Peter and the Wolf

Today we began our first journaling exercise in our Band Journals.  Once a week, we will be doing a listening exercise in which students will be asked to write a response to a question based on something they heard in the music.  Today's listening assignment happened to be a viewing assignment, too!  We watched about half of a YouTube clip of Disney's version of Peter and the Wolf by Sergei Prokofiev.  We talked about which characters each instrument represented and the students were asked to select an instrument and describe why that instrument BEST represented that character.  Below is the clip we watched.  We will watch the rest next week and follow up with another question.  Until then, feel free to answer the question yourself in the comments below.  Which instrument would YOU pick and why does that instrument represent its character best?

Great 1st Week

We've just completed our first week with instruments and the kids are doing great!  Just a few who still need reeds, valve or slide oil, but otherwise, all the sounds they've been making have been great so far.  Please check my weebly (www.watzkesworld.weebly.com) for their weekend practice assignment and for next week's band schedule. Have a great weekend!

It begins....

Tuesday starts our first week with instruments.  This is what we've been waiting for.  Through the trying of all of the instruments to negotiating through our choices.  To rhythm worksheets and note name worksheets.  Learning how to play....now that's what I'm talkin' about!  I can't wait!

Parents: Any words of advice or comments for you students as we embark on this journey? Leave your comments below...

This week

This week has been very busy with VBS at our church where I helped out with the band. Here's a picture of us:

The first time I watched this video, it brought tears to my eyes.  It wasn't just the beauty of the music expressed (I've heard this piece many times) but the reaction of the people on the subway as they listened to it.  In the comments below, tell me what kind of reaction this video evokes in you.  It can be as simple as one word or an entire paragraph.  Just be honest!

Classroom Expectations

My classroom expectations are the same whether you are a student at Bertha Barber or Mission.  They are fairly simple and straightforward.

1. You should bring your instrument, a pencil, and your music/book each day to class.
2. You should be respectful of me and other students at all times.
3. You are expected to practice at home 10-20 minutes each day.
4. Mistakes are allowed as long as you are trying your best!
5. Have FUN!!!!

Being a member of a band is like being a member of a team.  If we ALL follow these guidelines, then we will ALL be successful!

10 Picture Tour (Summer Edition)

On the first day, we visited the Animal Kingdom.

I had fun taking pictures with my new camera. The animals were so close!

On Day 2, we went to the Magic Kingdom

Cinderella's Castle

We got to have lunch with Cinderella and 4 other princesses.

On the 3rd day, we went to Epcot (or Apricot, as Brianna likes to call it)

One of our favorites at Epcot, was the aquarium.

Uh oh!  People are friend, not food!

On Day 4, we visited Hollywood Studios

We rode the Tower of Tower.  The kids might never be the same after riding that one!