New Song had the honor of singing the national anthem before the PDS football game last evening. These students did show honor to God and country as well. They certainly make their music teacher proud.

Play in a Rhythm Band

These third grade students are leaning to play rhythms independently. In the pictures below you will see students playing different types of instruments. Each type of instrument has been assigned a different rhythm. All rhythms are being played simultaneously, which makes for a very rich sounding rhythm band. Kudos to these students for being able to concentrate and play their part while hearing several other parts. I really wish I could post a video for you all to see.

Nursing Home Ministry

These Fourth Grade took music, smiles, and hugs to the residents of Indywood Estate Assisted Living Facility. The residents enjoyed the visit, and I am certain the students did too.

Good Start in the Music Room

These 3K students are quite good at marching in a circle. This is a skill that usually takes a couple of lessons to master. Great job, students!

Active Listening

Children enjoy being active. They do not enjoy sitting still. This makes listening to music a bit of a challenge. Guided listening activities are an excellent solution. The teacher plays a musical selection, either classical, sacred, or any style, and the students respond to the music with movement props. In these pictures, the 3k students are moving the parachute with the phrases in "Jesus Loves Me". They are learning to listen and respond to the legato phrases.

3K Students playing instruments during a lesson on High/Low pitches.

O, say, can you see?

The Star Spangled Banner was 202 years old on September 14. This week the music classes had a lesson in the history of the song, and in proper etiquette during a performance of the song. It is so simple, a child can do it.

First chapel of the School Year

"From the lips of children and infants You have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and avenger." Psalm 8:2 NIV

There is nothing more beautiful than the sound of 251children's voices singing 

"Here I am to worship. Here I am to bow down. 

Here I am to say that "You're my God. 

You're altogether lovely, altogether worthy, 

Altogether wonderful to me." 

Friday FroYo Fun!

These students spent part of their Friday afternoon helping me sort, label and file music. I thought a little frozen yogurt treat would be fun. Thank you to the PDS parent that saw us in Delta Dairy and surprised us by picking up the tab! 

Do-Re-Mi-FUN!!!

Students in all grades are learning Solfege syllables and hand signs (Do-Re-Mi- and so on). These 4K students are practicing playing these notes on the handbells.

I LOVE PDS!

I love being back at PDS. 

Mama's Little Baby Loves Shortnin' Bread

We have been learning folk songs in music class at PDS. One of the students' favorite songs is "Shortnin' Bread".  After making a batch of it and letting the 3rd grade students try it, I discovered that it is also a favorite treat!

Sound Opposites

The students in the Eagles' Nest have been learning about sound opposites in music: fast-slow, high-low, loud-soft. They have also learned musical terms for these opposites. Below you will see puctures of 3k students shaking their shaker eggs and moving their feet to the tempo,  fast (presto) and slow (largo). 

It's Fall, Y'all!

One of my favorite duties is recess duty! I really enjoy watching the students PLAY--- and JUST BE KIDS.

Today, these girls had a blast playing in the leaves! The scene was so pretty, I decided to share it.

Stars and Stripes Forever

We are learning about John Philip Sousa, and his famous march, Stars and Stripes Forever! These students are having their own parade: proudly marching and waving flags!

Birthday Blessings

One of our regular segments of chapel at PDS is birthday recognition. We like to celebrate each and every person and thank God for the gift in each one. TODAY is Rev. Michael McLaughlin's birthday. We enjoyed celebrating his life today, with many smiles, giggles, singing, and a great birthday hat. He was such a good sport--and the students LOVED the silly moment. Thanks for the way you minister to us every Friday.

A Great Start!

The 4k students demonstrate how to hold the rhythm sticks the "quiet way" ( 2 hands around 2 sticks). This requires a great deal of self-control.
The first music lessons of the year were for getting acquainted and learning class rules and procedures.

Four-(or more)-Leaf-Clover

While watching the kids play outside at recess, I felt compelled to challenge them to find four-leaf clover. The students did not respond with enthusiasm, so I decided to offer a little reward, a soda from the drink machine, for each genuine four-leaf clover.( I can spot a fake.) The students were more enthusiastic, but not very confident. Most students would search feverishly for approximately 45 seconds, loudly proclaim that there were NO such clover on the school's campus, and then run off to play. A few dedicated students remained...then one suceeded. Abby Stone got a drink for lunch that day.
News of Abby's success has spread. In the past 24 hours, I have received 7 four, five, and six leaf clover. I had to break open the piggy bank. And the students had fun.