We're Going to Play Recorders!

Dear Parents, Starting November, the 3rd – 5th Grade music classes will begin a unit of study that will include recorders. Learning to play the recorder is an invaluable experience as it aids your child in reading music, learning the fundamentals of playing an instrument, and playing as an ensemble. They will also be taught the responsibilities that come in playing and taking care of an instrument. A fee of $9.00 will be collected no later than October 20th. This fee will cover the expenses for the recorder, book with CD, and shipping. I will start collecting the recorder fee in your child’s music class starting October 6th. You may also drop off the fee at the office before the deadline. With learning an instrument, each student will be expected to practice the songs learned at home. It is recommended that they practice 10-15 minutes each day. If you do not wish to have your child participate in learning the recorder or if you have any questions, please email me at jessica.fanara@nvbschools.org. Sincerely, Mrs. Fanara

Sight-Singing!

We have been really working on our Solfege and rhythm the past few lessons. I tried a worksheet today to see if how well the 3rd - 5th grade could sight-sing. They did amazing! Ask you child if they could sing this piece to you.

What's with the "WAaa, WAaa"????

If your child is driving you insane with singing "Waaa, Waaa," I take full responsibility for it. The choir is learning songs with very high notes, so we have been working on this particular warm-up. Try it out yourself. You will feel the difference in singing almost immediately.

Chapel Specials: Mix Quartet and Girls Quintet

We had two chapel specials today in Elementary.

First up, we had the Mix Quartet - TJ Thompson (3rd Grade), Brianna Sloan (3rd Grade), Moey Hussin (2nd Grade), Melody Chung (2nd Grade). Their pianist was Dalene Apusen (Senior). I was shocked by their willingness to sing solos. These 2nd and 3rd graders have more courage than I'll ever have!

The second group, we had the Girls Quintet -- Brielle Rowe (4th Grade), Rosie Gong (4th Grade), Angela Librador (4th Grade), Haley Balina (5th Grade), and Monique Webster (5th Grade). They are the first group to sing in 2-part harmony in chapel. Also, Monique Webster played the piano while she sang. (I apologize for not getting a good shot of Brielle in this video.)

Chapel Special: Upper Elementary Girls Ensemble (Ashlyn Thompson as the Pianist)

The Upper Elementary Girls Ensemble sang today in chapel today. They were great! Believe it or not, the first time they practiced together was just a week ago. Also, Ashlyn Thompson was the pianist for this group. Ashlyn is in 7th Grade, and I am so thankful for her willingness to play for the group.

The Girls Ensemble from Left to Right:
Kaylee, Brooklynn, Kaitlyn, Meagan, Hannah, Noelle

Stay tuned for next week's special -- the 2nd and 3rd Grade Mix Quartet with Dalene Apusen at the piano.

Check out the video below.

Warming Up!

All the elementary classes have been working on vocal warm-ups during Voice Workshop on Mondays.  I recommended all my students to go home and practice the warm-ups we learned at school. Here are a few of the warm-ups we used in class. Ask you child if they can show you some vocal warm-ups.

Lois Myla's Piano Solo in Chapel

Today marked the first Elementary Chapel of the Year. There will be scheduled chapel specials every week, and I will do my best to capture all of them on video for all parents to see. 

Take a look at today's special -- Lois Myla. Lois is 6 years old and is in 2nd Grade. I'm so grateful to have her as my piano student and for her willingness to be the first special of the school year. Good job!