also..  what is your favorite instrument or sound? 

 Moving away from instruments.. to the voice! (my favorite!)  Singing is actually very complex...there are many types of music to sing and many different types of voices.  Here is an example: 

   2.  Opera.  Basically... and opera is a musical play.. everything is sung and it is usually done in a different language.   Opera singers not only have to be able to sing that type of music (VERY challenging) but also understand the language that they are singing in AND act out the story on the stage!   Take a listen to these talented singers: https://safeyoutube.net/w/6tL5

ASSIGNMENT:   Email me one thing that you didn't know about Opera.  Did you like that kind of singing?  Why or why not?  


  
There are many different styles of music...  in the next few weeks ( or as long as the virus keeps us at home) we are going to listening to more examples.  In the meantime, please visit my blog from last week as the links on there to games/songs are still good and will keep everyone moving!  Herman the Worm has become a real favorite at my house!!   God bless and I'll "talk" to you all next week!!  

Mrs. Durrell
s.durrell@leechristianschool.org

Thursday, March 19, 2020



Hello everyone!
     My name is Mrs. Durrell and I am the new music teacher for the elementary grades!  This is my first week!  And what a week it has been!  I am so grateful and humbled to be given the opportunity of sharing my love of music with your dear children!  Until we are able to meet again at school.. I am going to use this platform to share with you some online games and songs that you can do with your kids at home.   As we are all at home, it is more important than ever to keep moving... kids especially with their abundance of energy, need to move and do.  Music can be a big help with that.  I will be sharing some links to videos  and games for you to do at home.  NOTE: you will need the adobe flash player in order to access many of the games.   Many of these links will contain links to more games.  Have fun and help your little ones explore some of the videos and games I will send!!
     I look forward to meeting you and especially your kids in person hopefully soon!  In the meantime...  keep praying, singing and moving!!  God Bless!!   (Note to parents:  I have tried to find free resources.  The down side to this is that many come with advertising.  Sorry. )

:
        1.   Herman the Worm:     https://safeyoutube.net/w/PiL5
        2.   the Freeze Dance:       https://safeyoutube.net/w/KjL5
        3.   Instrument Sounds game:   http://www.sphinxkids.org/MM_Instruments.html       
          4.   There are a few on here.  I recommend the rhythm game..  https://www.classicsforkids.com/games.html     
          5.   Comparing melodies:       http://creatingmusic.com/BlockGames/ComparingGame/
        6.   Music memory game (can be a bit challenging)                       https://www.novelgames.com/en/musicmemory/
        7.  Great song with movements!!  https://safeyoutube.net/w/LmL5
        8.   Another great song:       https://safeyoutube.net/w/OnL5
        9.   And just for fun!!      https://safeyoutube.net/w/7pL5

Until next time.. keep singing.. keep moving and keep praising!!

Mrs. Durrell