Grade 4 Music
I will be working with Grade 4 students this year. Here is some information about the Grade 4 French music curriculum. Please note this curriculum is different from the English Language Music curriculum due to the differences in language and culture. If you would like further information about the curriculum objectives please contact me and I will be happy to translate.
Grade 4 music is all about solidifying the ability to read standard music notation and exploring more complex aspects of melody, rhythm and harmony. Students will sing, listen, move, play non-pitched percussion instruments (i.e. hand drums, triangle, rhythm sticks) as well as pitched percussion such as xylophones and metallophones, all while learning French language and culture. My lessons are taught in French with French folk song material as well as music from other cultures and traditions.
Grade 4 students will continue their study of the recorder. Playing recorder allows students to practice note reading skills with an instrument that is inexpensive, relatively indestructible and suitable for their small hands. The recorder also helps students practice the articulation and breathing skills they will need if they continue on in the District's Band program in Grade 5. If your child does not currently have a recorder they will need to purchase an Aulos brand Baroque Soprano Recorder and a method book from me in the Fall. If your child tends to forget things, I suggest purchasing 2 recorders for them so that they can keep one at home for practicing and one at school for learning. If your child has another brand of recorder please send it to school and I will assess its suitability for music class. Please do not purchase recorders from discount stores as these are toys and not appropriate for music class. Once we begin our recorder study students will need to bring their recorders and music books to every music class. Because being prepared for class is an important life skill, having their materials ready will be monitored and used as part of each student's participation mark.
Here are some of the big ideas we will be exploring this year in music class:
Grade 4 music is all about solidifying the ability to read standard music notation and exploring more complex aspects of melody, rhythm and harmony. Students will sing, listen, move, play non-pitched percussion instruments (i.e. hand drums, triangle, rhythm sticks) as well as pitched percussion such as xylophones and metallophones, all while learning French language and culture. My lessons are taught in French with French folk song material as well as music from other cultures and traditions.
Grade 4 students will continue their study of the recorder. Playing recorder allows students to practice note reading skills with an instrument that is inexpensive, relatively indestructible and suitable for their small hands. The recorder also helps students practice the articulation and breathing skills they will need if they continue on in the District's Band program in Grade 5. If your child does not currently have a recorder they will need to purchase an Aulos brand Baroque Soprano Recorder and a method book from me in the Fall. If your child tends to forget things, I suggest purchasing 2 recorders for them so that they can keep one at home for practicing and one at school for learning. If your child has another brand of recorder please send it to school and I will assess its suitability for music class. Please do not purchase recorders from discount stores as these are toys and not appropriate for music class. Once we begin our recorder study students will need to bring their recorders and music books to every music class. Because being prepared for class is an important life skill, having their materials ready will be monitored and used as part of each student's participation mark.
Here are some of the big ideas we will be exploring this year in music class: