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
Showing posts with label Selover. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Selover. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Costumes for Ms. Selover's Class
Ms. Selover's class will be wearing brightly colored clothing for their costume as we could not locate any hanbok to use.
For boys, the ideal outfit is long pants and a long-sleeved shirt that are very bright, solid colors. If you have a shirt with a pattern on it, you can turn it inside out.
For girls, the ideal outfit is a long skirt (at least past the knees) and a long-sleeved shirt that are very bright, solid colors.
Satin pajamas are actually very close to the way that the traditional boys outfits look, so think along those lines.
If you cannot find anything like this, they may wear black, which is the "default" color for every 3rd grade class, so they will not stand out.
For boys, the ideal outfit is long pants and a long-sleeved shirt that are very bright, solid colors. If you have a shirt with a pattern on it, you can turn it inside out.
For girls, the ideal outfit is a long skirt (at least past the knees) and a long-sleeved shirt that are very bright, solid colors.
Satin pajamas are actually very close to the way that the traditional boys outfits look, so think along those lines.
If you cannot find anything like this, they may wear black, which is the "default" color for every 3rd grade class, so they will not stand out.
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!
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!
Friday, April 30, 2010
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!
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.
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.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Costumes for Third Grade Performance
As you know, all third grade classes will be performing a song from a different country. I do not expect every child to have an authentic costume for the performance, but it would be nice to represent the country in some way.
I am asking all classes to wear black pants/skirts and black tops as the basic uniform for the performance, unless otherwise stated. Each class will then have some accessory from their country. Please make sure black tops and bottoms are fairly plain (please no sparkles or large logos!) If the only shirt you can find has large or colorful logos, you may turn it inside out.
Here are the details for each class. Please note that some will be made in class and all others the students will be responsible for providing.
Ms Fructman's class:
1. Black pants/skirts and black shirts
2. Paper piupiu skirts. These will be made in class.
Ms Eplin's class:
1. Black pants and black shirts for BOYS
2. Long, colorful skirts and black shirts for GIRLS
3. Long scarves for BOYS (any color but solid or simple pattern is best)
4. Head scarves for GIRLS (This can be a simple bandanna, preferably a solid color)
Ms. Selover's class:
1. The traditional Korea clothing, or hanbok, is very distinct and difficult to replicate with just one or two accessories. I would like to see if we can borrow some hanbok from parents of Greenbrook students. If this is not possible, then students should wear black pants and black shirts and we will make hats for the students.
If you have children's hanbok or know someone who does and might be willing to let us borrow them, please let me know.
Ms. Caldera's class:
1. Black pants/skirts and black shirts
2. Paper hula skirts (If you have grass or plastic hula skirts, feel free to bring these)
3. Headbands. We will make these in class.
Ms. Edgren's class:
1. Black pants and black shirt for BOYS
2. Black shirt for GIRLS
3. Colorful scarf for BOYS (must be long enough to tie around waist)
4. Long, colorful skirt for GIRLS
5. Flower crown for GIRLS hair. We will make these in class.
Ms. Ravin's class:
1. Black pants for BOYS
2. Black shirt for GIRLS
3. Short-sleeved, colorful shirt for boys (solid colors)
4. Long, colorful skirts for GIRLS (if you have any with ruffles, that would be very appropriate)
5. Head scarf for GIRLS. Any bandanna is fine, preferably not the "cowboy/cowgirl" prints
6. Hats for BOYS. I will provide these.
I am asking all classes to wear black pants/skirts and black tops as the basic uniform for the performance, unless otherwise stated. Each class will then have some accessory from their country. Please make sure black tops and bottoms are fairly plain (please no sparkles or large logos!) If the only shirt you can find has large or colorful logos, you may turn it inside out.
Here are the details for each class. Please note that some will be made in class and all others the students will be responsible for providing.
Ms Fructman's class:
1. Black pants/skirts and black shirts
2. Paper piupiu skirts. These will be made in class.
Ms Eplin's class:
1. Black pants and black shirts for BOYS
2. Long, colorful skirts and black shirts for GIRLS
3. Long scarves for BOYS (any color but solid or simple pattern is best)
4. Head scarves for GIRLS (This can be a simple bandanna, preferably a solid color)
Ms. Selover's class:
1. The traditional Korea clothing, or hanbok, is very distinct and difficult to replicate with just one or two accessories. I would like to see if we can borrow some hanbok from parents of Greenbrook students. If this is not possible, then students should wear black pants and black shirts and we will make hats for the students.
If you have children's hanbok or know someone who does and might be willing to let us borrow them, please let me know.
Ms. Caldera's class:
1. Black pants/skirts and black shirts
2. Paper hula skirts (If you have grass or plastic hula skirts, feel free to bring these)
3. Headbands. We will make these in class.
Ms. Edgren's class:
1. Black pants and black shirt for BOYS
2. Black shirt for GIRLS
3. Colorful scarf for BOYS (must be long enough to tie around waist)
4. Long, colorful skirt for GIRLS
5. Flower crown for GIRLS hair. We will make these in class.
Ms. Ravin's class:
1. Black pants for BOYS
2. Black shirt for GIRLS
3. Short-sleeved, colorful shirt for boys (solid colors)
4. Long, colorful skirts for GIRLS (if you have any with ruffles, that would be very appropriate)
5. Head scarf for GIRLS. Any bandanna is fine, preferably not the "cowboy/cowgirl" prints
6. Hats for BOYS. I will provide these.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
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!
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!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Working on Rhythms
All Grade 1-3 students have been working on reading rhythms in music class. So far they have learned to clap the rhythms using "fish and whales." The whales represent quarter notes and the word "ta" is also used to represent it. The fishes represent eighth notes, and students say "ti ti" to show them. Here is a brief video, courtesy of Ms. Eplin, showing her class learning about the fish.
Students will soon learn to identify the proper quarter note and eighth note symbols and will even be composing their own rhythmic music.
Mrs.V Teaching from Cheri Eplin on Vimeo.
Students will soon learn to identify the proper quarter note and eighth note symbols and will even be composing their own rhythmic music.
Ms Selover's Class Song- Doong Gul Ge
Ms. Selover's class song is called "Doong gul ge." It is a game song from Korea. There are two parts of Korea. North and South Korea used to be united as one country but split in 1948. They are bordered by China and Russia, and Japan is also nearby. There are about 70 million people inKorea- 23 million in the north, ad 50 million in the south. Korean food has noodles, rice, and meat, but is best known for kimchi, which is a fermented vegetable (usually cabbage), like a pickle. The traditional clothing is called hanbok which means “Korean clothing”. It usually refers to the formal wear which is very colorful and often has many layers that are tied on. Students will sing the song in Korean and English. Here are the lyrics, a pronunciation guide, and the translation for the text.
Korean Lyrics:
Doong gul ge doong gul ge
(repeat)
Bing gul bing gul dol ah kah miaw
Chum ul chup shi da
Son bia kul chi mian sawh
No reh rul pu ru miaw
La la la lachul kaw up ge
Chum chu cha
Ring-a-ring-a-ring a-ring-a-ring-a-ring
(repeat)
Son eh son ul chop go
Mo du dah hahm ge
Chul kaw up ge chum ul chup shi da
Pronunciation:
doong gool geh doong gul geh
(repeat)
beeng gool beeng gool dohl ah kah meeyaw
choom ool choop shee dah
sohn byah kool chee myahn sawh
noh reh rool poo roo myaw
lah lah lah lah chool kaw oop ge
choom choo chah
leeng-ah-leeng-ah-leeng ah-leeng-ah-leeng-ah-leeng
(repeat)
sohn eh sohn ool chohp goh
moh doo dah hahm geh
chool kaw oop geh choom ool choop shee dah
Translation:
Round and round
Let's dance around in a circle
Let's clap; let's sing
Let's run together
Ring-a-ring-a-ring
Hold hands all together
Let's run together
English Lyrics:
Round and around we go (repeat)
Dance around the circle now
Don't let your feet be slow
Circle around and clap
Circle around and sing
Let's all run together now
Around the ring
Ring-a-ring-a-ring (repeat)
Hopping as we go
And jumping as we sing
Let's all run together round the ring
Korean Lyrics:
Doong gul ge doong gul ge
(repeat)
Bing gul bing gul dol ah kah miaw
Chum ul chup shi da
Son bia kul chi mian sawh
No reh rul pu ru miaw
La la la lachul kaw up ge
Chum chu cha
Ring-a-ring-a-ring a-ring-a-ring-a-ring
(repeat)
Son eh son ul chop go
Mo du dah hahm ge
Chul kaw up ge chum ul chup shi da
Pronunciation:
doong gool geh doong gul geh
(repeat)
beeng gool beeng gool dohl ah kah meeyaw
choom ool choop shee dah
sohn byah kool chee myahn sawh
noh reh rool poo roo myaw
lah lah lah lah chool kaw oop ge
choom choo chah
leeng-ah-leeng-ah-leeng ah-leeng-ah-leeng-ah-leeng
(repeat)
sohn eh sohn ool chohp goh
moh doo dah hahm geh
chool kaw oop geh choom ool choop shee dah
Translation:
Round and round
Let's dance around in a circle
Let's clap; let's sing
Let's run together
Ring-a-ring-a-ring
Hold hands all together
Let's run together
English Lyrics:
Round and around we go (repeat)
Dance around the circle now
Don't let your feet be slow
Circle around and clap
Circle around and sing
Let's all run together now
Around the ring
Ring-a-ring-a-ring (repeat)
Hopping as we go
And jumping as we sing
Let's all run together round the ring
Grade 3 Welcome Song- Hello to All the Children of the World
All third graders will open the performance with the song, "Hello to All the Children of the World." It is a song of unity with kids throughout the world and features greetings in several different languages. This song has been a favorite with the third graders so far. Here are the lyrics:
Refrain: Hello, bonjour, buenos dias
G'day, guten tag, konnichiwa
Ciao, shalom, dobrey dyan
Hello to all the children of the world
Verse 1: We come from different places
From all around the world
We speak in many different ways
Though some things might be different
We're children just the same
And we all like to sing and play
(sing refrain)
verse 2: There's children in the deserts
And children in the towns
there's children who live by the sea
If we could meet each other
To run and sing and play
then what good friends we all could be
(sing refrain)
Here is a video of Ms. Eplin's class working on the song:
Refrain: Hello, bonjour, buenos dias
G'day, guten tag, konnichiwa
Ciao, shalom, dobrey dyan
Hello to all the children of the world
Verse 1: We come from different places
From all around the world
We speak in many different ways
Though some things might be different
We're children just the same
And we all like to sing and play
(sing refrain)
verse 2: There's children in the deserts
And children in the towns
there's children who live by the sea
If we could meet each other
To run and sing and play
then what good friends we all could be
(sing refrain)
Here is a video of Ms. Eplin's class working on the song:
Music for Ms.Eplin's Class from Cheri Eplin on Vimeo.
Third Graders Explore the World
All third grade classes are working on songs from around the world. They will sing two songs all together and each class will present their own song from a different part of the world. All classes will be singing in other languages and performing some traditional movements or instrumental accompaniments.
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
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
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
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"
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"
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