Kindergarten Prepares for April 27 Program

Kindergarten kids have had "Riser Safety" Training, 

and are getting used to singing on the risers.

We are working hard on our songs for the

 "Seasons of Kindergarten" Music Program on April 27!

Some specific details:

The Kindergarten Music program is April 27, 2016, in the McFarland Primary School gym.

At 5:30, classes include Mrs.Kuehl's, Mrs. Dettlaff's, Mrs. Gray's, and Mrs.Paugel's. (Please do not arrive before 5:15)

At 6:30, classes include Mrs. Cook's, Mrs. Mosso's, Mrs. Heim's, and Mrs. Marking's. (Please do not arrive before 6:15)

This is an informal performance, called "The Seasons of Kindergarten",  giving families a taste of what we've done in music class! Each class will be standing on a colored riser group, and the children will sing all the songs standing on the risers.

5:30 group: 
Kuehl- Red
Dettlaff- Blue
Paugel- Yellow
Gray- Green

6:30 group:
Cook -Red

Heim- Blue
Mosso- Yellow
Marking- Green

You can plan your seating for the best view of your child's class! 

Doors to the Primary School will open no earlier than 5:15 pm!

Freddie the Frog Teaches About the Treble Clef to First Graders

The Freddie the Frog books by Sharon Burch 

are excellent teaching tools for the first grade treble clef staff unit!

The children learn about Treble Clef Island, 

which gives them a "place" to identify each line and space.
Visit Freddie the Frog's website for games and activities...

1st Grade Music Program is All About Style

On February 23, 2017; 5:30 and 6:30 PM, The First  Grade Team showed great style in their music program. Students learned about different musical styles and had fun singing examples of some.
McFarland School District made a video recording of the event for your viewing pleasure.

2nd Grade Super (Character) Heroes Music Programs Are Enjoyed By All

 On February 21, 2017; 5:30 and 6:30 PM, The Second Grade Team put on a marvelous music program. Students showed their super character powers and made an impressive entrance!
McFarland School District made a video recording of the event for your viewing pleasure.

Happy Valentines' Day!

Viva Valentine

Only three words in this song for Kindergarten, 

but lots of fun!

2nd grade Snowman Rhythm Group Project

Second Grade students are creating individual 4 beat rhythm patterns, and then working in a group to create a composition. The final step will be performing their group rhythm composition on instruments for their class. This is one of those times that I am assessing their knowledge without them really being aware of it...they think it's just a fun group project!

Music that Helps to Tell a Story

Music that helps to tell a story

One of my favorite units to teach is how music can help to tell a story!  I use "The Snowman" video with Kindergarten kids, and "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" and other clips in Fantasia 2000 with the First Graders.
As in most of my units I go even deeper with the Second Graders.


"Peter and the Wolf" uses orchestral instruments and musical themes to help tell the story.

"Where the Wild Things Are" is enhanced with underlying music from Stravinsky's Firebird Suite, and then the same music is heard in "The Firebird" in Fantasia 2000.
"The Three Billy Goats Gruff" is enhanced with classroom instruments.

At the end of the unit, my Second Graders fill out an evaluation on a Google Form. The last question gives them a chance to give me their thoughts on the unit overall. Here are a few of their responses:

"I liked how we got to watch and read the story of Peter and the Wolf"

"I think it was pretty fun! Next year, the second graders will love it! I promise!"

"It was amazing"

"I think this was my favorite unit."

First Graders enjoyed "The Sorcerer's Apprentice"

and other stories on Fantasia 2000.

Soon the Kindergarten Kids will experience "The Snowman" video!