John Henry’s Hammer and Other Tools

We had a great time wrapping up our “Tools” theme this week in music. In K-4, we explored the legend of John Henry through literature, song, and music. Fun fact: sources (including NPR) claim that “John Henry” is the most recorded folk song in US history. Classes listened to versions by Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, and/or Bruce Springsteen, as well as an instrumental piece based on the legend by Aaron Copland. While listening, students acted out the legend, meditated, or heard the book John Henry by Julius Lester, illustrated by Jerry Pinckney. After listening, students learned to sing "The Ballad of John Henry" quickly and enthusiastically. Students then chose instruments to hammer along with while they sang, which we layered in and out to create our final performance of the piece.

3/4 students also heard the story of John Henry, but used it as inspiration for working on their instrumental settings for "This Old Hammer." Students worked in small instrumental groupings to create more intricate accompaniments for the song, then performed for their classmates and began notating their work.

K-4 students also heard musical examples featuring a hammer and anvil as part of the orchestra. Students tried to re-create the sound in the music room, coming closest with a hard mallet on the gong. We then used this sound in our John Henry accompaniments. Some students recognized the Anvil Chorus from Il Trovatore, while even more recognized the other example as part of Nicholas Hopper's soundtrack from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Blacksmith or orchestral musician?

5/6 students continued to try out musical tools at Oz’s Music Environment. This week, we focused on stringed instruments, including violins, violas, cellos, string basses, harps, and guitars. Students learned basic techniques and played various note values in unison. Students were enthralled by a live demonstration by a recent graduate of the violin program at the UM School of Music, and were quite creative in their imaginings of stories behind the songs she played.

Tool Time

Here’s a sampling of activities we’ve done so far in music to supplement students’ learning about tools. I haven’t been bold enough to have the kids experiment with using standard tools as instruments, instead using and studying the “tools” we have in the music room, as they are a bit less likely to lead to injury….

Kindergartners enjoyed learning various songs about tools, and then finding instruments in the music room that most sounded like the tools to accompany their singing and chanting. The class favorite was “Johnny Works with One Hammer.” Not satisfied with just using five hammers (hands, feet, and head keeping the beat while singing), they extended the song to 21 hammers –fingers, toes and head hammering simultaneously. Giggles ensued.

1/2 students are composing rhythmic interludes for a song based on the rhyme “There’s Music In a Hammer.” Students worked in groups to arrange names of tools and their corresponding note values to make rhythmic patterns and transfer the patterns to their bodies and instruments. Next week: performances!

3/4 students are becoming quite accomplished at accompanying their singing on the barred instruments. It’s such a treat when we finish a song and they exclaim, “That was great! Let’s do it again!” beaming with pride. This month, we’re taking it a step further, by working together to arrange our own accompaniment for “This Old Hammer.” I’m hoping the arrangement will be simple enough that the 1/2 classes will be able to play it successfully.

5/6 students have eagerly taken to working in a drum circle. We are lucky to have seven student conga drums, 17 hand drums, and a full set of other percussion tools, such as cowbells, maracas, and a suspended cymbal, in our music room. I have seen a great improvement in student motivation and focus Students have been able to accurately play some complex rhythms, and really get “in the groove” every now and again.

Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra - Fairy Tales From Our Symphony

All classes have enjoyed interacting with the music we will be hearing at next week’s Ann Arbor Symphony concert. They were thrilled to learn they would be hearing music from the Harry Potter movies, and enjoyed the verve and contrast in Michael Daugherty’s “Oh, Lois!” This piece, from Daugherty's Metropolis Symphony about Superman, was composed to sound like a comic book, full of orchestral "Wham!" and "Pow!". Daugherty himself will be hosting the concert.

We also worked with two waltzes from ballet suites: Prokofiev’s waltz from Cinderella and Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty Waltz. Many students preferred the darker, more modern sound of the Prokofiev, while others were pleased to notice similarities between Sleeping Beauty and the Nutcracker Suite, also by Tchaikovsky. Students’ interest in ballet was taken to new heights after learning that it was originally based on the moves of fencing. Students were also interested to hear versions of the Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty stories that were not the “Disney Princess” versions, and 5/6 students especially enjoyed sharing and comparing different versions of the tales. Third through sixth grade students were excited to identify themes and repeats in the music by following along with a visual listening map. Students of all ages enjoyed waltzing, dueling, and acting out parts of the story along to the music. I was impressed by the grace and joy displayed in the duels as well as in the ballet moves and waltzes. Students should experience greater enjoyment and understanding of music at the concert after getting to interact with the music physically, visually, and emotionally.

A Triple Waltzing Trio

We also still have room for additional chaperones, Wednesday March 14, from 9:25 am to about noon. If any parents want a free trip to the orchestra, feel free to contact me ☺.

Barn Dance a Huge Success!

To kick off winter break, SK held its annual Barn Dance at a nearby school auditorium. Students got to show off their skills in various community dances they learned throughout the month, including US square dances and folk dances from Israel, Québec, England, and the Ukraine. Val, our beloved kindergarten teacher, offered her photography skills for the evening:

A 5/6 and 3/4 student partner up for "Sasha!"

We were lucky to have not only a large proportion of SK students and parents show up, but also grandparents, siblings, and other relatives and friends. It was a delight to see such a wide range of people laughing, smiling, (and sweating) while trying to follow along with the dance steps.

Listening to instructions ...

Many thanks to the SK Parent Engagement Committee for planning the event, spreading the word, and encouraging attendance. Thank you also to the parents who arrived early to set up and decorate, as well as those who stayed late to clean. The auditorium was transformed into a Western-themed wonder, complete with a barn, lanterns, hay bales, and a (cardboard) campfire. While not dancing, kids and adults could take part in various games and activities, or just eat snacks and enjoy conversation with fellow community members.  The kids were thrilled to see Jan, last year’s music teacher, who graciously agreed to call the dance. The SK community is amazing!

Joanna lends a hand at ring toss.

Strike a pose.