WELCOME!

A NOTE FROM THE MUSIC FOLKS - GRADES K-8

Don Ryan,  Tim Kelly

Welcome parents, to the Florence Sawyer School’s Music Department. We’re looking forward to another fine year in both the classroom and on the stage.

            We’d also like to give you a brief overview of the curriculum, performance groups, winter concert dates, and other goings on in the Music Department.  (Teachers: DR and TK)

ELEMENTARY MUSIC PROGRAM

            Kindergarten (DR) is once again scheduled for music and we'll be concentrating mostly on singing, movement, beat and basic rhythm (Orff/Kodaly). American sign language is used to add hand motion to our music in grades K-2.

            The first grade (DR) will be beginning basic sight-reading/singing and the reading of and performance of simple rhythms (Orff/Kodaly). Sign language is used for hand movement. Also included is an introduction to keyboards as well as music from other lands. Students will be able to progress at each individual’s own pace. The classes will be entertaining the Sawyer diners at our annual lunch concerts in the spring.

            The second grade (DR) is a continuation of the skills learned in first grade as well as a good part of the fall devoted to understanding the instruments of the orchestra. Basic keyboard and piano skills are introduced in the spring.

            In the third grade, (TK) emphasis is on melody and rhythm. The students study basic music theory and begin learning the song flute partway through the year in preparation for playing band instruments at the start of the fourth grade. The song flute classes will be performing in the spring fourth/fifth grade band/chorus concert.

            All fourth grade (DR) students belong to the combined fourth grade chorus and concerts are performed in December and late spring. The classes are more of a combination of choral skills and general music. Also, in the fourth grade, students begin lessons on band instruments (TK) and also perform in the spring concert. Although band is voluntary, nearly every student is involved.

MIDDLE SCHOOL MUSIC PROGRAM

             The Middle School Music Program is arranged much differently than the elementary school. Students in grades six, seven and eight must choose to participate in band, chorus, both band and chorus, or general music.

            The middle school instrumental program (TK) consists of the combined grades 7/8 band and the separate sixth grade band. The middle school choral program (DR) consists of sixth through eighth grade choruses. All the groups perform concerts in the winter and late spring as well as the occasional “road trip.” Seventh and eighth grade singers and players are also encouraged to audition for the Massachusetts Central District ensembles and the band will be participating in the MICCA competition, which will be held the first weekend in April.

             Sixth grade general music (DR) concentrates mostly on the instruments of the orchestra, classical form, composers and traditional country music.

           Seventh grade general music (TK) is also for those not participating in band or chorus. This class involves a "hands on" exploration of recording techniques. Students will write, perform, and record scripts using background music and sound effects. The ability to read music is not a requirement.

            In eighth grade general music, (DR) students spend a good part of the year studying the history of rock and roll via jazz, folk and blues. Students will be composing original blues compositions. Also covered are opera, ballet and musicals.

            Jazz band (TK) will be offered this year with rehearsals scheduled after school, on Tuesdays. The IAJE festival will be held in early May and our participation is a possibility.

 CONCERTS

            This December, we're going to repeat our concert format, presenting separate chorus and band concert nights. Tuesday, December 11, is "Chorus Night." Monday, December 17, is "Band Night."

            On the 11th, the grades four and five choruses will perform on the Sawyer stage from

6:30-7:15 (note the early starting time). At 7:15, parents and students would have to leave as the middle school parents and choruses will be arriving. The middle school chorus concert will begin at 7:45 and go to approximately 8:30.

            December 17, is "Band Night," although the fourth grade band will NOT be performing. The concert will begin at 7:00, with the fifth grade band, and we will not have the changeover period. If seats are available, students done performing are welcome to sit in the audience with their parents to watch the rest the other performing groups.

            This format has proven to shorten the length of the concerts, eliminate the stage change to/from chorus and band, keep the continuity between performing groups, and make the students' warm-up/holding period in the gym much more manageable.

~          ~          ~          ~          ~

            Visit our websites via the Sawyer website-Staff-Related Arts. Concert dates and additional information are posted as well as the chorus music for practicing at home and the general music assignments and resources.

            The spring concert date for chorus is Tuesday, June 3, day and night. The band concerts are Thursday, June 12, day and night. If you have any questions and concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact Don or Tim.

            That's all the news for now. We’re looking forward to another great year for Sawyer music. As always, thank you for your strong and continued support. We need it, your kids need and deserve it, and we all truly appreciate it.

Don Ryan                             Tim Kelly

                        Vocal/General Music                                               Instrumental Music  

**************************************

To: Parents of Grades 4-8 Chorus Members
From: Don Ryan
November 28, 2007                            CHORAL NIGHT !!
                                DECEMBER 11, 2007


This is a reminder of our annual grades 4-8 Holiday Concert, Tuesday, December 11, daytime tba, and evening at 6:30 and 7:45. Participating will be:
Grade 4 Chorus (all 4th grade students)
Grade 5 Chorus (all 5th grade students)
Grades 6, 7 and 8 Choruses


We'll again be using our new concert format, presenting separate chorus and band concert nights. Tuesday, December 11, is "Chorus Night."


On the 11th, the grades four and five choruses will perform on the Sawyer stage from 6:30-7:15 (note the earlier starting time). At 7:15, parents and students would have to leave as the middle school parents and choruses will be arriving. The middle school chorus concert will begin at 7:45 and go to approximately 8:30.

Grades 4 and 5 students should arrive at 6:15 and go directly to the gym for preparation, instructions, and warm-ups.

Grades 6-8 students should arrive at 7:30 and go directly to the gym. Note: the 6th grade band and chorus will be performing a piece together, on both the chorus and band nights. Therefore, all need to attend both the chorus and band nights.


If seats are available, students done performing are welcome to sit in the audience with their parents to watch the other performing groups.


The only problem we foresee is managing the parking. Please do not park on the road between Emerson and Sawyer. Because of the two evening concerts, cars will be entering and leaving simultaneously via that road. Parking is allowed on the road behind the Sawyer School.


December 17, is grades 5-8 "Band Night," and Mr. Kelly will be sending information home with the band students. The 6th grade chorus also needs to attend on the 17th, from 7pm-7:45.
The day concerts are for Sawyer students and staff only due to limited seating in the auditorium.


Attendance, day and evening, by all performers is mandatory. The students have been working very hard to put a great show together for you. I’m sure you’ll be impressed, entertained by their efforts, and thrust into the Holiday spirit. We’re all looking forward to this one.


Concert dress for the evening concert is as follows:


Boys: black pants, white shirts, shoes
Girls: black pants or skirt, white shirts, or white or light colored dress, shoes
*Please, no t-shirts, jeans, white or colored sneakers. But, do the best with what you have, don't buy anything.


For the day concert, students may wear their usual school clothes, as long as it's neat and presentable.


We are always happily accepting of help from parent volunteers for the evening concerts to assist with supervising students in the gym before and after they perform. If you would like to help us, please contact me at dryan@nrsd.net. You will still be able to watch your child perform.


If there are any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
And a sincere thank you for your strong and continued support.


Don Ryan (choruses)