Rhythm Patterns in 2nd grade!

2nd graders are working on rhythms and figuring out how many Ta and Titi patterns they can create within 4 beats (one 4/4 measure).

Using large, colorful popsicle sticks and paper, each partner group identified as many rhythm patterns and they could think of and wrote each one down to keep track.

As a class, we figured out that there is a way to discover exactly how many rhythm patterns we can create within our parameters...can you figure it out?

Monday motivator!

Happy 2019! Now that we're back in the swing of school, I thought it might be fun to share some positive quotes, lyrics, poems, and other musical motivators that cross my path sometimes...things that help me stay present in my job and my life, and also bring a smile to my face! Below is a quote that's in the music room, and it jumped out at me since I've had this exact experience countless times. Music truly DOES change our brains when we take time to listen, so put on an old song you love, or find your new favorite tune today!

A Window into the Music Room...

Big shout-out to Dave, our head of facilities, for installing a string swing for my guitar on the wall of the music room. Now Honey Pie is safe and readily accessible during my classes!

This photo also highlights some festive tunes we're rocking out to in the younger grade levels. "What Color Is Your Ghost?" uses scarves as the ghosts, and "Dem Bones" involves egg shakers.

Halloween is only one week away! Do you have your costumes yet? Last year I went as Maria von Trapp from The Sound of Music, and this year I'm deciding between a few different ideas...can't wait for the TCS Halloween parade next week!

Musical Hopes & Dreams

Every year, I ask my students to share their musical hopes and dreams for the year.

Grades 1-8 participate in this exercise. I am always surprised and delighted by their thoughtful, optimistic, and honest responses.

From gaining musical confidence or auditioning for this year's play, to starting a new instrument or becoming a famous pop star, our students have high hopes and big dreams for their musical futures here at TCS...and I can't wait to see what the future holds for all of them!

Welcome Back!

We're swinging into the new school year! 

The school year is off to a great start, and there will be lots of wonderful musical experiences happening across campus in all the different grade levels throughout the year. Visit the blog to see what's happening this fall in music! 

I'll be sharing some exciting announcements about our annual musical and Southern Regional auditions for middle school students in the coming weeks. In the meantime, students are currently working on their musical hopes and dreams for the year. Do YOU have any musical hopes and dreams you'd like to share? If so, please comment below! 

Utah!

This year I was lucky enough to go on the annual 8th grade trip to Utah for 8 days! It was my second trip out there with students, and I had SUCH an amazing time. Having a job that allows you to spend time with your students outside of the classroom in one of the most beautiful places on earth is pretty spectacular.

From rock climbing and hiking around Arches National Park, to spending a night in the La Sal Mountains and white water rafting down the colorado river, the trip was packed with adventure. Now my brain is full of wonderful memories, including this magical sunset from one of our last nights at camp.

Celebration of the Arts!

Check out the lovely photos from our spring Celebration of the Arts concert! HUGE thank you to our student musicians who participated in the choral portion of our program...they blew me away and added such a powerful, energetic sound to our songs.

The concert theme of "Bringing Us Together" was felt through the songs, through the lyrics read by audience members, and through the energy in the gym. THANK YOU for making this performance yet another reminder of how amazing our school community is!