Grades K-2 do Jazz!

Grades K-2 are doing jazz lessons in April since April is National Jazz Appreciation Month.

1st graders are learning how to improvise a scat using different "nonsense" syllables. Improvising means you are making it up on the spot. Here are some students from Mrs. Ray's class improvising their scat for the class to echo:

Winter Snowflakes Orff Grade 2

2nd graders are learning a fun song this week called "Winter Snowflakes". They learn to play three different parts: The Orff barred instruments (xylophones and metallophones), egg shakers, and finger cymbals. On part A all students play and sing the song. On part B the student sitting at the small glockenspiel gets to improvise and play whatever he/she wants, making sure to land on note "C" to end the improvisation. Then all students rotate to the left and play a new instrument!
(Lesson idea found here, thanks O For Tuna Orff!)

Ms. Sallade's Class

Ms. Sallade's Class

Chicken on a Fence Post- Improvisation

April is jazz appreciation month so 3rd graders learned about jazz history and a song that involves improvising (making music up on the spot that fits the song). The song is called "Chicken on a Fence Post" and teaches students the quick "beat-e-t-a" 16th note rhythm. There is a part A and part B. During part B the xylophones improvise on the words "fence post yeah!"

I got the lesson idea and notation from the wonderful blog: bethsmusicnotesplus.com. 

Mrs. Perry's Class

Mrs. Wilson's Class