Notes from the Music Room:

Greetings LCS Community!

I am very thrilled to be a part of such a strong team here at Lincoln.  Everyone has been so welcoming and supportive.  I am amazed every day at how knowledgeable, resourceful, and musical the students are here.  For those of you who are a little curious about me, here are some facts about my music history.  I grew up in a very musical family in Monkton, VT.  My parents exposed me to all kinds of music and took me to a variety of different concerts from the VSO to Santana.  I have been playing the flute since 4th grade, but picked up a few other instruments along the way.  I now teach beginning trumpet, baritone horn, trombone, clarinet, saxophone, flute, percussion, guitar, piano, and voice.  I received my degree in music education from Plymouth State University and graduated in 2009.  I have been working at Addison Central School for 3 1/2 years teaching general music and instrumental lessons.  I am so excited to have this opportunity to be a part of the Lincoln community and to share my love for music with everyone here.  

Here is a glimpse of what we have been working on in music:

Kindergarten has been learning how to move their bodies to music (including showing the beat).  They are also singing and exploring their voices while learning about the difference between high and low pitches.  We finish each class with some quiet listening time where they are asked to focus on a piece of music, let their imaginations wander, and think of some describing words for what they hear.

First grade is building on the musical skills that they already have.  We do some moving to music, some singing, and some quiet listening.  They are also strengthening their rhythmic skills using various instruments.  Their music vocabulary includes tempo (allegro, largo, and moderato) and dynamics (loud and soft).  We will also learn some songs that are related to what they are learning with Tiffany.  

Second grade is focusing on the instruments of the orchestra.  They have gotten or well get an up close look at several instruments from each instrument family, and have spent time listening to examples of each.  At the end of our study we will spend some time learning about the science of sound and how instruments actually work (we might even make some instruments ourselves).  We will also learn some songs that relate to what they are learning with Patty.

The three-four spent the first part of the year strengthening their rhythmic skills on the drum pads.  They had the opportunity to practice those skills on a snare drum, and on other percussion instruments.   We are now involved in a study of soundscapes and how composers are sometimes inspired by them when creating their music.  Currently, Tory and I are working with two focus groups on dance or music.  Students were given the opportunity to either work with Tory on dance, or me in music for four weeks with a final performance of both at the end.  

The five-six has been traveling in time through America's music history.  Starting with the music of Native Americans, we have been relating each of America's prominent events in history with the music that went along with it.   We have sung the blues, analyzed jazz music, danced the Virginia reel, and much more.  Fifth and sixth graders also have the privilege of learning how to play a musical instrument.  I also had the pleasure of directing a small chorus for the five-six play ("Mud and Water"), and plan to continue and expand the chorus.