Hello parents of 3rd and 4th grade students!

Recorder order forms are coming home today! You can also find a copy below in case it doesn't make its way to you. They are due Friday, February 12th.

Talent Week

Fifth Grade Choir Heroes (we could be)

Piano in Mrs. Hurwitz's class!

Students in Mrs. Hurwitz class practice piano skills twice per week in music class. Here are a few examples of their hard work!

K-5 Drumming

During the month of September, most classes were drumming. Through drumming, we are able to learn about and experience many different elements of music, such as tempo, dynamics, texture, beat and rhythm to name a few. We also have the added benefits of learning classroom expectations and procedures. In addition, students learn to listen and work together in ways they may not have experienced before. For instance, when the bass drums first play in the video below, they aren't quite together. They depend on the part that comes in right after them to know when to play. As soon as the second part comes in, they instantly improve. All of the parts in this piece of music have to do that in one way or another. In order to keep playing your part, you have to listen to all of the people who are playing something completely different. We can't stop listening, because then our different parts won't work together and will sound like a big jumbled mess. Students have been given different tools to help them through this. Toward the end of the video, you will hear the shekeres (rattles) come in. Soon after, you will hear them chanting words that match their part. Each part has it's own set of words that can be used to get a player back on track. We also watch each other. Sometimes seeing someone playing the part is just as helpful as hearing it. Playing in a large group with multiple parts like this requires more than just hearing, it requires listening with your brain.

2nd Grade Dynamics

This week, students in 2nd grade have been learning about dynamics. In the following video, you will see an activity where students use their bodies to follow the soft and loud in the piece of music. The voice overs are of students explaining what they were doing and what they learned.

Hello Pattengill families!

The first week back was short, but great. I am so excited to get to know all of your kids again this year. The concert schedule has already been set, so please take a moment note concert dates that are applicable to your family. Also, if you have a child in Fran Rafalski's class or Ruth Hurwitz's class, he/she will also be joining in his/her grade level concert.

Concert Dates and Times

February 12 Wednesday

6:00 p.m. - 1st grade

7:00 p.m. - 2nd grade

April 2 Wednesday

6:00 p.m. - 3rd grade

7:00 p.m. - 4th grade

May 29 Thursday

6:00 p.m. - 5th grade choir 

Concert Reminders

If you would like to sign up to receive text message concert reminders, you may do so by following these instructions:

I look forward to a great school year with your children! Please contact me with any questions at: 

tkimmerly@berkleyschools.org

Tai Kimmerly

Pattengill Music Teacher

248-837-8738