HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
Storyline
There is a famous composer named Giuseppe Del Pietro who lives in Venice. He is very frustrated because he has been working for months trying to create a symphony that he must perform in a couple weeks at Piazza San Marco. He has worked and worked and has not been able to create the simplest tune. For the first time in his career, he could not create the simplest tune. Frustrated, he walked to his second story window, and like a miracle, the music found him. Gabrielle's song greeted him from down below. As he listened to her song, he became inspired to continue his work. Giuseppe still need help. That is were we come in. The children of Venice, along with Gabrielle will now help Giuseppe create a symphony for his concert. To prepare, we have been learning about the different elements of music which include: duration, dynamics, tempo, timbre (pronounced tambre),and texture. This week we will be working on pitch and structure. This week, we will also begin to work on the different instrumental families in an orchestra.
In the coming weeks, we will begin working on a modified play that tells the story of the book Gabriella's Song, which will be presented at our culmination. There will be musical parts as well as speaking parts. If your child ends up with a speaking part, they will have to memorize their lines (it won't be too much). The children will learn what parts they are playing by the end of this week or at the beginning of next week. I am playing around with how the culmination will look, we might actually have two plays (two groups doing the same play). We will see......
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
Pam Bird, a local artist will be working with our children this week and one day next week. We will get a to work with Pam a total of six hours. Last year she worked with our first grade classes and the art they produced was amazing! They will be working with a variety of media. It should be a fun week!
I have heard a lot of positive feedback from the Gondola Race. The children are doing a great job. Remember, if the children's gondola sheets are not signed by a parent, I will not move them forward. If you feel your child is struggling, please let me know. I have some "alternative routes" available :)
Scholastic Book Orders are due Friday, May 14. If you want to order on line, go to the link I have posted on the left hand side of this page. If you would rather send a check to me that is fine as well. I will do one more book order before the end of the year.
Have a great weekend!
Becky
