Music To My Ears
Music Room Up To Date
What Will You Find?
What Will Be Happening in Music This Year?
The music curriculum is centered around eight components. The students explore these concepts in varying depth, dependent on the student's grade level. The concepts are as follows:
- Rhythm - Beat, note values, and written organization
- Tempo - Musical speed and terminology
- Melody - Note names, note movement, and note identification
- Harmony - The combination of notes
- Form - Full musical piece organization
- Dynamics - Musical volume, terminology, and expression
- Tone Color - The identification of different instruments and voices
- Style - The history and evolution of many genres of music including multicultural
Recorders
Recorders are authentic wind instruments which have been used for centuries. Children begin playing these in the Fourth Grade and again in Fifth Grade starting in late November/ early December. Each student is required to have his or her own instrument which will be available through the school. More information will go home about these instruments soon. The recorders are made of durable plastic and can be washed in dish soap and water.
Guitars
Guitars have been used in the district for just a few years now and are only used with sixth grade students. There is a set of sixteen acoustic guitars which will be rotated between three schools in the district. The Sixth Grade students will begin guitar next week and learn simple melodies and chords on the guitars. Students will have partners and take turns on these instruments.
Dates to Remember
Students in 1st-4th grade perform in musicals for the school and for you! 1st and 2nd graders perform together in one musical and 3rd and 4th graders perform together in another. These musicals are part of their vocal curriculum and are adorable to watch! Students in 5th and 6th grade have the option of joining chorus and they perform twice a year. Please place these dates on your calendar as they apply to you and your child.
1st and 2nd Grade Musical- Wednesday, December 18th
Winter Chorus Concert- Wednesday, December 18th
3rd and 4th Grade Musical- Thursday, April 23rd
Spring Chorus Concert- Thursday, April 23rd
5th and 6th Grade Chorus
Meet Miss Clark
I received my undergraduate degree in music education from Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois. Go Big Blue! While at Millikin I was in the University Choir, Chamber Chorale as well as the Vocal Jazz Ensemble. While I was in these choirs I was fortunate enough to be able to travel all over the United States and even in Europe.
I am received my Masters of Music Education degree from Vandercook College of Music and am excited to announce that I just completed my Orff Schulwerk pedagogy certification. This was all very hard work, but absolutely worth it. I can't wait to share all of the new activities with your children.
I have been busily turning my house in Shorewood into a home with my wonderful fiance John and our two kitties, Bill and Ted. I love to cook, shop, sing, dance and spend time with my wonderful family. We like to spend time together going to farmers markets, sporting events and family birthday parties. I also love to travel and collect ornaments from all of the places we visit.
I can't wait to continue on this musical learning journey with your children and make this year the best one yet. If you ever have any questions don't hesitate to contact me and I will be happy to help. Have a great weekend, and a great year!
Email: clarkm@woodridge68.org
Location: 3450 Hobson Road, Woodridge, IL, United States
Phone: 630-969-7271
Twitter: @good_music114