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Fourth Grade General Music:
Welcome to 4th grade music! This year we are going to be focusing on reading and playing music on an instrument--the recorder! For the beginning of the year we will be learning how to read notes on the music staff, and recognizing various rhythmic values that will prepare the students accurately before receiving their instrument.
Materials needed: Folder and Notebook
Here are frequently asked questions about the recorder:
Q: May the students keep the recorder at the end of the program?
A: Yes!!!! The recorder that I will distribute to students around November is for your children to keep.
Q: What happens if my child loses their recorder?
A: That's ok! Since we provide the first one, the second one would have to be purchased. A check for $5 made out to East Greenwich School District will be accepted--No cash, please. I have extra recorders ready to go in the event that they need to be replaced quickly.
Q: What do students need to succeed in the Recorder units?
A: Students need a folder and their recorder every day in music. Once we begin recorders, their folders will stay in music class so we can make sure their music will always be accessible to them, however if recorders are forgotten, it will effect their grade. The first three songs will be available underneath this post! I will explain how to enlarge the picture so it can be viewed easier.
Q: How do you properly clean the recorder?
A: Just a simple soap and water will work! You can actually run the recorder through the dishwasher!
Other Important information:
- There will be a performance, and I will update this website once we get pertinent details set.
- Students will not receive their recorder until November. Usually we wait until around Thanksgiving, but if the material gets learned at a faster pace, we can adjust as necessary.
- It is my goal for every student to complete the first three songs of the program. There is plenty of time to work and accomplish this goal.
Materials needed: Folder and Notebook
Here are frequently asked questions about the recorder:
Q: May the students keep the recorder at the end of the program?
A: Yes!!!! The recorder that I will distribute to students around November is for your children to keep.
Q: What happens if my child loses their recorder?
A: That's ok! Since we provide the first one, the second one would have to be purchased. A check for $5 made out to East Greenwich School District will be accepted--No cash, please. I have extra recorders ready to go in the event that they need to be replaced quickly.
Q: What do students need to succeed in the Recorder units?
A: Students need a folder and their recorder every day in music. Once we begin recorders, their folders will stay in music class so we can make sure their music will always be accessible to them, however if recorders are forgotten, it will effect their grade. The first three songs will be available underneath this post! I will explain how to enlarge the picture so it can be viewed easier.
Q: How do you properly clean the recorder?
A: Just a simple soap and water will work! You can actually run the recorder through the dishwasher!
Other Important information:
- There will be a performance, and I will update this website once we get pertinent details set.
- Students will not receive their recorder until November. Usually we wait until around Thanksgiving, but if the material gets learned at a faster pace, we can adjust as necessary.
- It is my goal for every student to complete the first three songs of the program. There is plenty of time to work and accomplish this goal.
At Samuel Mickle fourth graders will learn how to play the Baroque soprano recorder; a woodwind instrument from the medieval times. Students will participate in a program called Recorder Karate where they earn belts for their recorder as they learn and play new, and pretty challenging songs. Students can practice and earn the belts at their own pace as we learn new notes and techniques on the instrument. They will be responsible for bringing their instrument every class period. It is IMPERATIVE that they have their instrument during every class. Students that are not prepared with their recorder will not receive their participation point for that day.
The songs used are taken from Recorder Karate Level 1 and 2 books, published by Plank Road Publishing. Students practice these songs in class, but are not required to continue practicing at home (however they may, if they'd like).
The songs used are taken from Recorder Karate Level 1 and 2 books, published by Plank Road Publishing. Students practice these songs in class, but are not required to continue practicing at home (however they may, if they'd like).
Helpful practice hints:
1. The left hand on the top while the right hand sits at the far bottom of the recorder (without covering any other holes).
2. Fingers should be slightly curved.
3. Use the flat part of your finger (not tip).
4. Hold the recorder firmly, but do not squeeze.
5. Be certain the holes are covered completely – leaks cause squeaks!
6. Blow with a gentle steady stream of air similar to an exhale. Too much air can also make the instrument squeak!
***Parents: When your child wants to practice, make sure to only show them the song that they are working on in class. If they receive a belt, they cannot be tested twice in the same day. The images below are small, but if you right click and press "open in new tab" the image will become larger. My goal is for every student to play the first three belts (listed below).
1. The left hand on the top while the right hand sits at the far bottom of the recorder (without covering any other holes).
2. Fingers should be slightly curved.
3. Use the flat part of your finger (not tip).
4. Hold the recorder firmly, but do not squeeze.
5. Be certain the holes are covered completely – leaks cause squeaks!
6. Blow with a gentle steady stream of air similar to an exhale. Too much air can also make the instrument squeak!
***Parents: When your child wants to practice, make sure to only show them the song that they are working on in class. If they receive a belt, they cannot be tested twice in the same day. The images below are small, but if you right click and press "open in new tab" the image will become larger. My goal is for every student to play the first three belts (listed below).
If your child is having trouble remembering the proper finger positions, you can help them with this guide:
This is how students will progress through the program's belt levels: