Almost to Christmas and Exam Schedules!

 December 10, 2021

Elementary: 

       We are having so much fun in music this month!!  If they haven't told you about the fingerlights... go ahead and ask them.  The kids have been using them to learn rhythm etc..  we have been singing carols and it's been alot of fun!  I'm sad to see this season end... but looking forward to next January.  We will be jumping in a tackling reading music next year!  

Middle School: 

       December has been full of music theory and Christmas carols.  We have dug into the history of some carols and performances as well as finished up with our Classical composers.  The kids have done great and I will miss them.  Coming back in January they will be in new electives.  I will put the times and dates for the final exams below.  

     7th and 8th grade Introduction to Music will have their final at 10:10AM on Thursday, and the 6th grade Introduction to Music class will have their final on Friday at 

Thursday            8:00 - 9:50       1st period class EXAM

                            9:50-10:10       Restroom break, and MS gather in cafeteria and HS gather in the gym between exams

                           10:10-12:00      2nd period class EXAM

Friday                 8:00 - 9:50       3rd period class EXAM

                           9:50-10:10       Restroom break, and MS gather in cafeteria and HS gather in the gym between exams

                          10:10-12:00      4th  period class EXAM

    I hope that you all have a very Merry Christmas!  May the reality of the baby in the manger be a part of your holiday celebrations.  

    blessings-

         Mrs. Durrell  

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

November 18, 2021

  ELEMENTARY MUSIC: 

         Classes have been going well!  We have started to really press into some basic music theory... how to read the notes in music etc..  They have all done well with Tempo and Dynamics.  We will be working on theory for awhile.  It is much like learning a new language, but the kids have been responding beautifully!!  I'm very proud of them!  

        Looking ahead to December... we will be singing a lot of carols and learning more about them!  I'm excited for this time of year, and seeing the anticipation in the eyes of your little ones!  Bring on the turkey then we are on to Christmas!!! 

MIDDLE SCHOOL MUSIC: 

        Both classes have been learning about the Baroque Era of music lately.  We are also doing more and more theory...  this coming month, my 2nd Quarter music classes will be looking at the music of the season (how could we not?).  It's going to be a music filled December in our classroom!!!  

Enjoy your Thanksgiving.  Please know, how very grateful that I am for each one of you!! 

Mrs. Durrell  

BUSY!!!

 October 28, 2021

ELEMENTARY: 

         TEMPO!!   The  younger grades have started working on tempt this week... and some have really enjoyed taking songs and speeding them up (Presto!) and slowing them down (Adagio!).   We have also started learing some songs in Latin in the older grades....  Dona Nobis Pacem...!  So far, they are doing really well!!!   Next week, we will continue to work that song and incorporate dynamics and tempo into our singing!! 

MIDDLE SCHOOL:

          Ahhh... the Renaissance!  Officially called the "re-birth"....  so many changes came to the world... to the church... and obviously to music!!  We have been learning more and more about some of the more famous composers of the period.  The addition of more singers, parts and instruments really gives the music a much fuller feel than we had in the Medieval time... with the chants.  Next week, we will finish up with the Renaissance and move into the Baroque period!!  Some of my favorite music is coming!!! 

Have a great weekend!!

Mrs. Durrell 

A new quarter for Middle School!!

 October 22, 2021

Elementary Students: 

      HELLO!   For the past few weeks, we have been learning about dynamics in music.... and some of the older grades have started learning about standard notation... in other words, how to read music!  They are reacting well to this and I am planning on continuing this with them!  They are doing great!! 

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Middle School: 

      Welcome to the new students and families!!  We have started working on Music Theory.. and they have spent some time this week learning about some of the most important composers in the Medieval Era. Next week will will dive into the Renaissance!  I am so very impressed with their learning so far. They are a great bunch of kids and we will be learning much going forward. By the end of the quarter... they will each write a song! 

It's finally AUTUMN!!

 September 24, 2021

  Hi everyone!!   We have had a great week of school and the weather the past two days has really helped! 

Elementary: 

        The music room finally got a VIBE board... and I've been learning how to use it!  IT is going to make a big difference in the class going forward.  In the next few weeks, I will be letting you know about how to access some games online for the kids to play to continue to strengthen skills they are learning in class.  They are doing well with their dynamics, tempo etc...    It's an exciting time!!! 

6th grade and 7-8th grade :

        The kids has been finishing up the Classical and Romantic era's in music.  We have been listening to alot of famous composers, from Bach to Brahms.   ON Thursday, we try to focus on Music Appreciation and have been listening to more modern compositions like Movie soundtracks by John Williams, James Horner etc..  and then this week, we talked about the music of Broadway!!  I've thoroughly enjoyed every second!  

       I am putting some extra credit work on TEAMS this weekend.  Overall, I am very proud of their grades, but I know that the kids are wanting to "beef them up" a bit.  They are such great kids!!!   

      Have a great weekend.. and enjoy the weather!!!  

Blessings~

Mrs. Durrell \o/

A four day week...

 September 10, 2021

K-5: 

     Such a fun week!  We have spent this week working on rhythm and tempo.  Some of the grades have worked on dynamics as well....  The kindergarten classes have been working on the differences in their speaking voices/whispering voices etc...  We have had alot of fun learning new songs too!! 

Middle School: 

     It's been a week to catch up on some music theory...and the kids are doing great with that.  We spent some time learning about the Classical period of music history...listening to some of my favorite composers... Beethoven, Bach and Mozart etc.   

     I am sad that so many of my kids have been sick this past few weeks.  In class, I have told them to have Microsoft Teams up and ready, because that is the way I will be in contact with them, and if I need to send them any missing assignments, this is how I will be doing it.  I have been in contact with many already, so if you have one of my students, please encourage them to check it out. 

    Have a great weekend everyone!!! 

Mrs. Durrell\o/

Another great week!!

 August 27, 2021

Hi everyone!!  We have had another really great week in all music classes!!!  There is some REAL talent in this school!!! 

K-5th grades: 

 We have been reinforcing what we learned last year about rhythm, but also the kids have been starting to learn about SOLFEDGE syllables.  These are "Do-Re-Mi" etc...  Having the piano in our room this year has really helped!! And the kids are really enjoying it.   I am loving my time with these sweet ones... their smiles and hugs are priceless!! 

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6th and 7-8th grade "Introduction to Music"classes: 

  This past we have studied everything from the history of national anthems, to the music of the Renaissance!  We will be entering the Baroque Period this coming week, one of my favorite composers and music!  Bach, Handel and Vivaldi just to name a few!  I can't wait to get started!  We will also continue with our study of basic music theory.  These kids are great and I am so very honored to be their teacher!   

In His AMAZING love!! 

Mrs. Durrell \o/

     

Music! Music! Music!!!

 

August 20, 2021

Hi everyone!!!   

        The first full week of school is in the books!!  Phew!!!   I'll admit, this teacher is a bit tired, but also so excited about what I am seeing in the faces of these kids!!!  They are learning and being a part of that is simply awesome!!  

ELEMENTARY MUSIC: 

        First of all.... I am so in love with your kids!!!   We have had so much fun this week... they are all excited to see a piano in the music room (it was located elsewhere last year) and all want to learn to play it!  Be prepared if your child asks for piano lessons. :)    IN our classes this week, we have been getting to know one another again... learning some new songs and having lots of laughs.  Our focus has been on beginning rhythm with the younger grades, but also getting them to echo what I sing.  Echo singing  is a learned skill and they have been doing really well with it.  Next week we will be moving into more rhythms and starting basic solfege scale work.... basically  "Do-re-mi"   :) 

INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC: (6TH GRADE - 7/8 GRADES)

         In our classes, we have been doing a bit of everything...  They have been learning some music theory...so they can read some music now!  Bass clef, treble clef... the difference between a staff and a grand staff etc..  I am so very proud of them and next week we are going to be writing some basic compositions and learning how to play them on the piano!  

        We have also covered some Music appriectiation and Music History...  The kids have listened to.. (and pretty much decided they don't like) Gregorian Chants.  :)   They have learned the difference between secular and sacred music... and also have been listening to how music has evolved through the centuries.  

        Next week we will be moving into early Renaissance music and also learning about national anthems around the world...why countries have them and why they are important. 

       All in all, this week has been a busy one.. but alot of fun!  Your kids are great!!! 

Many blessings-

   Mrs. Durrell \o/

        

WOW!! What a week!!

August 13th

        What a week this has been!!  We have had a full week, even though we have really had only 2 1/2 days!  

        I won't start with the K-5th grade kids until next week, but this week has been full with both my 6th grade "Introduction to Music" class as well as my 7/8th grade "Introduction to Music" class.  We have spent this week in both classes laying a foundation for our work with music.  We have been learning to not until read but write some music... working with the basic framework of the treble clef staff and the bass cleff staff.  We have also learned about ledger lines.  The kids have done really well with all this. 

       We have also listened to some music... learning how music can effect emotions and help tell a story.  As part of our Music Appreciation, we are designating the final few minutes of Friday's class to contemporary soundtrack music... and/or musicals.  A good soundtrack will go a long way to help a filmaker (storyteller) tell a story. 

       This is going to be a great year and I am already totally in love with your kids!!  They are great and we are so thankful for each of them!  

God bless and have a great weekend! 

Mrs. Durrell \o/  

Welcome to a new year!!

 August 9, 2021

  Hello everyone!!   

        After this blog, I will be seperating all of the classes each week to update you on what we are doing in each one.. but, for this first one, I just wanted to say hello and WELCOME BACK!  As in every year, things are different this year in Music.  In addition to the K-5th grade classes, we will also be doing an "Introduction to Music" class for 6th grade, as well as the Middle School Chorus.  I am looking forward to the fun and challenges that this year will bring!  

        PARENTS:   Please forgive me for not getting out a supply list to you before now.  Our needs in Music are different than in other classes, but we do still always have a need for cleaning supplies : Paper Towels, Hand sanitizer and disinfectant to clean chairs and instruments between classes etc.  I would appreciate any and all help  with these!!!  

       Thank you!!  I am looking forward to getting to know your kids and spending the next year with them!!  I am praying for each of you and your families! 

       Love you!! 

         Mrs. Durrell 

End of year...

 June 1, 2021

To all my music students and families....

    This year has been an amazing one for me! I have learned so much from each student! This applies to elementary and upper grades!  You are all awesome! My goal for this year has been to teach that music transcends time also styles.  I have told the elememtary kids all year, that I simply wanted them to learn to appreciate different styles of music and to give them a try.  They didn't have to love all of them, just try them. 

     This year we have laughed together and been frustrated at times together. But I can honestly say that this has been such a great year!  I know we are all ready for summer break, but I will be missing each of you this summer!  And, you will ALL be in my prayers!  Love to all of you!!!  

Mrs. Durrell 

March 25, 2021

 ELEMENTARY MUSIC: 

       We have been listening to and learning about music from around the world this month...  This week we focused on Scandinavian  countries...   We learned about the influence of Swedish music and even art in a certain movie that the kids guessed very easily...just by listening to the traditional music of the country...  The movie:  Frozen!   Next week, we will go over some of their favorites just before Spring Break!!  

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MIDDLE SCHOOL/HIGH SCHOOL CHORUS

      The last week we actually got a lot of work done..  we have gone through a song rather quickly and are going to be learning another I'm sure, just as quickly!!  Spring Break is coming and we are all feeling the excitement!!  As hard as it is, we will continue to work on our music this week while looking forward to Easter and the break that follows!!!   

Love ya!!

Mrs. Durrell 

Spring!!

 March 19, 2021

Hi everyone! 

      For the month of March, the elementary classes have been listening to different music from different countries around the world.  The highlight of course, has been Ireland this past week for St. Patrick's day! We are also practicing a new song that will be done "in concert" on April 2nd at Life Springs Church...the church right across the street from our school.  They are having a family service that evening and the elementary children have been asked to participate by doing a special song.  Some of the classes already have heard the song, the ones that haven't will be introduced to it next week!  Easter will be here soon!! 

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 For MS/HS Chorus: 

      I have been stressing the importance of learning parts.  The ability to sing one part while someone else is singing another, is very difficult to learn but priceless in a chorus.  Just today, I introduced them to some music we will be focusing on for the rest of the year.  

      For music theory, we will be reviewing what we have done so far in learning how to read music. 

Thanks everyone!!  Stay safe!!

Blessings- Mrs. Durrell 

February 1, 2021

Happy Monday!!! 

       I hope that you are all doing well!   I am looking forward to February as we will be studying some Jazz music..  The scope of Jazz is large...  we are going to be looking at a different musician and their contribution to the genre each week.   For the first week, one of my favorites... Scott Joplin!    His song "the Entertainer" was one of the first piano pieces that I learned as a kid...  and has always been a favorite of mine!   We will be listening to several of his pieces this week and be talking about his contribution to the field of Jazz!  Over the next few weeks, we will be listening to this genre as it has evolved over the past century!!  I'm excited to be listening/learning right along with the kids!!  

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CHORUS: 

        Let me tell you.. these are a fun group of kids!!!   This week, we have started a new thing that I hope will become a permanent job of the choir.  During Chapel this week, we sat together and having practiced the worship songs that we were going to sing... helped to lead the music in chapel.  It was well received and we enjoyed it. It helped to encourage the rest of the student body to sing along.  Our "official" music as finally arrived so we will finally be able to work on that! I am looking forward to digging into some serious music!!  

Until next week!!!! Blessings to you all! 

Mrs. Durrell

21 January 2021

ELEMENTARY MUSIC 

     We are still doing "Storytelling thru music".. .and this week the kids have been listening to selections from the musical "The King and I".   Rogers and Hammerstein have been our Composers of the month and the kids seem to enjoy the musicals.  I wish I had time to show them a complete musical.. and urge you at home to watch one with them... the know the difference between a PLAY, and OPERA and a MUSICAL. 

      The first graders were also amazed to learn that  one of their favorite movie comic book actors is in a musical... Hugh Jackman (Wolverine) singing in OKLAHOMA was a hit today in class! Next week, my favorite musical of all time.... THE SOUND OF MUSIC!!! 

MS/HS CHOIR

        New semester... new choir!!   Many changes for this semester...  we will be working towards our ultimate goal of having a concert at the end of the year... in the meantime...  we will be working not only on our music, but also learning some music theory along the way.  I look forward to learning this group and getting to do some great music together!!  

PS>..   The final recordings for last semester's choir will be available soon...  I will let you know!!  

THANKS everyone!! 

Mrs. Durrell 

 Hi everyone! 

Just a note for Elementary music AND MS Choir...

I am out this week...we will continue Storytelling thru music for elementary next week...

ALSO  

MS Choir... as soon as I get the video of "The Christmas Cross" I will be editing it and get it posted for you.  I WILL let you all know!! 

Thanks for understanding!  I am missing my students very much! 

Mrs. Durrell 

 We're back!!!  

January 6, 2021

Elementary Music

Hi everyone!!  

      We are back and music classes have started back up with out missing a beat... (see what I did there?) In January, we are talking about telling stories through music...  specifically  musicals.  We have TWO composers of the month...  Rogers and Hammerstein.  We have started by listening to selections from Oklahoma...  and next week my favorite musical of all time... The Sound of Music!!  

Don't forget that because of final exams in the MS/HS department...  on Thursday and Friday (January 14 and 15) the elementary grades will be having a half day, with early dismissal taking place at 12 noon both days!  Also, the following Monday, January 18 with be a school holiday in honor of Martin Luther King JR.

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MS Choir

I am SO happy to say, that we have finally recorded the Christmas musical!  I will be doing some editing this weekend and will get the recording to your early next week so that you can (finally) see it! We will spend the remainder of our time together doing some work on music theory and also some basic work on different rhythms etc.   These kids have been great this semester and I am REALLY going to miss this group!!! 

 

FINAL EXAM SCHEDULE

Final exams for MS/HS will be next Thursday and Friday (January 14 and 15).   Both days will have an early dismissal... with the MS/HS students getting out at 12:15 each day.  Students will have two hours for each exam.  ON Thursday the 1st and 2nd periods will have their exams, and on Friday 3rd and 4th periods.  Since chorus meets at 4th period that will be our day.  Also... the following Monday, the 18th is a school holiday as well for the Martin Luther King, Jr holiday.