Kindergarten Music Notes….
Welcome to Kindergarten Music!
My name is Mrs. Lynne Zimmermann, and I am your Kindergarten child’s music teacher in the Plymouth district this year. Allow me to give you a little window into Kindergarten music…..
Goals in Kindergarten Music....
By the end of this first trimester kindergarten students have settled into the routines of music class pretty well. We have learned a number of songs and games, and many students are becoming comfortable with their singing voices. It may take your child a little more time to feel at home with singing, and the baseline vocal assessment on his or her report card should be taken as a starting point, not an indication of ability. We’re getting much better at the concept of a steady beat, and have mastered an awareness of tempo.
What's coming up.....
In the 2nd trimester we will continue to reinforce proper vocal technique and the ability to keep a steady beat, as well as lay the groundwork for future concepts such as discriminating between higher and lower pitches and pitch patterns. Studies have shown that an awareness of rhythm and the ability to discriminate between pitches are skills that support the process of learning to read.
We will also start to improve listening skills by noticing the difference between instrument sounds. Our listening skills will be further enhanced as we continue to differentiate between the elements of music such as fast and slow tempos or high and low pitches. In December we will be listening to selections from “The Nutcracker Suite,” and later we will continue with “The Carnival of the Animals.” Both of these musical works are valuable listening experiences for children because they have a form that is easily understood by children and their length is suitable for this age. “Carnival” is especially helpful in developing listening skills because it features smaller ensembles of instruments, allowing students to focus on what they are hearing.
As you hear of other grades preparing for their winter concert, please note that kindergarten students do not participate in that concert.
I welcome your comments and questions. Please feel free to share with me any concerns you may have regarding your student. I can be reached at Horizon Elementary, 892-2225, ext. 3517. Leave a message and I will return your call. My email address at school is [email protected].
Thank you,
Mrs. Lynne Zimmermann
Elementary Music Specialist
Plymouth School District