Grade 1

                    Welcome back !
 

What will we do this year in music class?




In first grade our year is divided into three units. The first is LITERATURE based, the second explores the musical form, OPERA, and the third compares two musical forms, the ANIMATED AND STAGE MUSICAL. In each unit, a teacher created workbook will accompany the unit. These books were designed to give the students a large variety in song repertoire and practice in the musical theory that is appropriate according to State and Archdiocese guidelines. The timetable for each of these units varies with the demands of the school year. It also provides for creative expression as they children turn their musical ideas into art work. Check with your child to find out what unit we are working on at the present time. I am sure they will be anxious to share their finished books with you and sing you their favorite songs.
 

Unit 1 - The Musicians of Bremen
           We will start the year with a story of friendship, bravery, and MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC. 

Unit 2 - OPERA - Hansel and Gretel -
                            by E. Humperdinck
       In this unit the students will sing many of the arias from the opera, learning about vocal style and quality that fits the form. They will also have many opportunities to practice their "musical penmanship" and performance. They will see two different settings of this piece and will learn the difference between the forms.
                    
Unit 3 - Peter Pan with Mary Martin
             (and Disney animated version if time permits)

         In this unit the students will compare the two different styles of musicals. They will continue to expand their musical vocabulary and experiences.

                                         
The musical skills that we will cover in every unit are:

• learning to identify basic music notation

• practicing music “handwriting”

• learning to “read” songs written on manuscript paper

• increasing tonal memory

• practicing basic singing skills

• playing basic accompaniments on non pitched instruments

• reinforcing basic listening skills such as following directions

• fostering creativity in the visual arts

• increasing rhythmic memory

• introducing basic rhythm skills

• fostering an appreciation of the dramatic arts.