Mr. Music Man

The kindergarten students learned about several of the different classroom instruments we have and how to play them. After naming and demonstrating each instrument, I placed 6 hula hoops around the room and put one of each instrument inside the hoop. I then split the class into groups of 3-4 and had them sit around each hoop. We did an echo activity to allow each student a chance to play every instrument. They started out by picking an instrument from the hoop and then I played a rhythm on the drum and they echoed back. Then, they put that instrument down and picked up another one. I did this very quickly so students didn't have time to argue or play out of turn and also so that they had a chance to play all of the instruments at least once.

After that activity, I let the students create a Music Man out of the instruments. They could make one big one or two small ones, but they had to work together to make it look like a person. Here are some pictures of what they came up with!

Caroling

Every year before Christmas break, the 6th graders walk around the school caroling to spread a little Christmas cheer. They may sing, play a mallet instrument, or play the recorder. One student even played her invented instrument! They have 30 minutes to wander the building and perform for as many classes and people as they can. The larger instruments set up in the lobby and perform for anyone passing in and out of the building or the office area. It has become a great tradition everyone in the building looks forward to!

Invented Instruments

I had an epiphany this year with our Invented Instruments project. Each year, the 6th graders invent their own instruments and compose a sound piece to be played on their instrument. Normally, I have them perform their sound piece in class and then I display their instruments in the hallway for a few weeks. This year, there was so much interest in the project from other classes and teachers, that I decided we needed to show them off a bit more! We took one class period and moved down to the lunchroom where each student set up with their instrument and sound piece and then we invited the entire school to come listen. Teachers were able to bring their classes to the lunchroom if they had time and students walked around listening to each of the instruments perform. This was a great way for them to get to hear what they sounded like and also gave the 6th graders a chance to explain what their instrument was made of and how it worked. Each student got to perform roughly 10-20 times!