Teacher:
		Michael Zabrodski Teacher

All children at Green Woods Charter School will be exploring the many different worlds of music. The primary grades will be focusing on the basic elements of music and learning how to demonstrate their skills using their voice and playing on the wide variety of instruments that are available to them. The upper grades will continue to build their musical skills and also explore how music plays a role in history, culture and society. Music for all grades will be integrated as much as possible with what they are learning in the classroom so that it is relevant and they can reap the benefits of a well rounded education. Grades 3 and up will also study recorder in the second half of the year.

As is the tradition, this coming year will provide many opportunities for our students to share their musical talents and abilities with the rest of the school and their families.

The music room has been filled with many different sounds and activities over the past few months and will continue to be as the year progresses. Kindergarten through 3rd grade has been working on developing their singing voices and reviewing some basic note reading skills. They have learned many songs that have required them to demonstrate their skills on rhythm instruments, xylophones and Boomwhackers. As the new year begins K-3 will be getting ready for their upcoming Music Nights so they may share their talents and skills with family and friends. 3rd graders will also begin their study of recorders.

4th grade spent time learning our National Anthem and the history behind it along with some other patriotic songs and then was reviewing music reading skills to prepare for the upcoming extended unit on recorders.

5th grade has also spent focused time on reviewing and learning new rhythm and note reading skills while 6th grade completed a unit on the opera Aida and then also has turned their attention to music reading skills. Both 5th and 6th grade will now be playing recorders.  7th grade has been showing their musical talents in many ways. They spent most of Nov. and Dec. learning a holiday piece on the xylophones and will now spend the next few months on recorder. 8th grade has recently completed a unit on musical careers and now will also focus their attention to recorders. 3rd through 8th grade will be showcasing their talents on recorders in Music Nights during March and April.

The GWCS Beginning Band has had a great start and continues to meet the challenges of mastering an instrument and playing together in an ensemble. The Band had a fabulous Concert before the holiday break. ( They even received a standing ovation!) We are now preparing for a spring concert that will feature more advanced and challenging music.