‘Kick off’ in this case does not pertain to the NFL but our musical, The Phantom Tollbooth. Our kick-off week meant all the students got their scores (which stay at school until after the musical in April) and got to watch the animated movie of The Phantom Tollbooth. Popcorn and apples were provided, because, well, it just wouldn’t be right not to have snacks!
But don’t worry, they’ve been busy working, too. Joe and Janet Kretchmer came by to work on The Circle Game with the Middle Schoolers. Middle Schoolers also started on transcribing rhythm. Though unsure of their ability at first, they were excited to see all they are capable of!
Upper Elementary practiced rhythms on the tubanao drums using flashcards and performed their compositions on ‘found sounds’ in the music room, a la the group Stomp.
Lower Elementary learned the song Autumn which combined art and movement and dovetailed with the leaves they’ve been making in art. In addition, since so many have joined the after-school Spanish Club, they learned Duerme, Mi Tesoro, a Spanish lullaby.
All groups have started learning about the Classical Period, listening to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and were introduced to the key board family. After all that work, a kick off was just the thing!
