This is a link to what I feel is just a cool, feel-good story. Check it out, enjoy, and pass it on!!! Click on the blue "Mr. S"
Mr. S
Thanks,
~Mr. G
Download Start-up Drakorindo
4 years ago
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Busy, busy, busy and.........busy
Greetings! I had decided that I wanted to try to do monthly updates
for everyone on my blog. As you can see, I failed at that so far, so I
have a little catching up to do.
The start of school brought warm temps, early outs, Homecoming Preps and lots of work in my music classrooms. I am all about school spirit, so at the beginning of the year we learn and review the school song in ALL of my classes. I stress to the students that learning the school fight song is a source of pride in ourselves and our school. I know that many of the students take this to heart because I am always excited by parents that stop me to tell me that their Kindergarten student knows all the words of the school song. I even have parents tell me that I cause fights between their kids about who knows the words the best!! That always makes me proud of my students.
In my Elementary classes, we start the year off with a game or two right at the beginning of the year in each class. My goal for all of my students is that they enjoy music and that they want to come to class and to sing and dance each and everyday. I hope that by instilling the idea of fun at an early age, it will propel them into upper level music classes with a positive drive. I had taken some video from a couple of these classes and will hopefully get them edited and posted at some point.
During the month of September we also discuss the importance of Sept. 14, 1814. Many people are not aware of this date, but your students will hopefully have a little extra knowledge of this date. This is the date that Francis Scott Key penned the words to a poem that would later become our National Anthem. It was a poem based on his night that he spent on a British ship as they bombed Ft. McHenry during the war of 1812.
On to specific grade levels.......
Kindergarten
The kindergarten students have just been working on singing and having fun. I have tried to pick fun songs that make them excited to come to music. The songs we have been using still have educational impacts. One of their favorites seems to be an echo song called "ABC Rock". This just sings through the ABC's in more of a rock song type fashion. Besides the School Song, this tends to be the most requested song among the students. We are also sing in games that encourage the students to sing alone in front of the class and work on pitch matching. This week we are beginning some Halloween songs, as well as beginning the preparations for our Winter Program. So, if you have students coming home sing Christmas-type songs.....yep....we have to be prepared. :)
First Grade
The first grade students are singing really well for the beginning of the year. We have worked on songs and games that teach steady beat as well as working on singing by themselves in front of the class. I am happy to announce that none of these students been injured singing alone in front of the class. Sometimes they think they can't do this or that it will be a really negative situation. However, through some of our games, it is a very low pressure situation and before long each student is singing alone. It is really a neat thing to watch sometimes. The first grade is also beginning some Halloween music this week and the music we are learning will be used to play some of the xylophones in the room too. This is always exciting for the students. Lastly, we have begun musical preparations for the Winter Concert that will be coming up in December. If you think you hear Christmasy type music coming from their bedrooms, you might be right!
Second Grade
The second grade students have just completed learning a song that is a little scary for them at first, but in the end tends to be a highlight for the year. They all learned a song that is sung in Japanese Elementary Schools about the coming of Spring. They learned it easily enough in English, then we learned the entire song in Japanese. We also added some movement to the song, and to really discuss their culture a little more, we talked about their spring festivals and folded origami swans. We have also begun to learn the notes of the treble clef staff. It is a focus for me this year to work hard to make sure all second grade students can identify the notes on the treble clef staff. The second grade students will also be performing in the Winter Concert, so we have started working on music for that program.
Third Grade
The Third Grade students have been singing a large variety of songs from a rap about the food at the supermarket to Rockin' Robin. A large emphasis for the Third Grade is always to learn and understand counting rhythms. We start by identifying the notes and rests. Next we start with some easy games of Rhythm Tic-Tac-Toe, and then we continue with a discussion about baseball, songs and poems about baseball, and finally ending that unit with a game of Rhythm Baseball. Just around the corner is when we begin the baseball discussions. We usually use flash cards on the board for Tic-Tac-Toe, but this year we are using a Mimio unit that was purchased by the parent groups in each of the buildings I am in. When we use the Mimio, the students become a more interactive part in the activities I can present with the new unit. It really is awesome and I want to thank my parent groups for that purchase!
Fourth Grade
The Fourth Grade students have been working almost exclusively on the instrument families. We have discussed the individual characteristics that separate the individual instruments into families. We have also been listening to recordings of each of the instruments for identification purposes. Once we finish the instrument families, we should be just about ready to start our recorder unit. We will again be using the "Recorder Karate" book. The students begin by learning three notes. These notes will get them through the first two songs or so. With each song they successfully test out of, they receive a colored belt. The goal is to get through all nine songs and earn their Black Belt. I have sent home notes to be returned so that I know how many recorders to order. Almost all of them have been returned. The recorders will be ordered soon, however, be aware that they do not come with ear plugs for the parents. :)
Fifth Grade
In Fifth Grade, the students have their first chance to join band. We try to cover as much of the notes of the staff and rhythm counting prior to fifth grade as we can. However, some of that information seems to fall into some pretty deep mental cracks. It is there, but hard to find. For this reason, we spend a lot of time at the beginning of the year reviewing musical symbols, notes and rhythms. We have been working on that and playing a matching game with the new Mimio unit that was purchased by the parent groups in the three buildings I am in. Besides reviewing the music basics to help them get a strong base in band, we have also been singing several songs just to keep the interest going there also. We have song some songs with history to them and some purely for fun. We also discuss several of the great composers throughout the year. We got a late start on them, but we will catch up soon. Usually one composer every month is covered. We started with JS Bach last week. We will be covering a new composer next week. Towards the end of the year, we will be doing a computer project about these composers.
Fifth Grade Ensemble
The Fifth Grade students have a chance to voluntarily join the Fifth Grade Ensemble. We have already begun rehearsals every Wednesday afternoons during the school day. It isn't too late to join. I have sent home permission slips for parents to sign, just so that I know you are aware that your student is interested in joining. The ensemble sings on the MS concert in early January and again on the concert in May. We also try to visit one of the senior residences in town each year towards the end of the year.
Fourth Grade Ensemble
The Fourth Grade Ensembles at Libertyville and Washington are in full swing. They recently sang the Star-Spangled Banner at the last home volleyball game at the High School. I was very proud of how they did and very pleased with the turn out considering there was some miscommunication that took place and several people ended up with very short notice. As far as singing engagements for the Fourth Grade Ensemble, they will be helping with some songs at the K-2 Winter Program on Tuesday, December 18th at the High School Auditorium. The concert will begin at 7:00 PM. I will be sending notes home at a later time with more information on that performance.
8th Grade Choir
Last night was our first concert of the semester. I felt that our students were well prepared, behaved well in their seats waiting for their turn, and then performed well on stage. We will be watching the video of the concert and critiquing ourselves in class. This week we will already be starting the music for our next concert. The date is not set yet, but it has been shortly after we return from the Winter Break. There will be more information to follow as it develops.
One final note to highlight!!!!
The students in grades K-2 and the Fourth Grade Ensemble will be presenting their Winter Concert at the High School Auditorium on Tuesday, December 18th at 7:00 PM. More information will be sent home at a later time. I just wanted to make sure everyone was notified early. The concert should be less than an hour in length. Come on out the the show that night and enjoy their hard work.
Thank you all for your support.....I enjoy working with each of your students.
~Mr. G
The start of school brought warm temps, early outs, Homecoming Preps and lots of work in my music classrooms. I am all about school spirit, so at the beginning of the year we learn and review the school song in ALL of my classes. I stress to the students that learning the school fight song is a source of pride in ourselves and our school. I know that many of the students take this to heart because I am always excited by parents that stop me to tell me that their Kindergarten student knows all the words of the school song. I even have parents tell me that I cause fights between their kids about who knows the words the best!! That always makes me proud of my students.
In my Elementary classes, we start the year off with a game or two right at the beginning of the year in each class. My goal for all of my students is that they enjoy music and that they want to come to class and to sing and dance each and everyday. I hope that by instilling the idea of fun at an early age, it will propel them into upper level music classes with a positive drive. I had taken some video from a couple of these classes and will hopefully get them edited and posted at some point.
During the month of September we also discuss the importance of Sept. 14, 1814. Many people are not aware of this date, but your students will hopefully have a little extra knowledge of this date. This is the date that Francis Scott Key penned the words to a poem that would later become our National Anthem. It was a poem based on his night that he spent on a British ship as they bombed Ft. McHenry during the war of 1812.
On to specific grade levels.......
Kindergarten
The kindergarten students have just been working on singing and having fun. I have tried to pick fun songs that make them excited to come to music. The songs we have been using still have educational impacts. One of their favorites seems to be an echo song called "ABC Rock". This just sings through the ABC's in more of a rock song type fashion. Besides the School Song, this tends to be the most requested song among the students. We are also sing in games that encourage the students to sing alone in front of the class and work on pitch matching. This week we are beginning some Halloween songs, as well as beginning the preparations for our Winter Program. So, if you have students coming home sing Christmas-type songs.....yep....we have to be prepared. :)
First Grade
The first grade students are singing really well for the beginning of the year. We have worked on songs and games that teach steady beat as well as working on singing by themselves in front of the class. I am happy to announce that none of these students been injured singing alone in front of the class. Sometimes they think they can't do this or that it will be a really negative situation. However, through some of our games, it is a very low pressure situation and before long each student is singing alone. It is really a neat thing to watch sometimes. The first grade is also beginning some Halloween music this week and the music we are learning will be used to play some of the xylophones in the room too. This is always exciting for the students. Lastly, we have begun musical preparations for the Winter Concert that will be coming up in December. If you think you hear Christmasy type music coming from their bedrooms, you might be right!
Second Grade
The second grade students have just completed learning a song that is a little scary for them at first, but in the end tends to be a highlight for the year. They all learned a song that is sung in Japanese Elementary Schools about the coming of Spring. They learned it easily enough in English, then we learned the entire song in Japanese. We also added some movement to the song, and to really discuss their culture a little more, we talked about their spring festivals and folded origami swans. We have also begun to learn the notes of the treble clef staff. It is a focus for me this year to work hard to make sure all second grade students can identify the notes on the treble clef staff. The second grade students will also be performing in the Winter Concert, so we have started working on music for that program.
Third Grade
The Third Grade students have been singing a large variety of songs from a rap about the food at the supermarket to Rockin' Robin. A large emphasis for the Third Grade is always to learn and understand counting rhythms. We start by identifying the notes and rests. Next we start with some easy games of Rhythm Tic-Tac-Toe, and then we continue with a discussion about baseball, songs and poems about baseball, and finally ending that unit with a game of Rhythm Baseball. Just around the corner is when we begin the baseball discussions. We usually use flash cards on the board for Tic-Tac-Toe, but this year we are using a Mimio unit that was purchased by the parent groups in each of the buildings I am in. When we use the Mimio, the students become a more interactive part in the activities I can present with the new unit. It really is awesome and I want to thank my parent groups for that purchase!
Fourth Grade
The Fourth Grade students have been working almost exclusively on the instrument families. We have discussed the individual characteristics that separate the individual instruments into families. We have also been listening to recordings of each of the instruments for identification purposes. Once we finish the instrument families, we should be just about ready to start our recorder unit. We will again be using the "Recorder Karate" book. The students begin by learning three notes. These notes will get them through the first two songs or so. With each song they successfully test out of, they receive a colored belt. The goal is to get through all nine songs and earn their Black Belt. I have sent home notes to be returned so that I know how many recorders to order. Almost all of them have been returned. The recorders will be ordered soon, however, be aware that they do not come with ear plugs for the parents. :)
Fifth Grade
In Fifth Grade, the students have their first chance to join band. We try to cover as much of the notes of the staff and rhythm counting prior to fifth grade as we can. However, some of that information seems to fall into some pretty deep mental cracks. It is there, but hard to find. For this reason, we spend a lot of time at the beginning of the year reviewing musical symbols, notes and rhythms. We have been working on that and playing a matching game with the new Mimio unit that was purchased by the parent groups in the three buildings I am in. Besides reviewing the music basics to help them get a strong base in band, we have also been singing several songs just to keep the interest going there also. We have song some songs with history to them and some purely for fun. We also discuss several of the great composers throughout the year. We got a late start on them, but we will catch up soon. Usually one composer every month is covered. We started with JS Bach last week. We will be covering a new composer next week. Towards the end of the year, we will be doing a computer project about these composers.
Fifth Grade Ensemble
The Fifth Grade students have a chance to voluntarily join the Fifth Grade Ensemble. We have already begun rehearsals every Wednesday afternoons during the school day. It isn't too late to join. I have sent home permission slips for parents to sign, just so that I know you are aware that your student is interested in joining. The ensemble sings on the MS concert in early January and again on the concert in May. We also try to visit one of the senior residences in town each year towards the end of the year.
Fourth Grade Ensemble
The Fourth Grade Ensembles at Libertyville and Washington are in full swing. They recently sang the Star-Spangled Banner at the last home volleyball game at the High School. I was very proud of how they did and very pleased with the turn out considering there was some miscommunication that took place and several people ended up with very short notice. As far as singing engagements for the Fourth Grade Ensemble, they will be helping with some songs at the K-2 Winter Program on Tuesday, December 18th at the High School Auditorium. The concert will begin at 7:00 PM. I will be sending notes home at a later time with more information on that performance.
8th Grade Choir
Last night was our first concert of the semester. I felt that our students were well prepared, behaved well in their seats waiting for their turn, and then performed well on stage. We will be watching the video of the concert and critiquing ourselves in class. This week we will already be starting the music for our next concert. The date is not set yet, but it has been shortly after we return from the Winter Break. There will be more information to follow as it develops.
One final note to highlight!!!!
The students in grades K-2 and the Fourth Grade Ensemble will be presenting their Winter Concert at the High School Auditorium on Tuesday, December 18th at 7:00 PM. More information will be sent home at a later time. I just wanted to make sure everyone was notified early. The concert should be less than an hour in length. Come on out the the show that night and enjoy their hard work.
Thank you all for your support.....I enjoy working with each of your students.
~Mr. G
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Welcome Back...
 |
| Welcome Bach... |
 |
| Bach |
 |
| Bach |
 |
| Bach |
(Cue the Music...)
Welcome Back.....
No, you won't find Mr. Kotter, Horshack, Epstein or Barbarino, but you will find Mr. G. You might have to look a little harder to find me if you are returning to Washington, I am in a new room. Starting in a new room is kind of exciting because it is a fresh, new beginning. The good memories from the last room will travel with us to the new room. Now we can create even more good memories in a new space!
I will start back to school tomorrow and I am excited to see everyone next week. New songs, new games and new technology are some of the things to look forward to this year. The parent groups at the Middle School, Libertyville and Washington all chipped in to purchase a new Mimio machine for my classroom. For those that are not familiar with this, it is technology that I can use with my computer, projector and whiteboard that allows for interactive games and activities with my students. We might do races or play bingo or play Rhythm Tic-Tac-Toe or even do some matching games. This puts the technology in the hands of the students and keeps them actively involved.
Concerts this year? The 3rd and 4th Grade students will be having the Spring Concert this year and the K-2 students will be having a Winter Concert this year. Each year the grade levels swap concerts, so this is where we are in the rotation. In the last few years, the 3rd and 4th grade have performed at the Sondheim Center. Again, we will look into this and discuss it at the school level. It is a great place to perform, the only drawback is that we had "Standing Room Only" last year. However, especially in the Spring when the temperatures are getting warmer, it sure is nice to have an air-conditioned facility to perform in and listen to.
The 4th Grade students will have the option to join me for 4th Grade Ensemble, and they usually perform at both concerts. The 5th Grade students will also have the opportunity to sing in 5th Grade Ensemble, and they usually participate in the Winter Concert and Spring Concert with the MS Choirs.
In addition to those performing groups, I will be directing one section of the 8th Grade Choir each semester and expect that they will have 2 concerts per semester.
Last year my blog had some changes in what was posted and how often it was posted. My goal is to return to what it was about 2 years ago where I will hopefully post monthly updates about what to expect for the following month. I feel it keeps parents and students better informed, and it also helps me stay organized.
I hope all of your students are excited to come back and ready to sing and enjoy music this year.
See you all soon!!
Mr. G
Friday, May 11, 2012
Overture...Curtain.....Lights..... (action)
Come one, come all to a show you are really going to enjoy. On Monday, May 22nd at 7:30 PM, the K-2 students and the 4th Grade Ensemble students, all from Libertyville and Washington Elementaries will be presenting their Spring Program.
The program will be presented at the High School Auditorium. Please note the 7:30 PM start instead of the normal 7:00 PM start. We have moved the time a half hour later to accommodate students and families that would also be involved with the Hershey Track Meet that night.
Please come, enjoy the concert and support your students and the elementary music programs at your individual schools. The students have been working hard for the last couple months to prepare a show that they didn't understand at first, however, I know you will as their parents and friends. I am sure many of you will know just what I am talking about when I say "Cartoon Day". This is a concept these students didn't quite understand. Times and TV have changed quite a bit from when we were all their ages.
Come to the High School Auditorium and enjoy a trip down Memory Lane to "Cartoon Day" in our childhoods. Once again, the concert will be at 7:30 PM.
For any friends and family that might be out of town or even out of state or out of the country, we will be streaming the program live. Please click on the text below to locate the site.
Please pass that address on to friends and family that can't be here so that they could login and enjoy the concert live. This is brand new technology for us, so please ask them to be patient if there are glitches. We are really trying to include, through technology, many people who might not have been able to be included.
This technology was made possible by a grant through the Fairfield School Education Foundation. Thank you to all of the members who helped to purchase this camera!!
On a similar note, I will be contacting some of our local Senior Housing and Assisted Living complexes as well as nursing homes to invite them to gather together to enjoy our concert live also. This is very exciting and I hope that you share our anticipation.
Thanks for your support, and I hope to see you all on the 22nd of May.
Mr. G
Friday, April 20, 2012
A sneak peek into Munchkin Land...........
Four Big Shows!!!
Tickets still available!!!
Make Plans to Attend!!!
Enjoy the show!!!
*Photos provided with permission by Doug Martin
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
I Don't Think We Are In Kansas Anymore Toto!!!!
Looking for some fund entertainment this coming weekend or next?
Blow in to the Fairfield High School Auditorium for this years Spring Musical....
Blow in to the Fairfield High School Auditorium for this years Spring Musical....
The Wizard of Oz
This production will feature talent from Fairfield High School, Fairfield Middle School and elementary students from Libertyville and Washington 4th Grade Ensemble as well as the 5th Grade Ensemble.
Join Dorothy as she gets caught up in a twister and decends into Munchkin Land. Here she will begin her journey home to Kansas, but it will not be easy. With the help of the Scarecrow, Tinman, Lion and Glinda the Good Witch of the North, will they smite the efforts of revenge from the Wicked Witch of the West? Only OZ knows for sure.
Come and enjoy your students, friends and neighbors!!!
Monday, February 27, 2012
Rockin' wih the Stars!!
Have you ever wanted to have a chance to sit down and ask questions of your favorite singer or band member? Did you want to ask them if they eat bologna sandwiches and mac ‘n cheese? What do you have to do to have a chance to do this? The answer to the last question is simple……be a 5th grade student at Fairfield Middle School!
Even though not everyone in each class will get to meet their favorite musician, they will have the chance to ask some of those questions of a famous musician that they have always wanted.
On Thursday, March 1st, the students in Mr. Grunwald’s music class will have a special guest in class. Through the use of modern technology, the students will hear about the career of Tommy Farese, former member of “Trans-Siberian Orchestra” and now one of the founding members of “The Kings of Christmas”. Through his career he has performed with many well-known musicians from many different genres.
The purpose of his “visit” is to talk about and answer questions about his career as a musician. Through his touring, he has worked with managers and agents, record labels and their companies, concert promoters as well as other performers. He can discuss many of these music careers with our students so that they can see how they can have careers in music even if they are not keen on performing. Hopefully they will also see, through discussions of his childhood, that you don’t have to be born into greatness to be great. You don’t have to be born in to fame to be famous. All you need to do is find something you really enjoy doing and work positively towards that final goal.
I hope the students will have an awesome experience with Mr. Farese and be inspired to chase their dreams, no matter how far away they may seem.
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