Elementary Music with Ms. Hubbs!

My blog is back from outer space, where it has apparently been living for the past 9 months.  Or...I just haven't been updating it.  But I'm back, and I'm setting a goal for myself to write weekly entries for students, parents, and whoever else is interested in Woodland Elementary Band!

First on the agenda: Technology News!

We have been dabbling more and more with using technology in band this year.  We take attendance on the smart board, record ourselves using Audacity, and soon will be using SmartMusic software.  That's another post on its own, which will be coming as soon as we get the program.  Stay tuned!  Ask your students about the audacity recording project :)

In general music, students are learning about folk music and will be composing their own folk songs.  I would love to turn the recordings from each class into a podcast.  Be on the lookout for that, as well!

My latest venture with the band kids is asking them to record themselves at home for self-evaluation purposes.  A few students practice together using Face Time on their apple devices, and that inspired me to ask all band students (who are able) to start making recordings of themselves playing songs.  There are several things we can do with those recordings.

First, practice and prepare.  Make sure you can play the song all the way through!
Next, make your recording!
Third, Listen to/watch your recording and take notes.  Did you play the correct rhythms?  Pitches?  Did it sound like a song, or did it sound like a random collection of notes?
Fourth, if you think you can make a better recording, practice and prepare, then record again.
Fifth, compare the two recordings.  How are they alike?  How are they different?
Sixth, share the recording with someone else!  Your parents, a friend, or even Ms. Hubbs!  If you can save recordings on your iPod, upload them to your computer and email them to me!
If you can save them on your phone, email them from there (or upload them to your network's website, where they can be retrieved online and emailed.)
Some devices may have a spot for a memory card- download your recording onto a memory card, then your computer, then send them along!

If that is too complicated, upload your videos to youtube.  You can share the link on facebook, make your videos private, and have total control over who sees it.  Facebook videos work, too!  If you have a webcam, post a video on my wall!

The point of this recording idea is to hear yourself improving.  Also, it's a great way to use the technology you love with the instrument you're growing to love!

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On March 8th, 2012, the Cameron County School District Instrumental Music programs will present a recital for Music in our Schools Month.  This recital will feature band students in grades 5-12.  Participation is optional, but encouraged!

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Finally (for today), as the students know, I will be getting married on May 26th in Warren.  While the ceremony is private, I would like to invite my band students to have cake at the reception.  Warren is about an hour from Emporium, and students would be required to arrive with an adult (who will stay and take them home!).  My students are such a huge part of my life, and they have to hear me talk about the wedding all the time, so I wanted to include them in a small way. 

Any students/parents who are seriously considering attending, I ask that you send a note with your student to me as soon as possible, telling me A) adult's name B) students arriving with that adult.  Carpooling is a good idea, since parking may be limited.  Students will be allowed into the reception at 7:00 that evening and we ask that they leave by 7:45 after a bit of cake and dancing.

I need to know by May 1st how many students will be coming so that I order enough cake!  Please send a note to school with your child or EMAIL ME (shanna.hubbs@camcosd.org) and let me know if you're planning to attend.


Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.   ~ Victor Hugo (1802-1885)

I simply cannot believe it is concert time already!  This school year seems to have flown by in minutes.  But, since it is mid-May, here is what you need to know for the concert:

-The concert will be held IN THE HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM on Tuesday, May 17th, 2011.

-The concert will start with a recital at 6:45pm.  At that time, all student soloists will perform.

-The band and chorus portion of the concert will start at 7:15pm.  The concert order is:
                        *Beginner Band
                        *Chorus
                        *Advanced Band

-Students should dress in their concert best!  No jeans or sneakers, please!

-After the concert, students MUST be responsible for their instruments!  No stray horns at the high school!

All other  "typical" concert rules apply.  Please see me if you have any questions!


In other news, the recent talent show was a huge success!  Links to the youtube videos from that night can be found on my website under the "talent show" tab.  Check them out and show your friends!  Also, 13 Woodland 6th graders will travel to IU9 Elementary BandFest on Thursday, May 26th in Johnsonburg.  I am so proud of these students who have worked so hard to prove that they deserve this honor. 

On that note, I am so proud of all of my band students.  It always astounds me just how much you all have grown as musicians, and as people.  It has truly been an honor teaching you how to play your instruments, and I will never forget this class of 6th graders- my first batch of beginners!  I will definitely miss you when you go to the high school.  Keep playing!  Music moves mountains. 

As the year winds down, I hope all of my students have an enjoyable summer vacation.  Sign up for summer lessons! :)


Musically,
Ms. Hubbs

The Spring Concert was held last night in a "sold-out" APR- Not even standing room!  Thank you so much to everyone who attended and supported our students in music!  Last night's concert was a success on so many levels. 

The Beginner Band played more together than they have in weeks, and they handled our tricky seating situation like pros.  I am so proud of them and can't wait to work with them again next year!  6th graders, you will be missed!

3rd Grade gave a stellar recorder performance.  I was so pleased to see their smiling faces in their best attire!  I've heard wonderful comments about their performance, and I am so glad that they were able to share in our concert.  Well done, 3rd Grade!

The Chorus blew me away last night.  Their songs were so entertaining and well performed!  The soloists were outstanding, and they looked like they truly enjoyed what they were singing.  Bravo to Mrs. Burgoon on an outstanding performance!  I hope these students keep singing!

The Advanced Band performed with a true sense of musicality last night.  I gave them challenging pieces for this concert, and they knew it!  The pieces we performed allowed me to teach them new concepts while they were having fun.  Music is truly outstanding that way.
I have a bit of a soft spot for the Advanced Band, mainly because they were my first band as an educator.  Not only do these students have amazing personalities, but they have the talent to match!  I feel so truly blessed to have been given the opportunity to develop these students into the fine, young musicians they are today.  I can't wait to hear them as they progress through high school! 

I will miss this year's 6th grade class SO MUCH, but I am thankful for the time I've had with them.  Not only were they easy to teach,but they were good teachers themselves.  I learned so much in this first year of teaching, and I owe them some thanks for that!  I will never forget their kind words (or the beautiful flowers!). 

Thank you for an incredible year!

Hard to believe it's April already!  The Spring Concert is just weeks away, and the year is coming to an end.  I have had an amazing first year here at Woodland.  The students, faculty, and staff are a joy to work with!  I will truly miss this year's 6th grade students when they move up to the Jr. High next year!

At the end of the 3rd quarter, each band student received a progress report in their report card.  Remember, band students are only graded twice a year.  This progress report was just to inform parents of their student's progress in band.  I like what I'm hearing!

As the year comes to a close, keep summer lessons in mind!  What a great opportunity to keep your band student interested and involved in music when school is out!

Happy Spring, everyone!

The third quarter is upon us, and what an exciting time it is!  Things are changing at school and in the Music Room.  Students have received music grades for the first time, and I encourage parents to contact me with questions or concerns.  I am resolving to make more contact with band parents this semester.  I will be sending home "Progress Reports" with band students twice each quarter.  My hope is that through increased parent communication, the students will truly excel in music!

January is almost over, and it is time to start recorders in 3rd grade!  I'm hoping the students will enjoy learning this fun, yet simple, instrument.  I plan to use games and bulletin board incentives to keep students interested and active in class.  Good luck, 3rd grade students! :)

I encourage everyone to come out and watch the 6th grade Boys Basketball team and their pep band, The Raider Rock~Its.  This band made their premier on January 20th and will continue to play for the remaining home games this year.  I'd love to keep this group going every year, as it is a true showing of school spirit (and fun for the kids!)


I'd love to hear from parents and students regarding their experiences so far with music this year.  Please feel free to email me at any time using the link in the navigation bar (to the left), or call!  486-4000 ext. 2134.

Think Spring!