November, 2015
Check out what’s happening in Mr. Danz’s class!
First Grade
Second Grade
First graders have continued to work with maintaining a
shared steady beat. We have also started our work with music
literacy, as we have labeled “ta” (one sound on a beat) and “titi” (two sounds on a beat). We have also explored silent beats
in music.
Recently, the first graders had the opportunity to experience
several fun Halloween activities during general music class,
including a musical adaptation of the book Shake dem
Halloween Bones, written by W. Nikola-Lisa and illustrated by
Mike Reed.
In general music class, our second graders recently completed
a project during which each student composed rhythms using
half notes, quarter notes, eighth notes, and quarter rests. We
were able to use some of the student compositions as
contrasting sections for a known song.
We also spent some time in October with fun Halloween music
activities, including a musical adaptation of the book Scary,
Scary Halloween, written by Eve Bunting and illustrated by Jan
Brett.
Third Grade
Fourth Grade
Spencer Loomis third graders have worked to aurally identify
major vs. minor tonality in music. We have also learned about
and explored musical form through many activities, including
two folk dances.
Recently, the third graders had the opportunity to improvise
musical phrases and compose rhythms using known note
values. We also continued our music literacy development as
we read a speech piece using many note values as well as
dynamics.
Our fourth graders have spent some time reviewing reading
the letter names of notes on the treble clef staff. We also
began our work with the soprano recorder, reviewing some
notes from last year and playing them in new musical contexts.
We have also continued our work with pitched percussion
instruments. Fourth grade students recently worked on a
project during which they composed melodies on the treble
clef staff.
Fifth Grade
Our fifth graders have had a busy and exciting month in
general music class! We reviewed proper technique and tone
production with the soprano recorder. The fifth graders also
go to experience a wonderful musical adaptation of the book
Frank Was a Monster Who Wanted to Dance, by Keith Graves.
The music, which was composed by Jean Hersey, contained
several ostinatos (short, repeating patterns) layered to create
a thicker and thicker texture as two “rappers” from each class
read the book. After learning the music, the students got to
work in groups to create new parts. Students also created
ostinatos to perform with the book The Little Old Lady Who
Wasn’t Afraid of Anything, written by Linda Williams and
illustrated by Megan Lloyd.
email: michael.danz@lz95.org
voicemail: 847.719.3503
Spencer Loomis Office: 847.719.3300