Algonquin Ridge – Week 5

We had a great class today where we began in Concertmaster!  First, we all took turns improvising on the black keys to “Blues on Black”.  Just to remember to use your right hand on the higher notes of the piano keyboard and play one note at a time.  I was really impressed with some of the melodies that I heard!  Don’t forget to keep practicing your songs.  I was impressed with the fact that almost everyone had their notebooks today!  I managed to check almost everyone’s homework, and encourage everyone to keep completing the work sheets as they enforce the concepts learned in class.  We missed Taylor and look forward to seeing her next week.  Great job on your work! 

Beginner Level 1

Today in Class

Today we completed Lesson 30, where we learned all about Grown-up Holding notes.  We learned that a whole note gets 4 counts, a half note gets 2 counts and a quarter note gets 1 count.  Afterwards, some of you tried our new game, “Metronome Soup”.  Great work everyone! 

This Week @ Home

• In CMJ volume 2 (if you have it) review Lesson 30 and have fun in the Games room.
• This week you have a “Note Values” worksheet to complete for me.  Please bring it next class. 
• Practice ”Twinkle Twinkle” and “Hot Cross Buns” for our next class.  We went over these songs after your lessons.  Don’t forget to place your right thumb on Middle “C” and give each finger a white key.  In “Twinkle Twinkle”, your pinkie (finger 5) will also play the “A” key.

Level 2B

Today in Class

Today, we did Lesson 44 and 45 where we reviewed our bass clef notes C, B and A and  learned about “Theme and Variations”. We also played some rhythms to Mr. Woodpecker’s steady beat and had some time for the games room.  

This Week @ Home

• Complete the worksheet on the “Bass Clef  Notes” and bring it to the next class!
• If you have CMJ at home, review lesson 44 and 45 and spend some time in the practice room with Miss. Melody.
• You can practice your hand position on a keyboard or even a desk table if you do not have a keyboard.
• Practice “Ode to Joy” and your other songs for next class.

Level 3A

We missed Taylor today.  Taylor, you can work on Lessons 69 and 70 at home and complete the worksheet on Flats for our next class!  See you then!

Level 3B

Today, we moved ahead to Lesson 80.  You also had a new teacher, Mr. Debussy who introduced you to “Big C Position”.  This is like Middle C Position, only your left hand moves down to the next C, and your pinkie (finger 5) goes on the C, finger 4 on the D and so on.  You also learned about our new Bass Clef Notes F, E, D and low C!  You did a great job adding the sticky notes to “Ode to Joy”.  Careful practicing it at home, as the sticky notes on your song sheet are differerent that the ones used in the lesson.  Excellent work today! 

This Week @ Home

• Complete your worksheets on “Where is That Cat?”.
• Keep practicing ”Ode to Joy” and your other songs!
• If you have CMJ3 at home, review Lesson 80 and then head to the Improvisation and Games rooms.

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