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 

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 

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

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 

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/