It’s that time of year again! Parents of 4th and 5th grade students – get prepared to hear your children making music on their recorders. The recorder, a pre-band instrument, is a great way to prepare for playing an instrument in the middle school band. As in the past, students will be given a booklet of songs. Students are expected to practice these songs at home. When students can play a song proficiently, he is given a string of yarn (different colors for different songs). The yarn is tied around the bottom of the recorder. Students are challenged to earn as many belts as possible. This “Karate” type of incentive program is a fun way to improve note reading and playing the recorder. Please encourage your child to keep practicing and not give up. Like anything, it takes a while to show progress.
Our Primary aged children continue to focus on singing and movement. These are absolutely key ingredients to later musical development. I hope that as the year progresses, your children are showing confidence and excitement at home as they share their folk songs and holiday songs with you. Ask your child to teach you the dance that goes with “Little Wheel “A-Turnin”, “5 Fat Turkeys” or “We Are Dancing in the Forest”. And remember, sing often and share songs with your children.
Wishing you a very musical new year! Mrs. Swainhart
Taylor Mill Chorus
The Chorus shared the gift of music with Redwood School and Woodcrest Retirement Home residents in December. The children were so well received that all the students agreed it was a wonderful field trip, and one they would remember for a long time. I was so pleased that the students had made Christmas cards for the residents of the retirement home. As the students were singing, handing out cards, smiles, and hand shakes, the older folks looked so happy. Wish every parent could have been there.
The chorus will be performing again in February and March for PTA and STEAM night. More information coming later about those events.
Our Primary aged children continue to focus on singing and movement. These are absolutely key ingredients to later musical development. I hope that as the year progresses, your children are showing confidence and excitement at home as they share their folk songs and holiday songs with you. Ask your child to teach you the dance that goes with “Little Wheel “A-Turnin”, “5 Fat Turkeys” or “We Are Dancing in the Forest”. And remember, sing often and share songs with your children.
Wishing you a very musical new year! Mrs. Swainhart
Taylor Mill Chorus
The Chorus shared the gift of music with Redwood School and Woodcrest Retirement Home residents in December. The children were so well received that all the students agreed it was a wonderful field trip, and one they would remember for a long time. I was so pleased that the students had made Christmas cards for the residents of the retirement home. As the students were singing, handing out cards, smiles, and hand shakes, the older folks looked so happy. Wish every parent could have been there.
The chorus will be performing again in February and March for PTA and STEAM night. More information coming later about those events.