Intery Mintery

Intery, mintery, cutery corn
Apple seed and apple thorn
Wire briar timber lock
Five geese in a flock
Sit and sing by a spring
O-U-T and in again
- Mother Goose turned haunting

All SK musicians came together this week for a mini-performance of the above rhyme.
Oliver G., Grace, Sophie and Oliver S. chose sound effects instruments for the awakening of the dancing dead, who were portrayed by the rest of Anita's class and Elaine's class. Susan's class accompanied the dancers on the Orff pitched instruments in an arrangement written by Doug Goodkin, music specialist at The San Franciso School (K-8). Alto recorder was played by Peter, Alec and Lukas, while the tenor recorder "moaned" eerily as played by Maria, Mike and Max. We performed for the staff and one parent and a set of grandparents who happened to stop by. Later in the year, we may orchestrate our own poetry choice, letting the muses carry us away in dancing and sound. Happy Haunting! (and recycling, too!)..................

Autumn Ponderings Musically Speaking

Renata's class has begun playing Vivaldi's "Autumno" from his Four Seasons music. This consists of looking at small motifs and linking them together. This class is also ready to share a three-voice recorder ensemble called "Dance Arabi" at the North African Dinner, with one student from Susan's class joining in. At the same time, Anita's class will be playing an ostinato (small pattern repeated over and over) on drums and tambourines while all the rest of the students will sing the words to this Egyptian folk song.

Ask your K-1 student to perform "The Ghosts Are Coming". This little activity moves forward study of rests, cresendos, diminuendo, and the feel of an 8-beat phrase.

Susan's class has moved from the old chestnut "Hot Cross Buns" to more satisfying fare: "Taco Shells" and "Recorder Fanfare" on soprano recorders. Stanley and Lucas then play a third higher and bring a nice harmony to our pieces. Later, everyone will learn how to do this. Susan's class is also beginning folk dancing and singing of rounds. "Ghost of John" is always a good one this time of year!