Welcome to the final year of general music education at South! Fifth graders at South play recorder, xylophone, metallophone, glockenspiel, congas, tubanos, and a variety of auxiliary percussion instruments. They also sing in two and three parts, express emotions through movement, and identify composers from various time periods. Our fifth graders are proficient with basic rhythmic and melodic patterns and explore more difficult rhythms through drumming ensembles and dance. Fifth graders learn more about how to read music and sight-read music by playing their recorders with xylophone and piano accompaniment. Music itself becomes a project-based learning experience as our students engage in more complicated ensemble pieces and work together to bring music to life. Our fifth graders also learn how to compose their own melodies and rhythms on recorder.
Fifth graders may join the South Star Choir. South Star Choir is an extracurricular activity. Enrollment for the choir is over for this year, but students new to the school do have a one week enrollment period if they are interested. Please visit the South Star Choir page for more information about choir.
Fifth graders may join the South Star Choir. South Star Choir is an extracurricular activity. Enrollment for the choir is over for this year, but students new to the school do have a one week enrollment period if they are interested. Please visit the South Star Choir page for more information about choir.
Recorder Reminders!
-Left hand on top.
-Right thumb to support the instrument.
-Use slow, warm air and blow softly into the recorder.
-Cover the holes completely with flat fingers.
-Hold your recorder at a 90 degree angle.
-When you play, think "doo doo doo" for a smooth, connected sound.
To clean your recorder, do one of the following:
All students were required to purchase a recorder in fourth grade. If you are new to the school or are unable to purchase a recorder, one will be provided to your child to use in music class only. This recorder is property of South Elementary School and will not leave the music room.
If you purchased a recorder for your child, your child may take the recorder home OR leave it in the music room. Each class has a designated basket to leave recorders for safe-keeping. If your child chooses to keep his/her recorder in the music room, the recorder must have the child's name on it.
Recorders must not be taken out of their cases and played in school unless directed by Miss Serfass in the music room. Recorders out elsewhere in the school or on the bus are subject to confiscation.
Any further questions? Please contact Miss Serfass.
-Right thumb to support the instrument.
-Use slow, warm air and blow softly into the recorder.
-Cover the holes completely with flat fingers.
-Hold your recorder at a 90 degree angle.
-When you play, think "doo doo doo" for a smooth, connected sound.
To clean your recorder, do one of the following:
- Thread a microfiber cloth through the cleaning rod and swipe the rod through the end of the recorder. PLEASE NO TISSUES OR PAPER TOWELS. These can get stuck in the recorder and damage it beyond repair.
- Place the recorder in the top rack of the dishwashing machine.
- Run the recorder through hot water in a sink or tub. If you use soap, make sure to wash it thoroughly.
All students were required to purchase a recorder in fourth grade. If you are new to the school or are unable to purchase a recorder, one will be provided to your child to use in music class only. This recorder is property of South Elementary School and will not leave the music room.
If you purchased a recorder for your child, your child may take the recorder home OR leave it in the music room. Each class has a designated basket to leave recorders for safe-keeping. If your child chooses to keep his/her recorder in the music room, the recorder must have the child's name on it.
Recorders must not be taken out of their cases and played in school unless directed by Miss Serfass in the music room. Recorders out elsewhere in the school or on the bus are subject to confiscation.
Any further questions? Please contact Miss Serfass.