Week two!

Week Two

This week we are going to start putting our Takadimi into longer patterns. This is where flashcards may help. We are going to mix it up into all different kinds of patterns so that the kids start to recognize that music is always different and you have to be prepared for that. We are going to start incorporating using the various mouthpieces and head-joints of the instruments to play back the rhythms to me. The image below has various mouthpieces and head-joints that will be used in class. I will also start to talk about breathing so that we can properly breath while using the mouth pieces. I would like you if you have a chance to go to this video on YouTube and play it for your child so that they can practice breathing for the future classes. This is not required but encouraged to help them develop good breathing in the early stages of playing.Do you think it's to early to incorporate breathing? Do you feel this is to much to focus on? Please lend me your thoughts.

                   
                     http://www.the-clarinets.net/english/clarinet-mouthpiece.html

Week one

Week One!

This week we are going to be learning how to chant rhythms using the Takadimi system. This is a method in which we use syllables such as "ta" to divide a rhythm. It is kind of like counting but in a different language. If you have time this week with your child i would like it if you could go to this website and review letters A-G. If you have a student that is confused because of the busy page I suggest breaking each one into flashcards. This way the student can see it alone, and in the future we can put them together to make patterns. What do you think about this system? Would you like me to further explain it and why it is important to break it down this way?

                        
                     http://kmr.ksmea.org/?issue=201112c&section=columns&page=smte

Welcome!

Hello!

My name is Mindy Jervis, and I am your child's music educator. This blog is so that you can keep track of what is going to happen in the future of this class, and also what is currently happening in the class. I will post a schedule and also an explanation each week of what we are learning at that point in the year. This is a way that you can get involved and ask questions. Stay up on events, and even offer suggestions. I hope that this serves as a good tool for you, and i would appreciate feedback. Don't be afraid to let me know how you feel about it as this is a trial and i have never done it before. Thank you for participating!