First Week!

Hello again students and parents!

Our first week is complete! (In fact, we are half way through our second week!) It really is true that time flies when you're having fun. Our first week together was so wonderful. The students have such bright enthusiasm, it makes me happy every morning just to wake up and think about it.

Last week we started learning our Song of the Month. For those who don't know, every month, there will be a special song learned by the entire school. Generally the song will be of a patriotic nature. This month, the Song of the Month (SOM) is "The Star Spangled Banner." The students love it! They ask me every morning when I come in if we can start with our National Anthem. In addition to singing "The Star Spangled Banner," we are also learning about its history and importance to our nation. The students paid rapt attention this morning when I read them a brief history of the battle at Fort McHenry. I've asked students to please practice at home so that we don't have to spend so much time reviewing the words and melody in class, although, that being said, they are picking it up remarkably quickly. So, if you hear your children repeatedly singing about the rockets' red glare and our flag still waving, give them a hand; they're doing exactly what I asked of them, and I'm sure it sounds beautiful!

Both Kindergarteners and First Graders are working on rhythms. They really enjoy (and are quite excellent at) repeating back a rhythm that I've tapped out for them. Feel free to try this at home with them. I'm trying progressively more difficult rhythms with them and they are stepping up to the challenge brilliantly. They surprise me every day with their attention to detail and ability to remember even the most complicated rhythms.

First graders have started learning one of my personal favorite songs, "Dona Nobis Pacem." We talked for a little bit about Latin and what it means for a language to be a dead language before moving on to singing. I can't even explain the joy I felt when I heard their beautiful little voices singing such a lovely song. I hope that, with practice, we will be able to perform it at our end-of-semester concert.

Speaking of which, I don't yet have a specific date for the concert, but I believe it will be towards the end of November. I'm very excited for the concert! Based on how well they are doing in music so far, I'm sure the concert will be a smashing success!

On one last note, for the upcoming classes, *ONLY FIRST GRADE* will need "My First Music Theory Book" by Lisa Ng. You can purchase it at Barnes and Noble or on Amazon. Either way it should be under $10.  I sent out an email to this effect earlier in the month which included a link to Barnes and Noble's website.

Once again I would like to thank you for allowing me the wonderful opportunity to teach your children. Seeing their happy faces and hearing their beautiful voices makes me smile every time I think about it.

If you have any questions, comments, concerns, quibbles, queries, etc., feel free to email me at MGalbraith@ArchwayArete.org.

Sincerely,
Madison Galbraith
1st Grade Assistant
K-1 Music Lead