Music 

F/1s

We returned to a remote learning favourite: El Ratoncito. This is such a lively song with great actions. Students had to remember when to play the marimba notes going up and down (subió and bajó), the wood blocks (reloj) and the glockenspiel (marcó las tres). I am very impressed with how well our junior students are able to use the instrumentos.

Want to do the Ratoncito song at home? Here is a great recording by the Argentinean music education group Risas de la Tierra (song starts at 0:30):

2/3s

This week we started looking closely at the Spanish terms we use for musical concepts. Using Dalcroze movement activities, the children learned the difference between compás (time signature), pulso (the beat) and acento (first beat of the bar) and were able to demonstrate them. We will be looking at a lot of other similar terms, including ritmo.

My Paddle is sounding much better! We introduced the ostinato (repeated rhythm) on glockenspiels and woodblocks, with the melody played on the marimba. It is very challenging to be in an ensemble with lots of people playing different parts, but they rose to the challenge! 2/3A even decided to include the singing:

2/3s have also used the opportunity to show the school value of Responsibility when packing away the instruments they use ...

... although the 4/5/6s also pointed out that it could also fall under showing Care for the school equipment, and Creativity in how they arranged the instruments ...

Good points!

4/5/6

Our Don Pepito body percussion pattern has made terrific progress. This week students got into groups of 4, swapping their clapping partner after each pattern. One class even came up with the idea of doing the pattern diagonally across the group - it worked!

Students worked in groups these last couple of weeks to come up with their own composition using the D minor pentatónico. Using structures like this helps them to come up with their own ideas more easily.

Yesterday I was very pleased with the way that groups worked together, and many were able to show the progress they had made. Have a listen to a couple of the creations from our students:

We will continue with this task over the next couple of weeks. I am looking forward to hearing everyone's final product!