Videos From Recent Performances

Dear Parents,

Thank you so much for your attendance at your child's recent music concert! I thought they all did a wonderful job, especially considering the short time they have had to work on their programs.

As the director of these programs, I love to "see" them through your eyes in order to enjoy, and improve on my own program and ideas. As such, if anyone video taped the concert and would be willing to bring me a copy of it to keep, I would very much appreciate it. Please do not bring me your original copies as I would love to keep a copy. It is ok if the video focuses the most on your own child as long as I can see the overall program as well. I am looking for videos of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and choir concerts held last week.

Thank you again for all of your support and I wish you a very relaxing summer!

Sincerely,

Juli Van Eizenga

Concerts Coming Up Next Week!

Remember your child's music concert next week!

On Tuesday, May 25th grades 1-3 will be performing at the following times:

8:30-9:15: 3rd Grade (Please look at the previous costume postings for information on what they should be wearing. They should come to the MPR already dressed at 8:20. They can drop their bags off in their classrooms first.)

9:30-10:10: 2nd Grade (There are no costumes for 2nd grade)

10:30-11:00: 1st Grade (There are no costumes for 1st grade)


On Thursday, May 27th the choir will perform at 7PM in the MPR

They can wear whatever they like but should look "nice" since it is a nighttime concert. I would like the kids to be there at 6:30 so we can run through some of the songs.

I look forward to seeing you there!

Fun Music Websites

Here are some great music websites with lots of activities and games. These are a great way for your child to learn through play! Click on the address and it will link you to the website!

http://www.creatingmusic.com

http://www.classicsforkids.com/games

http://www.dsokids.com/2001/rooms/musicroom.asp


Have fun!

Simple Tips for Healthy Singing

There is such a thing as healthy and unhealthy singing. Of course, I would like all children to use healthy singing techniques in order to produce a more beautiful sound without damaging their vocal cords. Here are some simple steps to ensure beautiful, healthy singing:

1. Open your mouth! You'd be amazed what a difference it makes when you open your mouth wide, allowing for better resonance.

2. Enunciate. Slightly over-exaggerate the words you are singing so the audience can hear you more clearly.

3. Stand up or sit up straight with your shoulders relaxed but back.

4. Drink plenty of water.

5. Try to warm-up before you sing. Long, slower tones going up and down work well. Use syllables such as "ooh" or "maa". I would bet that your kids know my warm-ups pretty well by now and could do them on their own.

6. Try to sing in your "head voice" as much as possible. The head voice is usually a light, clear sound. You can almost feel it "vibrating" in your head. I sometimes tell the kids to imagine that they are a whale with a spout coming out of their foreheads and to make their sound come out of that hole. Here is an interesting video about the head voice vs the chest voice (the lower, more aggressive sounding voice): http://www.ehow.com/video_2388050_head-voice-vs_-chest-voice.html

7. Use common sense. If it hurts, stop! It is always a good idea to take breaks and of course, have lingering problems checked by a doctor.

New Instruments for Greenbrook Students!

Exciting news for Greenbrook students! There will soon be new instruments for all students to enjoy and learn with. We are especially excited to be able to introduce Orff instruments to the school. Orff instruments were created by German composer and educator Carl Orff to be used with his Orff Schulwerk technique. This technique emphasises repeated patterns, improvisation, and musical literacy.





I truly believe that these instruments, along with the other new instruments, will really take Greenbrook's music program to the next level of excellence in learning.

The funding for these instruments was made possible through our wonderful PTA fundraisers, as well as a grant from the San Ramon Valley Unified School District. Thank you to Cheri Eplin for her help with the grant! I look forward to introducing these instruments to the students very soon!

Concert Dates!

Parents, mark your calendars! The music concert dates have been scheduled! 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders will perform for parents on Tuesday, May 25th. The times are as follows:

Grade 3: 8:30-9:15AM
Grade 2: 9:30-10:10AM
Grade 1: 10:30-11:00AM

The choir will perform on Thursday, May 27th, from 7:00-8:00PM.

We hope to see all of you there!

Ms V

Welcome to the Greenbrook Music Page!

Welcome students and family members!

This blog is your source for all information regarding the Greenbrook Elementary School Music classes. You can find lyrics for the songs we are working on, concert dates, and even tips on becoming a better singer. We will also post information as well as video and pictures of what we are working on in class.

Thank you for visiting!

Ms. Juli Van Eizenga AKA "Ms. V"