January Composing

The 4th and 5th grade students at Pine Glen have spent some time composing this January.  The box on the sidebar of the site has been updated to include recordings of these new compositions.  The 4th grade composed using a 3 plus one formula.  Each group wrote two rhythms, one that would be repeated 3 times, and one that was just played once.  The students chose what instruments to play their compositions on, practiced and performed them.  The 5th graders composed rhythms as well, but instead of playing them on instruments, they were only allowed to use body percussion (clapping, snapping, stomping, etc..).  Some of their body percussion sounds are quite creative!!  Scroll down to find your room number and group, then listen or download and enjoy!

African Drumming Videos

Here are the African Drumming videos! Click on the links below to view them.  Enjoy!

http://www.schooltube.com/video/069ab2bd8f44a217f321/African-Drumming

http://www.schooltube.com/video/17a17ce5ffc1fd4d14f5/African-Drumming

http://www.schooltube.com/video/4e4086b2437ba7c14730/African-Drumming

http://www.schooltube.com/video/8b60744620be209a05bb/African-Drumming

http://www.schooltube.com/video/1dafd8b0fd38996312bc/African-Drumming

http://www.schooltube.com/video/3985cf353b0c1334e789/African-Drumming

http://www.schooltube.com/video/24cf44c06942a19a39bd/African-Drumming

http://www.schooltube.com/video/f20777e3d63fd7c42f06/African-Drumming

http://www.schooltube.com/video/ba7e9106dea6219c8d34/African-Drumming

African Drumming/ The First Visit From Our Artist-in-Residence

Last week we had our first visit from Jeremy Cohen, our African Drumming artist-in-residence!  All students in grades 3, 4, and 5 participated in a drumming workshop focused on the music of the Ewe tribe in Ghana. On Tuesday, students began learning the drum language of the lead drum, called the Boba.  On Wednesday, they learned bell, shaker, and one of the accompanying drum patterns. Students played in large groups, trios, duets, and some even played solos as part of the workshop.  We will continue to practice these parts until our next visit from Mr. Cohen in March.  Here are some of the many pictures I took that day.  I think its easy to see that a good time was had by all, and we are looking forward to March! Check back for video soon!