Music Notes

Andrew H. Wilson Charter School Music Department Newsletter

Hello Parents,

I hope everyone had a wonderful and restful winter break. We are getting back down to business in
music class. The music ensemble is preparing for their Spring Concert and the general music classes
are excited about the possibilities for the rest of the year. That means more instrument playing, more
movement, more improvisation and more fun. And remember you may contact me at anytime with any
questions or concerns at steven.kennedy@wilsoncharterschool.org

Unit Goals - January 12th - Februaruy 9th

Kindergarten - In class this unit, the children will be learning about phrasing in music and
playing more percussion instruments.

1st Grade - The 1st graders will be investigating new rhythms including eighth notes, quarter
notes, and quarter rests. They will also be improving on their mallet technique.

2nd Grade - 2nd Grade music students will be working on musical form (how a song is put
together). They will also be exploring dynamics (different ways to change the sound
in a piece. For example: loud/soft).

3rd Grade - We will be exploring the use of ostinati in music. Ostinati are short repeated patterns.
Listen to the beginning of We Will Rock You by the band Queen.

4th Grade - We are working on completing the solfege ladder and new rhtyhm patterns.

5th Grade - The 5th grade class will continue learning about Question and Answer in music
and will begin working in 5/4 time and adding expression to their improvisations.

Music Ensemble - The music ensemble is learning all new material in preparation for their Spring
Concert.