This week in Mrs. Pruyt's class we did two different activities.
Since the 6th graders are preparing to sing "Carol of the Bells" for an
assembly next week, we spent the first half-hour rehearsing. I was so
impressed with how much they had practiced and prepared during the last
couple weeks without me! I had sent the sheet music to Mrs. Pruyt, and
it was clear they had practiced and worked out problems since I was with
them last. We rehearsed and solidified some harmonies, and they
sounded wonderful! We even added piano, two violas, a flute, and violin.
After
rehearsing "Carol of the Bells" with two other 6th grade classes, we
returned to Mrs. Pruyt's classroom where we did an activity to accompany their study of outer-space. I had the class listen to one of my favorite pieces, "Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity" from Gustav Holst's "Planets". We talked about how this piece is about the planet, but Holst also uses the attributes of the Roman god for whom this planet is named. Each of the students got out a sheet of paper, and as the piece commenced, they were to write adjectives that the music made them think of, and, if they could, write a story. I could tell that the kids really liked the music. As I walked around I saw words like "adventurous" and "excited" or "sad" (for another part of the piece). I even had one student insist that it sounded just like "Galaxy Quest". I just loved seeing them enjoy an orchestral piece that I love so much!
During my visit today a local elementary music teacher, Josh Roberts, came and observed. He gave me lots of great feedback on things like classroom management and how to make more of my lesson. It was so helpful, and I am so grateful that he came out because it gave me a chance to learn!
