Algonquin Ridge – Week 3

We had a wonderful class today! After reviewing some concepts and talking about our teachers while the students ate their lunch, we spent some time in Concertmaster where we learned about the black key patterns and played “I Spy a Note”, as well as doing some note playbacks and working on “Hot Cross Buns”, “Upside Down Buns” and “Ode to Joy”. We then discussed what “Improvisation” is (making up your own songs on the spot) and while I played “Reflections”, everyone had a turn improvising using the white keys on their pianos. It sounded great!  On the floor at the end of class, we also did some Sight-singing!  We sang 4 beat rhythms using C, D , and E!

Beginner Level 1A

Today, we learned about our new teacher, Mr. Bach.  You found it amazing that he had 20 kids, and still had time to compose, teach and perform music!  In Lesson 6, Mr. Bach taught us about holding notes and you did very well with this concept in your lesson.  Well done! Please remember to bring your folders to class so that we can work on your songs!

This Week @ Home

• In CMJ volume 1 (if you have it) review Lesson 6 and have fun in the practice and Improvisation rooms.
• Practice “Love Somebody” if you have it.  Place your right hand thumb on middle “C” and follow the finger numbers!  If you don’t have a keyboard, you can practice the finger numbers on a book. 
• You can also try some of your other songs.  Please bring your book so I can work on these with you!
• If you have the worksheet on “Holding Notes”, please complete and bring to our next class!

Level 2A

Today, we did Lesson 34 where we learned about some more “Grown-up” holding notes.  After the Lesson, you went to the Improvisation room.  Great work today!  Your worksheet today will review the two Tricky notes that you learned about last week, “Balancing B” and “Dangling D”.  Don’t forget your booklet so that we can work on your songs!

This Week @ Home

• Practice “Hot Cross Buns/Upside Down Buns” and any other songs in your booklet!
• If you have CMJ2 at home, review Lesson 34 with Miss Melody each day and then head to the Games and Improvisation rooms.
• Complete your worksheet on “2 Tricky Notes” for next class.

Level 2B

You had a new teacher today, Mr. Tchaikovsky!  We will learn more about him next class.  In Lesson 41, you learned about “Right Hand F”, and you played some songs using this new note.  Well done!   

This Week @ Home

• In CMJ volume 2, review lesson 41 and then spend some time in the Games and Improvisation rooms.
• Complete your worksheet on “Bass Clef Notes”. 
• Madelyn had already completed the wordsearch on Mr. Tchaikovsky.  Ruben, you can do this worksheet as well.
• Practice “Ode to Joy” at home and try some of your other songs.

Level 2C

Today in class, you worked on skips and steps and “Left Hand F”!  A great job today on Lesson 52 Taylor.

This Week @ Home

• Complete your worksheets on “Grand Staff Notes” and “Skips and Steps” and bring it to our next class.
• Practice your songs from your booklet at home.
• If you have CMJ2 at home, review Lessons 51 and 52 and then head to the Games and Improvisation rooms. 

Level 3A

Today in class, we completed lesson 69 with our  teacher, Mr. Scarlatti.   He taught you all about Flat Signs!  You did a great job with playing through some songs that use these!

This Week @ Home

• Complete the worksheets on “Mr. Scarlatti WordSearch” and “Flats”.  
• If you have CMJ3 at home, review your lesson and then head to the Games and Improvisation Rooms.
• Practice “Look Sharp” and your new Flat song. 
• Keep practicing “Angry Birds”!