Fourth grade is an exciting time in the music room! This is the first year that we use recorders to help us play melodies and read notes on the treble clef staff. In the spring, we will combine recorder melodies with percussion "ostinato" to create more sophisticated ensemble pieces than our third grade ensembles. In fourth grade we learn about time signatures, measures, bar lines, and lines and spaces on the treble clef staff. We love to perform drumming pieces and xylophone pieces, and we use these instruments to learn more complicated rhythms and melodies. We learn about important musical composers throughout history and explore expressive movement through their compositions.
Fourth grade is the first year that students 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.
Fourth grade is the first year that students 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 on the "fuzzy" coin 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 are required to purchase a recorder. 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 on the "fuzzy" coin 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 are required to purchase a recorder. 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.