Ms. Kneuer

5th Graders are so BLUE!

This month starts the first lesson in a Unit about American music for 5th graders at Nicholson. The excitement starts with a extensive look into the first new form of music created here in the US, The Blues. Each lesson asks thrilling questions, offers cool tunes, and creativity as students learn to sing, play, and create their own blues song. In the first lesson, students looked into America's history and identified what the economic, social, and cultural aspects helped to spark creativity in the first blues musicians of the 1900's-1920's. They also learned what it takes to create your own blues lyrics. Listening examples included "Good Mornin' Blues" and "Country Blues" performed by famous Chicago Blues musician, Muddy Waters. Students are offered a special prize for completing the following challenge:

Research The Blues online. Find the name of one original blues musician (1890-1940) and give a brief biography of their life and blues career. Identify what style* of blues they sang. Turn in your report for a special gift.

*hint - find out WHERE they were from

Recorders are Baaaaaaack!

I am excited to inform you that as part of your child’s music education, they learn to play many different types of instruments. As part of the fourth grade curriculum, your child will learn to play the soprano recorder. The recorder is a flute like instrument that was played back in the renaissance – baroque time periods (16th-18th century). It’s lack of keys and simple embouchure makes it a very popular instrument for beginner musicians.
There are many different brands, as well as styles of the soprano recorder. The most common are made of plastic or wood. The differences in materials affect the tone quality of the instrument. They range anywhere in price between $2.50 for a “toy” model up to $15-$25 for a professional model. The style and model we will be using is a three-piece soprano recorder made by Yamaha. At $5 per recorder, each comes with a cloth carrying case.
To make things simple and cheaper for your child, the school will be purchasing a class size set of recorders; all in same style and model to make for better tuning. You will have two options for obtaining one of these recorders. 1. You may purchase the instrument for your child and it will become theirs to keep or 2. Your child will be issued an instrument, free of charge, to be returned at the end of the school year. If it is lost or damaged, you will be held responsible for making up the cost.
There are many benefits to purchasing their own instrument besides the obvious (getting to keep it). I use a method called “Recorder Karate” in which students can take playing quizzes that earn them different color “belts” that they attach to their recorder. If they own their instrument, they will be able to keep their belts attached. I also plan on putting on a concert at the beginning of next year, and owning their own instrument would provide them the opportunity to practice this summer. It is genuinely worth the $5.
SAVE YOUR EARS AND YOUR SANITY! As an additional benefit to you, I will be offering an introductory crash course to recorders for PARENTS ONLY on the evening of January 31, 2008 at 7pm, in the cafeteria. All those who attend will receive basic instruction and information on the recorder. I know how painful the learning process for playing any instrument can be, so I will providing tips on how to help your child succeed, making it a more pleasant experience for you and your child.
I will begin collecting money for the recorders as of January 11th. The recorders will be issued to all students starting on February 4th. If you are purchasing your child’s recorder, please place $5 cash or check in the attached envelope. Checks must be made payable to Nicholson Elementary. Place the envelope in one of the school drop boxes. Return the info sheet to Ms. Kneuer. Even if you are not purchasing an instrument, please fill out the info sheet, SIGN IT, and send it in. Every student MUST have his or her parent’s permission in order to be issued an instrument! If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at karis.kneuer@cobbk12.org.

Chorus was "In the Spirit!"

Congratulations to our Nicholson Star Bright Singers, as they got our holiday engines revving during their performance of an "All American Holiday" last week. Things did not exactly get off to a great start on Wednesday, as we had several sound difficulties. But after a long diagnostic process and a trip over to Ken Stanton later that evening, Mr. Barry and I were able to get things up and running again for Thursdays performances. The next day, the Stars shined bright for their peers and even brighter in the evening for a spectacular performance for their family and friends. I am very proud of their efforts to arise and overcome such a difficult situation. Thank you to the administration and parents for being so supportive of this program :) I look forward to kicking back with them this Wednesday at our annual chorus Holiday Fiesta in the cafeteria from 2:30pm-4pm.

Barnes and Noble

I am excited to have been asked to provide some entertainment at our first "Reading Roundup" night at Barnes and Noble at Barrett Parkway. I have been preparing Mrs. Jackson and Mrs. Asip's fourth grade classes to perform a few books at 7pm on Thursday, December 6th. They will be adding music and sound effects to two great books. The first is a cute story about a clumsy bug, "The Very Clumsy Click Beetle" by Eric Carle. The second is a beautiful poem book about the thing we need most... "Listen to the Rain" by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault. The evening should prove to be a fun night of music and stories! For more info, check out Mrs. Kasko's blog : http://nicholson.typepad.com/kasko/

Chorus Updates

Greetings! I am so proud of all of the Star Bright Singers for doing such a great job at our first annual Veteran’s Day Observance. The Veteran’s were very thankful and sincerely touched by the gratitude shown by our chorus and school. I know a lot of you were disappointed that you could not be in attendance to see your children perform, so I have decided to include some of those patriotic selections in our holiday program on Dec. 13, 2007.

Here is a list of important dates for the remainder of this year:

Nov. 20th – GROUP 1 rehearsal 2:30-3:30pm
Nov. 27th – GROUP 1 rehearsal 2:30-3:30pm
Nov. 28th – GROUP 2 rehearsal 2:30-3:30pm
Dec. 4th – GROUP 1 rehearsal 2:30-3:30pm
Dec. 5th – GROUP 2 rehearsal 2:30-3:30pm
Dec. 10th, 11th, 12th – FULL CHORUS REHEARSALS 2:30pm-5pm, cafeteria
Dec. 12th – in school performance 9-10am
Dec. 13th – in school performance 9-10am
Dec. 13th – evening performance, 6:45pm, cafeteria

Dec. 18th – no chorus rehearsal
Dec. 19th – CHORUS HOLIDAY FIESTA, 2:30-4pm, cafeteria

Chorus Form due at AUDITION

It has been brought to my attention that there was a misprint in the chorus info letter I sent out last week. On the second side of the blue page, under "Registration," in regards to when the registration form is due, it states: "Due by Friday, Sept. 2nd." This is a misprint. The form is due at the time of the student's audition. Please excuse my bad editing skills :)

How can I be outstanding in music?

Students at Nicholson receive a Behavior/Production grade for their specials. I like to keep my students informed as to what the grading criteria for music class is. This year I am trying to be more consistant about constantly reminding them, so they aren't surprised come report cards. When a student is exhibiting an "outstanding" or "needs improvement" characteristic, I first give them a verbal recognition. Then, if the characteristic is recurring, I make a mark onto a grading card and place it in my grade book. At the end of each term, if a child has collected a large amount of marks in one category, I award the corresponding grade. I thought I would share with you (the parent) what those characteristics are. Here is a list of behaviors (B) and production (P) that may lead to the grade a student receives on their report card. (Kindergarten does not receive a grade for music, so I only contact the parent if there is a behavioral problem)

OUTSTANDING
 Always “on task” (B)
 Always follows instructions (B)
 Takes extra care of classroom materials (B)
 Is always respectful of the teacher (B)
 Is especially supportive of classmates (helps with materials, ideas, moral support) (B)
 Superior musicianship (reads, plays, and creates music above grade level) (P)
 Contributes appropriate, thoughtful, questions or ideas to class discussions (P)
 Adds inventive, original ideas to compositions (P)
 Performs at a superior level (singing/playing on pitch, moves in time to music)(P)
 Applies understanding of music concepts in new ways (P)

SATISFACTORY
 Usually “on task” (B)
 Listens carefully to instructions (B)
 Uses materials appropriately (B)
 Works well with others, is cooperative and polite to teacher and classmates (B)
 Excellent musicianship (reads, plays, and creates music at grade level) (P)
 Follows assignment instructions (P)
 Usually finishes compositions (P)
 Performs at a excellent level (singing/playing/moving mostly in time) (P)
 Demonstrates understanding of music concepts (P)

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT
 Off task (B)
 Interrupts instructor, talks during instructions, misses directions. (B)
 Misuses or abuses instruments or materials (ex; damage, dangerous behavior during dance instruction) (B)
 Is critical or argumentative with classmates (B)
 Poor musicianship (reads, plays, and creates music below grade level) (P)
 Does not follow composition instructions (P)
 Does not finish compositions/assignments (P)
 Poor performance – not singing/playing/moving in time with music (P)
 Does not display understanding of music concepts (P)

FIFTH GRADE - For each day a student forgets to bring their recorder, they receive a zero. In order to receive an outstanding, a student can not have any zeros. If a student accumulates more than three zeros, they will receive a "NI" under the (B) portion on their report card.

Recorders

August 17, 2007

Dear Parents of Nicholson Star Students,

I am pleased to inform you that I will be continuing with recorder in your child’s 5th grade music class this year. We will be picking up where we left off next Monday, August 20. Please remind your child to pack their recorder into their backpack so they will have it for their next music class. If your child lost or damaged their recorder or is new to the school and doesn’t have one, I will be taking orders for new recorders for $5. It is preferred you send cash however if you are sending in a check, please make it payable to Nicholson Elementary. I will have a school recorder that your child may use during class until the new recorders come in.
At the end of this course, we will be holding a recorder concert to demonstrate all that your child has learned. This concert is scheduled for November 29, 2007 at 7pm. The concert will showcase all of 5th grade as well as a few select soloists and small group ensembles. In order to be selected for a solo or small group, your child has to simply volunteer. I will send home a copy of their solo/small group piece to which they must practice, practice, practice. When it gets closer to the concert, I will audition all those who signed up, and only those who have prepared their piece at a performance level will be allowed to perform in the concert. If your child practices hard they will get to perform. I will also be offering my time to assist them in preparing. I will be available everyday before school from 7:25am-7:50am. I will have a sign up sheet outside my room for them to sign up for this time. They must come see me at least once before the concert in order to be able to perform a solo or in a small group.
As it gets closer to the concert, you will be receiving more information regarding attire and arrival time and any other pertinent information. Thank you for your continuing support of your child’s musical education here at Nicholson.

Karis S. Kneuer
Music Specialist

Star Bright Singers 2007-2008

Nicholson Elementary School
4th and 5th Grade Chorus
Star Bright Singers
2007-2008
Building Character through Music Experiences

Chorus Rehearsals –
Responsibility, Dedication, Citizenship, Commitment, Motivation, Perseverance:
• Cooperation – Rehearsals begin on Tuesday, Sept. 25th and Wednesday, Sept. 26th, 2:30pm-3:30pm.
• Flexibility – Additional rehearsals scheduled for the week before a performance.
• Patience – NO REHEARSALS DURING CONFERENCE WEEK or on EARLY RELEASE DAYS
• Punctuality – Dismissal from rehearsals will be to the carpool line OR to ASP. Any students not picked up by 3:40 (sharp) will be signed in to ASP at a cost of $7.00/day (plus $10.00 registration fee if student is not already registered).

Performances – Accomplishment, Responsibility, Dedication, Citizenship, Commitment, Self-Confidence, Empowerment:
• Gratitude – December TBA Performance at local “Partners in Education”
• Cheerfulness – Dec. 13th, 7pm, Holiday Musical, May 2nd, Spring Fling at Nicholson
• Service to Others, Generosity – April 18-19th America Sings performance and community service at Stone Mountain.
• Sportsmanship – Thursday, February 28th or Friday, February 29th (TBA)– District 12 Elementary Large Group Performance Evaluation during the school day.
• School Pride – March TBA – Performance at Family Book Fair Night.
• Patriotism, Honor – November 9th, Veteran’s Day Program at Nicholson

Expectations:
• Dedication – Attend all rehearsal and performances
o Fairness – Absences are considered “excused” if chorus member is absent from school. Two rehearsals before a performance are considered “critical rehearsals.”
o Justice – Three unexcused absences from rehearsals, any unexcused absence on a critical rehearsal day, or an unexcused absence from a performance will result in dismissal from chorus.
o Accountability – All requests for excused absences must be in writing or email and turned in by the next rehearsal.
• Self-Control, Respect for Others, Respect for Authority, Wisdom - Appropriate behavior during rehearsals, performances, and trips.
• Effort – Supply appropriate clothing for performances
o Formal concert dress – available at your local Walmart, Kmart and Target stores in the uniform department, or may ordered online.
• Girls – Navy pleated skirt just above the knee, white oxford long sleeve shirt with button down collar, navy opaque hose, navy or black shoes with heals of 1” or less (no sandals, clogs, or sneakers). Any hair ribbons, bows, headbands, etc. must be navy.
• Boys – Navy twill dress pants (such as Dockers), white oxford long sleeve shirt with button down collar, dark socks, dark shoes (no sneakers).
o Casual concert dress
• Nicholson T-shirt, NEAT blue jeans, belt, sneakers. T-shirts will be tucked in.
Registration:
• Acceptance – Chorus is open to any fourth or fifth grader wanting to join.
• Dependability, Courtesy – Complete registration form, including general information, T-shirt order form, blanket permission form, medical form/release, photograph release – Due by Friday, September 2nd (complete BOTH sides of form).
• Responsibility – All students interested must audition on either Sept. 11th OR 12th after school, 2:30pm-3:30pm. Materials will be provided at audition by Ms. Kneuer.
• Generosity- Donations of $30 per family will be accepted (but not required) to cover all costs, such as music, costumes, outfit accessories, festival fees, awards, transportation, substitutes, supplies, celebrations, etc. (EXCLUDES trip to Stone Mountain for America Sings concert. Any fees for this trip will be explained later).
Supervision (all donate time for free and receive no compensation) – Kindness:
• Karis Kneuer (Music Specialist) – Director
• Jean Turner (Art Specialist) – set design
• Maureen Armstrong (Art Specialist) – set design
• Barry Crocker (Custodial) – sound technician
Communication:
• Responsibility – Announcements on morning/afternoon announcements
• Responsibility – Announcements in chorus
• Responsibility – E-mail notification of “Chorus Notes” if e-mail address is included on registration form (a paper copy will be available upon request). All notes will also be on Ms. Kneuer’s blog on the Nicholson school site.
• Contact Karis Kneuer at karis.kneuer@cobbk12.org
• IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION CONCERNING CHORUS, PLEASE REFER TO “CHORUS NOTES” AND SPEAK WITH YOUR CHILD BEFORE CONTACTING US. PLEASE CONTACT MS. KNEUER BY E-MAIL AND REFRAIN FROM CALLING OUR VERY BUSY FRONT OFFICE – THANKS!
Special Opportunities:
• Honor, School Pride – Participation in District 12 Honor Chorus (6 students maximum, selected based on their audition)
• Self-Respect – Solo or small ensemble opportunities for various school performances (audition)
• Courage – Possible solo and/or small ensemble opportunities for chorus music

Chorus Registration form due at time of audition.
Put Donation Envelopes in the drop safe.

And we're off!

Things are off to a fun start this year in music class at Nicholson. Here is a quick breakdown of the going ons in each grade level:

Kindergarten is learning about the differences between beat and rhythm. They are getting to experiment on glockenspiels in a rhyme about Bluebirds and creating our own verses to a song about what's new in school. We are also learning how music can enhance a story with "Little Beaver and the Echo."

First grade is discovering the difference between high and low on the barred instruments. They are also discovering how to find the beat and keep it steady in a fun rhyme about my favorite animal, the Monkey. We are also discovering how to enhance a story with instruments with "Jungle Drums." By the end of the month, they will be able to notate rhythms using quarter notes and quarter rests.

Second grade is learning the names of all the barred instruments as we "Listen to the sound of the instruments." They are also learning how to improvise syncopated rhythms. We end every lesson with a fun "drive" around the room to the famous piece "Sabre Dance" by Armenian composer, Aram Khachaturian. You can hear a sample of the song here : http://www.musicabona.com/samples/su3107-2_1_01.mp3

Third Grade is creating their own accompaniment to the rhyme "Alligator Pie" on non-pitched percussion instruments. They are learning how to classify instruments by answering two questions: What is it made of? How does it produce sound? They are also learning the differences in dynamics with "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious."

Fourth Grade is learning how vocal inflection can affect a song or rhyme. We use different voices to tell the story of 24 Robbers. They are also learning how to dramatize a song with movement.

Fifth Grade is getting back into the swing of things with recorders. They are learning how to improvize answers as well as getting started learning the songs for our concert scheduled for November 29th at 7pm. This concert will showcase the entire 5th grade class as well as individual soloists and group performances. We are determined to prove that recorder concerts are WAY COOL!

Check back next month for more info on the happenings of Ms. Kneuer's music class at Nicholson!