It’s been a busy first nine weeks in the Arts Lab! Students have been playing instruments, painting and experimenting with sound!

Kindergarten has been doing a great job learning our art and music procedures. We’ve played with steady and unsteady beat and loud and soft sounds. We know that sometimes we have two sounds on a beat of music and sometimes only one. Sometimes there are no sounds on a beat. That is called a rest! We’ve also been working on our cutting and gluing skills.

First and second graders have learned how to play quarter notes, two eighth notes and rests on drums and keyboards. They also know how to mix primary colors to make new colors. Pretty soon, we’ll be reading music like professional musicians!

Third, fourth and fifth grades are sound experts! They know how pitch and volume change the way a sound wave looks. They also know that the size of an instrument can change its pitch. Ask you student what a small instrument would sound like! Fourth and fifth graders studied form and grouping. They made collages that were hung up in Johnson City School’s central office.

I’m so proud of the work your children have put forth during this first quarter of the school year. I can’t wait to see what they accomplish next. Be on the lookout for information about our holiday musical. Our third, fourth, and fifth graders will be performing this in December. Our kindergarten, first and second graders will be performing a musical in the spring. Have a safe and happy fall!

If you have any questions, please feel free to call or e-mail me.