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2016-2017: “A Musical Year”

Saturday, March 18, 2017 by Lisa Barwell | Recitals

Week Twenty-Seven


What an exciting week! 

Seven students put in lots of preparation time over the last few weeks to get ready for today's recital. It turned out so well! Everyone played well, despite the inevitable nerves; the program was lovely! Some highlights included "I Thought I Heard Wolves" (Dow) and "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" (Weiss et al).



Parents and students enjoyed some snacks at the reception afterwards.

I love this chance to get to know each other a little better!


I also had a few games available for students to play.

"Puddle Jumper" and "Don't Scare the Skunk" are always a hit!


2016-2017: “A Musical Year”

Saturday, March 11, 2017 by Lisa Barwell | Games

Weeks Twenty-Five and Twenty-Six
 

These past two weeks have been somewhat quiet here in the studio; we’re getting back into the routine after Festival. Festival participants read their rating sheets from the judges and others are preparing for their spring recital.
 
To have a little fun and review theory at the same time, we brought out some old and new games. Students had a blast playing “My Fly Pie,” “Frosting Frenzy,” “Sugar High,” and “Hydrant Hullabaloo!”

   


   

 
What a fun way to review things like “intervals,” “stem direction rules,” “directional reading,” and “sharps and flats!” Theory doesn’t have to be boring
!

2016-2017: “A Musical Year”

Saturday, March 4, 2017 by Lisa Barwell | Group Classes

Week Twenty-Four

                               

It’s group class week again! Group classes are so much fun and give us a needed break from routine. There were five classes scheduled this week and, because some students were attending Festival and others weren’t, I varied the lesson plans for each class.  This ensured that the Festival participants received the theory review they needed for their upcoming theory test and non-Festival participants focused on reinforcing some concepts they’ve been working on in private lessons.

 

Last month, students focused on rhythms and note values. This time, students focused on note naming by playing games including “Zoo Food,” “Sugar High,” and “Note Nabber.”

 

 

Non-Festival participants enjoyed “Trash to Treasure Composing.” They chose items from a paper bag and used them to create motives (short melodies) to turn into a full composition. Students were creative with using rubber bands, rings, ribbon, and plastic bugs!

 

After the games, Festival participants performed their prepared pieces for the class. Classmates wrote encouraging, specific comments for the performers. We’re learning to build each other up while constructively listening to music!


 

 

Festival participants also had the opportunity to participate in a theory review of music terms and symbols and duet partners were able to use part of the class time to rehearse. Our preparation paid off as everyone made a Superior or Excellent rating for their Festival events! Congratulations, students!