Students learn basic drum patterns to play together, begin to improvise their own beats, and sing along with simple American folk songs performed by their teacher. The students also gain familiarity with music from different cultures through listening to recordings, guided discussions, and video samples. Students will study and play the music of Indonesia, called gamelan music, using the xylophones and drums we have in our classroom. Students learn the music through reading notation, singing and memorizing the parts, and instrumental practice.
Fifth grade students are participating in a rock band using a mix of school instruments, student instruments, and donated/borrowed instruments. Students are writing lyrics, choosing material, and learning (and teaching each other) multiple instrumental parts. They will also learn basic techniques for arranging music, reading music, and ensemble playing. Students with independent music practices will have opportunities to add their instrument to the group sound.
During the Spring Semester students will continue their explorations of world music and American popular song using our collection of classroom instruments. They will also experiment with scoring their own lyrics and music. When the weather permits, Mr. Bolles will lead outdoor instrument-making projects to help students learn about acoustics, tuning, and resonance.