When Music and Tech Meet

As a final project in 5th grade, the students are composing original songs, focusing on the musical elements of form, tempo, and texture.  In pairs, the students chose a four-section form for their song.  For example, if they chose ABAC, the first and third sections of the song would sounds exactly the same. They then chose the tempo for their composition: Largo (slow), Moderato (medium), and Allegro (fast.) We discussed the idea of texture, or layers, in music. A thin texture only has one or two layers of sound at a time.  A thick texture has many sounds occurring simultaneously.

Together, the pair worked to create their original work, focusing on the three key elements, through the app GarageBand on the iPad.

Next week we will have our World Premiere of these compositions in class.  The students will listen to their classmates' songs and, based on what they hear in the music, determine in what form the song is written. 

Care for a sneak peak?  Follow the link!

Job well done!

Congratulations to all of the Lower School students. I am so very proud of you all. You did a wonderful job this past Thursday at the Spring Concert. You worked hard and it showed.

Bravo to you!!!

Spring Concert!

The Spring Concert is almost here! Less than a week away, the students are hard at work polishing up their repertoire. We are in full swing with the rehearsal schedule.  Grade levels are coming together and climbing up on the shiny, new risers. Mrs. Freda has been playing piano for us, and a few Upper School gentlemen have joined the 4th and 5th grade classes to put just the right touch on one of their songs.

We hope to see many of you at 7:00PM on May 9th. Let's fill the seats in the AP room, cheer on the singers, and make it a night to remember.

The PreK and JK students will certainly remember the concert night since they will get to share it with their new friends who are "cute and yellow and chubby!"

Spring Cabaret!!! April 23rd

Come one, come all to the Lower School Spring Cabaret. The talents are wide and varied this April with acts that dance, acts that sing, play piano, guitar, even sitar!  

The performance is on Tuesday, April 23rd and begins at 11:10AM in the AP room. Let's fill the seats with family and friends!

Fun Friday: Student Spotlight

Last weekend The Wardlaw Hartridge School held its annual school recital.  Students who pursue musical studies outside of the school curriculum had the opportunity to exhibit their talents for family and friends. While the recital performers are usually students from the Middle and Upper Schools, this year the Lower School was represented by 2nd grader, Annie Gu. She dazzled and delighted with her performance of "Sonata in C major, 1st movement" by Mozart. Here is a snippet of her lovely performance.

Fun Friday: Great Music Website!

Are you looking for something fun to do on the computer? Do you want to have fun and challenge your brain? Check out the kids website from the Dallas Symphony Orchestra! The matching game helps you to remember music symbols. You can learn about different composers and then test your knowledge by playing the baseball game. This site is packed full of information. Give it a click and see for yourself!

DSOKids

Spring Cabaret!

It is Cabaret time again.  For the Spring event, auditions are open to students in 4th and 5th grades.  Sign ups were this week and there are a large number of acts on the docket.  Letters will be going home tomorrow with specific details regarding the day and time of each student's audition.  I look forward to hearing/seeing the talents the kids are preparing to share.

Just as a reminder, here are the guidelines for audition and participation:

Audition Requirements

You must bring all materials being used for your performance to the audition. This includes any costumes and props.

We have a limited amount of time in which to perform.  All performances must be under 3 minutes in length.

Singers, remember to bring a copy of the sheet music or the instrumental CD/Karaoke track and a copy of the words. Ms. Mueller and Mrs. Bryne must have a copy of the words to approve your selection.

Dancers, if you are dancing to music that has words, please bring a copy of the words.

Instrumentalists, please remember to bring your sheet music to the audition.

REMEMBER: you will be performing in front of Kindergarten through 5th grade students. Please make sure your performance is appropriate for students of all ages, this includes the lyrics to any songs being used. If you have any questions about your selection see Ms. Mueller before your audition.