Hello!

I just added the song "All I Really Need" to the playlist so you can practice your sign language. Try teaching a few of the signs to someone at home!

Can you sing and show the sign language at the same time?

Have a great day!

Ms. Ginger

Hello from the UPA Mark Murray Music Room! Students were eager to get started in music this year and so was I! They have already shown improvement that could only be made through hard work and concentration.

The fourth and fifth graders are in the midst of an African Drumming unit. They have been working hard on their drumming technique, specifically hand position. As we continue, we will begin adding singing and dancing to our drumming ensemble pieces.

Third graders are continuing to develop their singing voices by singing songs in English, Swahili, and even Yiddish! We will also work on Orff instrument (xylophone) technique as we add challenging accompaniment to the songs we have learned.

Second graders are doing a unit entitled "Carnival of the Animals". This unit is centered around a musical suite consisting of 14 movements, all based on a different animal. It is called "Carnival of the Animals" and was composed in 1886 by a French composer named CamilleSaint-Saëns. Each class period, students listen to the piece, move as the animal does, and sing a song about each animal. So far we have done the Lion, the Tortoise, the Bird, and the Rooster.

First graders are continuing to work on keeping a steady beat. They are also learning new songs that will help them move forward in their music making, both singing and playing instruments. But we will always love one of our favorites from last year; "Skinny marinky dinky doo". If you need a pick-me-up in your day, just ask your first grader for a round of this song and you will feel better in no time!

I was so excited to welcome the Kindergartners into the music room this year! They are cheerful students who do their best and who are excited to try new activities. We have been learning about the different voices we use. These include speaking, whisper, shouting, and singing voice.

We are hard at work here in the music room, and are looking forward to a year of harmonious music making! Check back soon for upcoming concert information!

Take Time In Life

I have really enjoyed listening to my students in grades 3, 4 and 5, sing one of my favorite songs this week, "Take Time In Life." This song is a West African song from the country of Liberia and has a positive message for us all. Our students have stated what is means to them to "Take Time in Life" and I hope they are able to share the song with their families and friends. Many classes have asked to perform it for their teachers, and of course I always love when students want to share and show off their beautiful music!

Can you sing this song for someone at home?

I was passing by, somebody called to me

And they said to me, "you better take time in life."

Better take time in life,

Better take time in life,

Better take time in life,

'Cause you've got far way to go.

Beatlemania!

Ms. Simon and Mr. Hatt's fifth grade classes have been listening to and learning about songs from the Beatles. We began with the first #1 USA hit, "I want to Hold you Hand" and have been listening to some highlights of this amazing band's career. I am energized each time I come into class by hearing the inquisitive questions presented and facts discovered by curious students learning at home. What is your favorite Beatles' song so far? What unique gift do you think this band has given to the musical world? Keep listening...and I'll see you next week.
Love, Ms. Melkonian

Welcome to the UPA Elementary Music Blog!

We are excited to share with you the first UPA Elementary Music Blog! Stay posted for updates on each class and the beautiful music they are making and listening to. We will also have podcasts up soon, so you may also listen to our amazing students share their talents. Here's to a great year of music-making!
--Ms. Melkonian and Ms. Ginger