Here are some simple ideas to help your concert run smoothly!

3 Simple Ways To Make Time For Music Literacy!
20131017_172656
We understand that you have so much to cover in so little time! So here are 3 simple ways to incorporate music literacy whenever you need a little boost!
1. Create a Morning Message
2. Round Robin for a well know song with music in hand/ kids follow along with fingers
3. ‘Tis the season to start new music. Ask students about what they see on the page:

* What kind of notes?
* Any repeat signs?
* What’s the time signature?
* What is the form?
* Etc…
* Create a “Question Board” that you can refer back to throughout the year and beyond…we are lucky in that we see the same body of students, more or less, year after year!

The Pomodoro Technique!
20131017_172656
In my quest to be more efficient, I came across an EXCELLENT technique for combating those of us who have a hard time focusing. I have never been diagnosed, but I am pretty sure I have some form of ADD and then some! I have read various books and articles, listened to webinars and seminars and until recently, had yet to find something that truly worked. Last summer I came across something called the Pomodoro Technique. Seeing the Italian word for tomato in the title, I was naturally intrigued, as I am always trying to improve my Italian!
According to Wikipedia, “The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. The technique uses a timer to break down work into intervals traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks. These intervals are known as “pomodori”, the plural of the Italian word pomodoro for “tomato”. The method is based on the idea that frequent breaks can improve mental agility.”
It has been a life saver for me! I am much more able to focus and accomplish my task list for the day! Here is the link to their official website. I encourage you to try it with any students that have a hard time focusing! Your students will thank you for it!

Great Books To Use In The Music Classroom!
20131017_172656
1. Frederick by Leo Leoni: How important Art is to the soul!
2. Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems: How to express yourself!
3. Harry and the Lady Next Door by Gene Zion: Is it Music or Noise?
4. Lon Po Po retold by Ed Young: Chinese version of Little Red Riding Hood. Compare and contrast stories, art and music of both cultures
5. Frog and Toad All Year by Arnold Lobel: Compare each story for each season and Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and/ or Raff’s Season Symphonies

Three Activities To Have On Hand!
20131017_172656
1. Play music while kids draw the images they see in their heads
2. Play “Name That Tune” with songs they sung since the beginning of the year and/ or from last year
3. Sit in a circle and have kids build on a rhythm. The first student claps a 2/4 rhythm. The next student claps that rhythm and adds his/ her own rhythm. The third student claps the first, second and then adds a third. And so on. You might want to have groups of 4 so that the last student in each group is only having to remember 4 measures at a time. You can have a different student start each time.

Keep Your Singers On Track With Signs!
20131017_172656
Natalie Codelli gives her choir directions during a concert using signs she made. The signs say things like “Sit down quietly” and “Place your music under your chairs”. This is a quick and easy way to communicate without disrupting the performance.
In order to find what you need when you need it, we added self adhesive tabs. Thank you Natalie for the great idea!

Five Creative Ideas For Your Winter Concert!
Young Choir Members Singing
Lights Are Key ~ Twinkle lights in your school colors on trees and garlands or poked through cut-out presents add sparkle and pizazz.
Share Some Pictures ~ Create a slideshow of rehearsal and classroom pictures to show during the concert.
Add some Art ~ Team up with your Art teacher and have the kids create large ornaments that you can hang from trees or the ceiling.
Create a Winter Wonderland ~ Giant styrofoam balls make great Snowmen!
Bring the Outdoors In ~ Visit a local plant or holiday store to ask for live poinsettias or holly for your stage
Promote Your Concert!
Admission Tickets
* Get your students to make signs to put up in the hallways!
* Raffle off a signed copy of the concert made with your phone or a Flip camera to raise funds for new materials or a pizza party for the class that sells the most tickets!
* Reach out to local newspapers or radio stations to promote your concert.
Involve your community and get them excited about your program!
Get Your Students Practicing At Home!
Brother and Sister Playing the Piano Together
Make a recording of your students singing each concert piece and make it available on your website so that they can practice at home! You can also write in some reminders…..”Remember to use you head voice when you sing” and “Remember to breathe properly!”

 

 

Find out more about the Note Knacks method by clicking HERE!