November Newsletter

Hello everyone! November is always an exciting month with lots of half days, no school days and opportunities to be with friends and family. Below you'll find what we did in the music room in each grade level. Have a great weekend!

-Kindergarten: we continued our work on musical opposites (high v. low, soft v. loud, fast v. slow) with our Music in Motion game with Olaf. We also started learning a song about pizza in Spanish and English (I am a Pizza/Soy una Pizza). While singing this song we are reviewing our 5 basic shapes (oval, square, rectangle, circle, triangle). We will continue to work on this in December, as well as play some winter-themed games.
-1st grade: we continued to work on our concept of Steady Beat (Steady Beat Game) and started creating our own 8-count rhythms to read with our "Challenge" game. We also started working on matching pitch with our song "Pass High Pass Low". We'll continue to work on our rhythmic knowledge and pitch development in December.
-2nd grade: we had a fabulous performance at the Veterans Day Assembly (great job!) and started working on our rhythmic knowledge. Each aspect of our school rules/motto has been assigned a rhythm. For instance, "Little Hawks" has become "ti-ti ta rest rest" (ask your student to demonstrate and write out the rhythm). The rhythms are printed on cards and then we use them to play a game. We'll continue learning our rhythms and then transition to a dictation game using the cards as well as white boards and pens. It's a really fun time :)
-3rd grade: we finished working with our notation packet, and can now navigate a treble clef staff! Next, we're going to work on singing in a partner song (singing 2 different sets of lyrics at the same time). This will help us prepare for boomwhackers in January when we have to sing a phrase and think of the notes names at the same time. We will be performing with the choir at the Winter Assembly on Friday, December 21st at 1:00pm.
-4th grade: we know our first 3 chords (C, F, and a minor), as well as how to read a tab. Now we're going to look at transitioning between chords and singing at the same time (When I'm Gone).
-5th grade: we performed at the Veterans Day Assembly and did an awesome job! We started reviewing our music notation so we can use xylophones in January. We're currently working on a notation packet, then we'll use a notation program on their laptops (flat.io) to practice reading the xylophone music before we start playing it.
-6th grade: we are comfortable with the chords for Blackbird, so now we're moving on to plucking the verses and strumming the bridge. Strumming and plucking are very different, as some students are noticing, and they're working very hard to learn this in time for their January performance :)

This week I also sent home information about our school musical in January! I sent home info via kid mail, as well as an email to all families via skyward. Here are the highlights about the program:

-Missoula Children’s Theater (company running the program at MTE) is a nationally renowned program for their productions with children.
-This year’s show is called “The Snow Queen”. It is not the same is “Frozen” and that is all I know for now. I will give a synopsis to students when I know more.
-The 2 MCT employees sent to run our musical have been in many notable shows, including “Peter Pan”, “Schoolhouse Rock Live” and “The Wizard of Oz”.
-Auditions for the show are after school on Monday, January 14th at 3:20pm. The program can host up to 60 students in all grades (K-6). Not everyone that auditions is guaranteed a spot in the show.
-There is a $50 fee for the program, and there are scholarships available. Payment is due Tuesday, January 15th once you know whether or not your student has been cast in the show.
-If you are cast in the show you will need to have a bag lunch/snack to eat during the 15 minutes break
-There are 4 stage crew positions, and only students that audition for the show are eligible to be stage crew (this is MCT’s guideline).
-Students MUST be able to attend rehearsal ALL WEEK. They cannot miss a rehearsal/show under any circumstances once they are cast (stage crew included).
-Here is the loose schedule: Monday (Jan 14th) 3:20-7:35pm, Tues (Jan 15th) 3:20-7:35pm, Wed (Jan 16th) 3:20-7:35pm, Thurs (Jan 17th), Fri (Jan 18th) 8:00am! call for morning dress rehearsal and students will need to stay afterschool until their evening performance at 6:30pm
-There are 2 performances on Friday, January 18th: 1 assembly performance at 1:30pm and 1 evening performance at 6:30pm
-Costumes, make up, props, and sets are all included with this program
-You CAN record the performances this time (we bought the license so we’re allowed) :)

October Newsletter

Hello everyone! Sorry for the long hiatus - October was extremely busy with conferences, and preparing for our Veterans Day Assembly. Below you'll find what we did in the music room in each grade level. Have a great weekend!

-Kindergarten: we've been working on learning our musical opposites: loud v. soft, high v. low, fast v. slow. We started by looking at pictures of the words and identifying the difference between the pictures, then we started working on showing the differences with our bodies (for example: hands up when we hear a high note v. hands down to the ground when we hear a low note). Finally, we moved into our "Music in Motion" game with Olaf (Olaf wears dancing shoes, so you know you're supposed to move!). Students stay in their square, with their voices off, and use their bodies to demonstrate the music opposites we learned. We will continue to do this, and start our hand percussion unit next month. This works on our understanding of timbre and steady beat.
-1st grade: we started diving into the difference between steady beat and rhythm. In particular, we've really focused on how to keep a steady beat with our bodies while we say something rhythmic. We're using a game for this, as well as looking at rhythmic notation on the white board as it relates to various songs (Naughty Kitty Cat, Gato Travieso, I Can Keep a Steady Beat). Next month we will make our rhythm game harder, and then we'll move into some pitch notation.
-2nd grade: we're performing on Wednesday, November 7th at 9:30am for our veterans! Please come to the assembly and see your children sing and sign our Veterans Day song of thanks. After that, we will start to work on learning 2nd grade rhythms with new songs and games.
-3rd grade: we finished working with the cups, for now, so we can start to learn how to read notes on the 5-line staff (so exciting!). We have a packet we're using to demonstrate our understanding, as well as using the music room rug and our music white boards to learn this concept. Once we complete the packet and can demonstrate an understanding of pitch notation we get to use Boomwhackers!
-4th grade: we started our ukulele unit, and learned our first chord: C major. We will continue to work on learning our chords for our first ukulele song, "When I'm Gone".
-5th grade: we're performing on Wednesday, November 7th at 9:30am for our veterans! Please come to the assembly and see your children sing and sign our Veterans Day song of thanks. We will then take a break from ukuleles and work on music notation with our laptops.
-6th grade: we are still working on the chords for Blackbird, and the improvement has been incredible! We're starting to pair lyrics with chord changes. Did you know students are already reading 12 different chords for this song??? If you see your student today give them a pat on the back for their hard work, they deserve it!

Thank you all for everything you do to support our music programs. Stay tuned for exciting news about our school musical this year: rehearsals/performance/everything all happens the week of Jan 14th! I will be sending home information the week after Veterans Day. :)

September Newsletter

This September was a bit different than the last few years, because 2 grades had to prepare for a performance on the 11th day of school (yes, you read that right)! The 1st graders and 4th graders performed songs from last year's Multicultural Night at our Building Dedication Ceremony on September 19th. I am incredibly grateful to all of the families that came to support their children's performance on such short notice. If you don't know me yet, you'll soon learn that I am a serious planner. :) So, when we had to essentially rearrange the beginning of the year to make this happen I was a bit worried. However, everyone has been extremely flexible and wonderfully supportive. Thank you again to everyone involved!

We've since resumed learning as planned (my schedule-oriented brain is so happy)! Here is an overview of what happened in each grade in September and what to expect in October:

-Kindergarten: we learned our expectations for how to sit in the music room (Criss-cross chant), worked on managing our bodies within a given space (There's a Hole in the Bottom of the Sea), practiced loud v. soft (Dinosaur pet), and learned how to be good audience members (various song books/performances from Mrs. Harreld). Next month we are going to be learning fast v. slow and high v. low, as well as reviewing loud v. soft and experiencing steady beat in different songs and games.
-1st grade: We performed at the Building Dedication Ceremony, and it was fabulous! We've since reviewed our rhythm symbols and music terms from Kindergarten last year (Naughty Kitty Cat). Next month we'll start demonstrating the difference between Steady Beat and Rhythm in songs and games.
-2nd grade: We reviewed all of our rhythm symbols and music terms from 1st grade. We also learned how to sing a song in a canon (Bow Wow Wow). Next month we will start to prepare for our performance at the Veteran's Day Assembly on Wednesday, November 9th at 9:30am (more info will be going home soon).
-3rd grade: We reviewed all of our rhythm symbols and music terms from 2nd grade. We also learned the cups song as a way to learn new 3rd grade music terms (ostinato, accompany), and a fast new rhythm (tikatika). Next month we will start to accompany ourselves using the cups while singing a song about the water cycle.
-4th grade: We performed at the Building Dedication Ceremony, and it was fabulous! We've since reviewed 3rd grade music terms and rhythms. We're currently working with the cups song as a way to remember how to accompany ourselves while singing. Hopefully we will be able to transition to ukuleles soon and start accompanying ourselves with a pitched instrument.
-5th grade: We jumped right into ukulele this year as a way to prepare for our brand new ukulele club! Students learned 3 chords while reviewing ukulele technique and procedure. We are currently working on our song for the Veteran's Day assembly on Wednesday, November 9th at 9:30am (more info will be going home soon). We're going to be learning the difference between playing a chord and arpeggio, as well as focusing on a folk-song inspired performance where we place extra emphasis on singing the lyrics clearly and telling a story.
-6th grade: We jumped right into ukulele this year as a way to prepare for our brand new ukulele club! Students learned 3 chords while reviewing ukulele technique and procedure. We are currently working on our song for the MLK, Jr. assembly in January. I know it's a long ways off, and we are going to need all the time we have in order to make this performance as good as it can be. :)

Thank you all for everything you do to support our music programs. If your child is interested in joining ukulele club (5th/6th grade) or choir (4th/5th/6th grade) please check out the info pages listed below. We are accepting contracts through October 8th.
Choir
Ukulele

Have a lovely day!

All musicians are not alike....

Did you know that classically trained musicians and improvisation-based musicians think differently? This fascinating article came out last week and discusses just that.
Enjoy!

Brains of jazz and classical musicians

Dates posted for MTE Ensemble performances!

We have times/dates/places for all of our performances for the year up on the website (with a few exceptions)!

Just click on the link for the program you want. Interested in ukulele club? Click on the page on the left.
<---- over there
It has paperwork you need, contact info for teachers, and important info about events.

Andrew Morrison Mural Project

Happy Monday!

There is currently a committee fundraising money for a new mural in our gym by Andrew Morrison! Andrew was the artist that created our Little Hawk Wall before we received our new building. If you want to learn more about the mural, and give to the project, please visit their website:
https://mltarts.org/mteam/

Have a great day!

Careers in Music

Happy first Monday of September! Time sure does fly :)

For this week's bit of music knowledge I'd like to share an overview of possible music careers your students have access to. The information below comes primarily from this website:
http://glencoe.mheducation.com/sites/0078297567/student_view0/career_spotlight.html (the information is from a book produced by a well known music publisher) The website has more detailed information about the career than what I've included here, FYI.
Do you see any careers that might sound interesting to your student? Can you guess how many of these jobs I had before I became a music educator???  I'll give you a hint, it's more than 4 - happy reading! :P

Acoustician/Sound Technician
The person who ensures that clarity of sound is an acoustician, also known as sound technician. It is the acoustician's job to ensure the highest possible quality of sound during a live performance. The acoustician arrives in advance of the performers to supervise the unloading and setting up of the equipment and instruments. He or she is in charge of placing the equipment so as to take full advantage of the acoustics. These are the physical factors in the immediate environment that influence how well sound is transmitted. The acoustician might also operate the sound board during the actual performance, varying the controls as needed.

Artist and Reportoire (A&R) Administrator
If you've ever watched talent competitions on television, you've seen one part of an Artist & Repertoire (A & R) career—identifying new talent. A & R administrators find and help develop music artists for the recording industry.

Background Vocalist
The career options for professional singers are vast and varied. One option for which there is always a demand is background vocalist. Background vocalists are hired as contract employees, usually on a freelance basis. In addition to doing backups on recordings or in live performance, background vocalists sing jingles for television commercials. Responsibilities include learning repertoire and attending rehearsals.

Composer
Some people view a blank page as a challenge, others as an invitation. Composers fit the latter description. Like writers, composers express original ideas in a form to be shared with and enjoyed by others. Unlike writers, composers use sounds rather than words.

Conductor
The job of conductor is similar in ways to that of the coach of a sports team. Like the coach, the conductor bears the ultimate responsibility for the success or failure of the "team's" performance.

Copyist
Many composers and arrangers get their start working as copyists. These are individuals who convert music manuscripts into professional-quality scores. Copyists may also be called upon to transfer a piano or orchestral score into parts for instrument or voice.

Disc Jockey (DJ)
Known in the industry as "on-air talent," disc jockeys are key figures at many radio stations. Duties include introducing recordings, making commercial announcements, and filling air time with colorful ad-lib commentaries. Some DJs also serve as masters of ceremony at music and other community events. This function is designed to give the music station higher public visibility and increase the size of the listening audience.

Lyricist
Some lyricists work in collaboration with studio songwriters, others in musical theater, still others in jingle-writing for commercials. Lyricists who work in musical theater sometimes also write the "book" for a given show. This is the combined dialogue and scene descriptions for the production. Writing a show book is equivalent to writing a play.

Music Critic/Journalist
Do you enjoy writing and listening to music or attending music performances? If your answer is yes, then a career as a music critic/journalist may be right for you.

Music Editor
Editors synchronize the music and images in films and television shows. They set the appropriate sound levels, select music, and time all selections. Film or show directors supervise and direct their work, though most editors provide artistic input as well.

Music Educator
Music educators today may work in elementary or high schools, as well as at colleges and universities. They may also teach at special college-level music schools known as conservatories. Some teach one or more musical instruments, while others lead the school orchestra, band, choir, or ensemble. Such teachers are also responsible for selecting the music for and putting on concerts.

Music Producer
Music producers work in a recording studio or in film, television, and/or radio. A producer must have the ability to see the "big picture." He or she is responsible for bringing together the many people whose contributions make the musical event possible. Specific tasks include matching an artist to a particular repertoire, overseeing production, and, when necessary, finding financial backing for a project.

Music Publisher
Music publishers are professionals who find potential hit songs and songwriters. They then acquire copyright protection for the music and publish it. Music publishers may work for large or small companies. In the latter case, the job description may be extended to include talent scouting. This is traveling to clubs and other venues across the country, following possible leads to fresh new talent.

Music Supervisor
A music supervisor directs and coordinates a school system's or district's music program. He or she plans and develops the music education curriculum. This includes overseeing the activities of teachers who instruct in both vocal and instrumental music. In some smaller school districts, the music supervisor may serve double duty as a teacher.

Music Therapist
Some careers in music, such as musician, are as old as the art form itself. Other music careers, like music therapist, are the result of developments of only the last few years or decades.
Music therapists work with people who suffer various disabilities. Among these are psychiatric disorders, mental retardation, developmental disabilities, speech and hearing impairments, physical disabilities, and neurological problems. They evaluate the emotional and physical health of their clients through music responses. Therapy involves music sessions, which might include improvisation, listening, songwriting, performance, and more.

Recording Engineer
A recording engineer's chief responsibility is creating the illusion of perfection. The engineer operates a sound board-or equalizer-during the recording of music. This equipment divides the sound into as many as 96 separate tracks, enabling the engineer to eliminate mistakes or enhance the sound at all ranges. After the recording phase is completed, the engineer combines or "remixes" sounds from different recordings. It is the engineer's duty to make sure these bits and pieces fit together seamlessly.

Studio Musician
Studio musicians work independently or as part of a group in recording studios, and in television, radio, and film. The chief job of studio musicians is playing musical instruments for a soundtrack or as backup for a recording artist. They may also be called upon to sing, compose, arrange, or conduct.

Non-traditional instruments (1st in a series): Beatboxing!

Happy Monday!

One of our warm ups in music class is an activity called "echo clapping". It's a "follow-the-leader" style game, and we do body percussion (stomping, clapping, etc.), vocal warm ups (sirens, consonant work, etc.), and a little bit of beatboxing! Beatboxing is an excellent way to warm up the facial muscles in preparation for singing and helps us get ready to clearly articulate the various sounds in given languages.
Practicing beatboxing skills can also help improve speech difficulties. Check out this article about World Champion Beatboxer Kaila Mullady. She tells the story about showing her brother's speech therapist different beatboxing sounds to help the brother practice and improve his speech: 
https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/the-current-for-april-13-2018-1.4616838/music-in-mind-and-mouth-how-beatboxing-is-helping-kids-with-speech-problems-1.4616923
For a demonstration of beatboxing, here is a link to a Ted Talk of an Australian beatboxer demonstrating his wide range of skills.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNZBSZD16cY&feature=youtu.be
The voice is a traditional instrument, but using your mouth, neck, and face in such a wide variety of ways puts beatboxing in the "non-traditional instrument" category for sure.

Why we speak rhythms, notes, and lyrics in music class!

Hello again!

I shared this article with students in January of last school year to help them understand why we say almost everything verbally before we try to internalize it. Spoiler alert: it helps you remember what you're supposed to do! :P
Unfortunately you have to pay to read the full article, but you can access the brief overview of the study on the University of Waterloo's site here:
https://uwaterloo.ca/news/news/study-finds-reading-information-aloud-yourself-improves

Music Education helps Children's Brains Develop Faster!!

This is a recent article on the benefit of music education on your child's brain development:
https://musiceducationworks.wordpress.com/2016/06/19/a-childs-brain-develops-faster-with-exposure-to-music/
The areas of the brain especially effected were responsible for "language development, sound, reading skill and speech perception."
What a great reason to encourage your child's musical interests and development!

Welcome back to school! (August Newsletter)

Hello Little Hawk families,

I am extremely excited to be returning to MTE for my 4th year as the general music teacher and choir director! There are some exciting things happening this year, including moving into our brand new school! If you haven't seen the progress lately go check it out, it's really coming together.

On this blog I will be sharing information about what has been happening in the music room at the end of each month. Additionally, I will be posting useful documents, recordings, etc. on the related pages as the year progresses. This first post is long, but worth the read if you can set aside 5-10 minutes! Below are some websites you should have bookmarked in your browser in order to stay up to date with everything MTE-related throughout the school year. Also below is some information about an exciting personal goal I will be pursuing this year and how it benefits your student and the community.

The MTE staff truly appreciates the effort it takes to get your student ready to come back to school and learn after a long summer break. Thank you for your dedication to their education! We can't wait to see them :)

Enjoy the last few weeks of summer,
Mrs. Harreld

This Blog (all music programs) - I will be posting information about grade-level performances once a month, information about choir/band/orchestra peformances and field trips as they come up, resources for various ensembles, and information about my journey to become National Board Certified! More on that below***

PTO Website - Are you a member of our amazing PTO? If not, SIGN UP NOW! We need families to volunteer to help run events in order for all of our amazing PTO celebrations to continue. You can sign up for various events/volunteer needs throughout the year on their "signupgenius" website: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0f49aead29a6f49-needed
You can also text "PTO" to 88202 to receive text message updates from the PTO about all of their events, meetings, and opportunities to support our students. These messages are administered through your fellow humans, not by machines, in case you're wondering :)

Our School Website - This is a great place to check the school calendar for special events, see if your child's classroom teacher has a website/blog/classdojo or seesaw page, and keep up to date with special programs at our school that are run by the district, or someone in the building.

ClassDojo - This is a website designed to help teachers communicate with families. Teachers create classroom pages, invite families to connect to the page via their account, and then you can see pictures of school work, videos from the classroom, and special reminders from your student's teacher about upcoming events or homework. There is also a message center within the website that allows you to have an instant message style conversation with the teacher that created the online classroom. Additionally, there is an app you can download (for all smart phones). This makes conversing with the teacher super easy, and keeps your feed updated with all of the latest posts from the classroom. I will be using this app for choir and ukulele club this year, so please keep an eye out for those invitation forms to connect if your child brings one home!

***Never heard of the National Board Certification? Basically, it's a super rigorous assessment for teachers to determine if they are an accomplished educator in their area. We have many NBCTs (National Board Certified Teachers) on our staff, including: Mrs. Taylor, Mrs. Knowles, Mr. McCarthy, and Mrs. Gloth! (and there may be more, if I missed you let me know!)
The NBCT assessment is extremely thorough. I'm pursuing this high standard of accomplished teaching to benefit your student's music education in my room, and to have a greater influence in improving music education in the district. :)
I will be sending home release forms at the beginning of the school year in order to meet requirements for my submission. The release forms let the test administrator (Pearson Assessments) know I have your permission to share your students' written work from class. The release form also tells them that I have your permission to submit a video or audio recording of your child's performance in class. The videos, audio recordings, and all written work for my certification are for Pearson's assessment of my skills only. None of this information will be published and available to the public. I cannot submit materials if I do not have the signed release forms from families, so please mark "Yes", sign the form and return it to me as soon as you are able. I really appreciate it! Remember, this is all to benefit your child's music education at MTE and in the Edmonds School District.