Things have still been busy at Vowles School and I haven’t had a chance to catch things up here. We finished December with a look at the ballet, “Nutcracker.” Students had a chance to move to some of the music, using brightly colored scarves to enhance the visual effect. Older students had an opportunity to watch a video of portions of the ballet. January brought us an opportunity to view a number of instruments. We saw the clarinet, trumpet and trombone. Students also played our classroom xylophones and other small percussion instruments. Kindergarteners also got another chance to use the autoharps. Third and fourth graders had a chance to use the computers to experiment with Music Ace. They were able to listen to classical music, learn about notation and make up their own songs. Younger students also had a chance to do some ‘acting’ to the Three Little Pigs Blues. We also met our student teacher, Ms. Gazella, who will be with us until the beginning of May. Ms. Gazella has been sharing her singing talent. She is helping everyone to develop great singing habits. This will be really helpful as we begin to prepare for our spring performances. Mark your calendar now! Parents’ Program will be on May 26 at 2:30 PM. Grandparents’/VIP Day will be on the afternoon of May 27. February brought us a chance to learn some new songs and to try some movement activities with the ribbon sticks. In March we did a number of musical activities and songs related to books and stories for reading month. Younger students learned about Peter and the Wolf. Third and fourth graders also started to play the recorders. Oh, they also started learning the song, Fifty Nifty United States, which includes the names of all of the states. I’m sorry if your child is driving you crazy with this song. :) March was so busy with conferences, the talent show, the carnival (complete with an instrument room) and The World’s Largest Concert, (which is a sing-a-long project of MENC. We watched the program in the gym and sang eight songs along with about 6 million other students who were singing in their own schools around the world. Perhaps you saw it on the school channel.) Fourth grade students missed their field trip to see the orchestra and opera at CMU due to inclement weather, but we are going to be able to have a few of the performers as guests at Vowles next week. And of course we had spring break. Now after a little rest, we are starting to prepare for our spring performances, as well as continuing our study of notation, instruments and singing. Happy spring! (Maybe it will stop snowing soon!)