Welcome to Second Grade music!
Here is what we are focusing on in class and what I hope that each child is able to conquer before they reach second grade...
1) Expressive Music
2) Playing Instruments
3) Singing Do through La
4) Sixteenth notes, 2/4, half notes, quarter rests, ties, double bar lines
Why music, and why now?
One of the major skills that my music classroom specifically emphasizes is the ability to work together as a group, or cooperation skills. Not only does our musical environment require that we work with others, but it also requires that we function in unison with one another. Musically speaking, the skills that are worked on in Kindergarten are foundational in nature, and cannot be passed over. Making sure that all of the students can keep a beat, or at least are on their way to understanding what the beat is, is key to their future learning. In addition, discovering the singing voice at a young age is proven to help expressiveness when reading aloud and also confidence in daily speech. Learning basic theory in first and second grade is building the foundation for future musical communication. Furthermore, it is important to not only learn orchestra names, but also learn the names and functions of instruments in other ensembles such as rock and jazz bands. This widens the path to many musical possibilities rather than just the classical route.
