Family Mass Tomorrow, the 20th

Choir!  We have our 2nd family mass of the year tomorrow morning at 11:30. Families, please try to bring your choir member to the church by 11:20, if possible. This way they can get settled in and be ready to sing the Entrance hymn. Though, if you are there later, please still come in up to the loft, choir members.

See you tomorrow!

Homework Post for 6th and 7th Grade

Please go to the YouTube video below.  Listen to and then sing along with this recording of Still, Still, Still.  It is in German.  We will sing 2 German verses and 2 English verses.  They all follow the same melody.

Use your paper copy of the song as a guide, and write in pronunciations for the German, (see example below).  You have 2 weeks to do this.  We will go over it on Tuesday, Oct. 22.  You will sound amazing singing this all together.  Enjoy!

Still, still, still

FOR CLEAR GERMAN, go to: http://youtu.be/kNEPNsI_QlQ

Still, still, still, [I would write "shteel, shteel, shteel"

Weil's Kindlein schlafen will. [I would write "Vyles kihndt-line shlaf-in vill"]

Die Englein tun schön jubilieren, [dye enk-line toon shun yoo-be-lee-rhen]

Bei dem Kripplein musizieren. [bye dehm krip-line moo-zee-zee-rhen]

Still, still, still,

Weil's Kindlein schlafen will.

Schlaf, schlaf, schlaf,

Mein liebes Kindlein schlaf!

Maria tut dich niedersingen

Und ihr treues Herz darbringen.

Schlaf, schlaf, schlaf,

Mein liebes Kindlein schlaf!

Still, still, still,
He sleeps this night so chill!
The Virgin's tender arms enfolding,
Warm and safe the Child are holding,
Still, still, still,
He sleeps this night so chill

Sleep, sleep, sleep
He lies in slumber deep.
While angel hosts from heav'n come winging
Sweetest songs of joy are singing
Sleep, sleep, sleep
He lies in slumber deep.

Update on Music Class for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd

First grade music classes have been off to a great start.  Students are learning to read rhythms and beginning to become more familiar with musical tones that go well together.  We’ve even started to record some of our work with bells so that I can soon post it for families to see.  Ask your child to give you a sample of “Sarasponda!”

The second graders and I have been working a lot with rhythm.  They are learning to read music notes using simple syllables that break things down and make drumming, singing, and bell playing possible.  Last week we sang a traditional Canadian folk song called “Land of the Silver Birch” and divided into 3 different instrument groups.  Each student took turns playing bells, shakers, and hand drums.  It is a special thing to watch students learn to connect cues they hear in the music with their own instrumental part, rather than playing for the entire song.   We will continue to explore creating a classroom “band” whenever we can!

Third graders are learning to groove on their recorders!  So far, “Hot Cross Buns” and “Buns Cross Hot” have been our main tunes.  Learning an instrument is a special thing.  And learning to read music is a leap even beyond that.  The third graders have begun to read notes on the musical staff.  They are really starting to connect concepts.  Everyone should look forward to hearing the third graders’ recorder work, as well as their fantastic singing.

Solo and Small Group Auditions in Junior High Choir

Hey there, Junior High Choir members.  Here is a YouTube recording of "Send Us Your Spirit" that you can use to prepare the verses.  If you'd like to do a solo or get together 2-4 people for a small group, that is great!  I highly encourage you to go for it, if you are at all interested.  You will give it a try during choir next Wednesday.

http://youtu.be/8m2A45v_Utc

See you soon!
Ms. Fox

First Family Mass of the New Year is Here! Attention Choir Members:

Hello, St. Sylvester Families!

Well, we have begun our new year.  The choirs have already sung at 2 or 3 school masses, and now the first family mass is here.  Family masses are the third Sunday of each month and begin at 11:30.  Our school choirs perform the music-- it's our chance to sing in the church's choir loft and to be accompanied by the very talented Mr. Michael Crump on the organ.  

I recommend that choir members get to church at 11:20.  This gives them a chance to settle in and get ready to sing the opening hymn.  When they arrive, they can come straight up to the loft.  I will have a sign-in sheet for the kids.  I will be sure to note whether their families are already at church, or if they will be waiting to be picked up afterwards.  Children waiting to be picked up will stay with me.

Younger choir members' families signed slips stating they will attend these family masses.  This helped the classroom teachers and me narrow down who could be in choir, since we always have so many enthusiastic students at the beginning of the year.

The junior high choir members are not required to come to every family mass, because we have run into many schedule conflicts in the past.  However, I would like junior high choir members to attend at least 4 family masses out of the 9 we will have during the year.  We really do miss their voices and their leadership when they are not there.  And I believe these family mass performances are truly valuable to the choir experience.

ALSO, did you know your junior high students auditioned for me this year?  This process let students know that choir is truly for people who want to sing, are interested in learning about singing and being part of a choir, and who are willing to put in the effort to do these things.  I was very happy to be able to include all those who auditioned this year.  I know firsthand how scary it can be to sing for someone, whether it be alone or in a small group, especially as a middle schooler.  I was proud and pleasantly surprised by the bravery and effort my choir members showed.

SHOWCASE TONIGHT!

Well, we have reached the end of another school year- almost.  Tonight selected students from grades 1-8 will receive awards and all students will perform a selection of music learned during this past year.  Everyone has worked very hard to put together a wonderful night.  Grades 1-4 will be performing pieces from the musicals they prepared with their classroom teachers.  And grades 5-7 have each prepared a special song for the night.

I hope to see everyone there!

On another note, the final family mass will be this coming Sunday at 11:30 (arrive at 11:20).  Choir, join me to sing in the loft one last time during this 2012-13 school year!

  

Choir at 11:30 Mass tomorrow!

Tomorrow is a very special day for mass (11:30) at St. Sylvester Church.  It is not only Mother's Day, but also time for the crowning of Mary, as well as the day to celebrate the Ascension.  I am hoping that choir members will make it and let the church hear the songs they've prepared this past week.  Third graders can come up to the choir loft, and then I will send them down after communion to prepare for the crowning.  

I'd also like to congratulate those who had their First Communion today!  Everyone looked so nice and behaved so respectfully in the "spotlight"--- it was a proud day to be a St. Sylvester teacher.

Happy Mother's Day in advance to all you fantastic St. Sylvester school mothers!  I hope you have a lovely day and that hearing your choir student sing might be part of it.