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Grades 3 and 4!
Updated: October
Dear Parents,
My hope here is to share some fun activities for your children to do both on their own and with you. Ideally there will be some performance pieces that they will be able to practice and then perform for you. All activities are inline with our BC Arts Education curriculum. Please scroll to the bottom for the latest posts.
-Ms.B
April 6: Theme Percussion
Percussion
In class we have learned about all different types of percussion instruments. Remember a percussion instrument is one that you hit, shake, or scrape. Can you think of different types of percussion instruments? Take a minute and see how many you can list.
If you said any kind of drums, rattles, or washboards you were right! Those are all excellent examples of percussion instruments. Percussion instruments are the world's oldest form of instruments because they are fairly simple to make. Clapping your hands is a simple kind of percussion. If you have ever banged two sticks together you are performing a kind of percussion sound. Below I have posted some videos about different kinds of percussion performers and at the very bottom I have posted a fun activity video for you and your family. I hope you enjoy!
-Ms. B
<- Wow! He makes these incredible beats using all kinds of every day objects! What do you see?
This is an unusual instrument called the Handpan, it is also sometimes called a "space drum." All the music you hear is coming from that one instrument. ->
This is a group from the Solomon Islands using traditional bamboo instruments <-
This is a famous group of drummers called the "Swiss Top Secret Drum Corp." They are performing what is called a "Drumline." It takes A LOT of practice.
->
Are you ready to perform? Watch the videos below once to get an idea of what is expected then raid your kitchen - WITH YOUR PARENTS PERMISSION - and get drumming! See if you can get your siblings or parents to join you! Also special thank you to Mme. Megan from Ecole Alberni who introduced me to the videos below.
April 7 Theme: Make your own instruments!
Making your own instruments!
There are a LOT of different types of instruments in the world. In our last activity we looked at percussion instruments, today we are going to look at unique instruments that have been made by very creative people! Below I have posted some videos of instruments that have been invented by artists and musicians; underneath of those videos you will find a section of videos that teach you how to make your own instruments using common household items. Please send me pictures of your creations at nboutwell@sd70.bc.ca Happy creating!
This is the band OK Go driving through a course that is set up and timed specifically to create instruments out of all kinds of items, in order to play their song "Needing/Getting."
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This man has created dozens of fantastic instruments using straws!
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This machine is called the Wintergatan machine and it makes music using marbles!!
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Instruments made out of ice! ->
Now it is time for you to make your own instruments. Check out the videos below and ask your parents if you may use the items listed in the videos. Happy creating!
Make your own kazoo!
<- Be creative, decorate your instruments.
Make your own guitar!
Don't worry if you are missing some of the pieces, be creative and make your own thing! ->
Make your own panpipes!
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Make your own harmonica!
Have fun with this and remember you can also decorate it. ->
April 8 Theme: Drama - Mime
Mime!
What is Mime? Mime is acting without speaking. It can also be creating something out of nothing by using your hands and your body to create illusions of invisible objects. Mimes usually dress in black and white and sometimes have little bits of red. Watch some of the incredible mime videos below and see if you can recreate some of the actions and illusions. They will take practice, be patient with yourself and keep trying. -Ms. B
April 14 Theme: Drama - Puppets!
Puppets!
Today we are looking at different types of puppets and how they are made and used! tomorrow we will explore making different types of puppets!
These two amazing puppets are made by hand by a puppeteer named Barnaby.
The next two videos show puppets created for live broadway shows. One is called War Horse that takes place in England. The other is from the stage version of the Lion King.
This next group of puppets should need no introduction -->
Last but not least check out these AMAZING street puppets. Pay attention to how many people need to participate to make them come alive!
<--
April 15 Theme: Drama - Puppets!
Shadow Puppet Making!
For the next little while we are going to be looking at making puppets. today our focus is on shadow puppets!
Easy puppets can be made by using your hands! All you need is a dark room with a portable light.
You can start to make more complex shadow puppets using cardboard!
Making a shadow puppet theatre can be as easy as cutting a large rectangle out of the front of a box and covering that space with a piece of paper. then all you need is a light source you can put at the back and a dark room!
April 16 Theme: Drama - Puppets!
Sock Puppet Making!
First of all, and this is REALLY important. Before you make anything make sure that you get your parent or guardian's permission to cut up any kind of socks or fabric!!! check out these great how to videos and happy puppet making!
April 17 Theme: Drama - Puppets!
A variety of puppets to make!
Be sure to check with your parents before making anything!
April 21st Theme: Calm
Finding calm.
The world is a little bit uncertain at the moment and that can be a scary. Sometimes we need to do something relaxing or calm. This helps us regulate ourselves and makes us feel peaceful. For more calming activities check out the Calm page.
April 22nd Theme:Sing-A-Long
Sing-A-Long
Here are some of our favourite songs that we sing together at Dunn. I hope you can plug in your earphones and sing-a-long!
April 23 Theme: Song challenge
Your playlist
Today should be fun! I am going to ask your to curate your very own playlist and send it to me. I will post any entries I get if I have your permission. I am asking for ten songs. they should be as follows:
1. A song that reminds you of EJ Dunn.
2. A song that makes you want to dance!
3. A song that makes you happy.
4. A song you play when you are mad.
5. A song that you play when you are sad.
6. A new song that you like.
7. An older song, maybe something your parents play, that you like.
8. A song without words.
9. A song that reminds you of friends.
10. Your current favourite song.
April 28th Making Music
Making Music!
More music making fun!
Yesterday I got two awesome emails! One from my friend Gabriel showcasing his awesome percussion skills, and the other from Josh who mentioned how much he enjoyed making music with the link I shared yesterday. Well Josh, I have a few more fun links for you to explore today! I hope you enjoy!! Thank you so much Gabriel and Josh for writing to me!
Incredibox! -This is probably my favourite site that I have found so far for making music. It works as a website and an app. There is paid content on the app but you can also use it for free. Josh- I think you'll like this one.
Rhythm - This is another extension of the google sound lab, a lot of fun to play with!
Happy Mixing!
Try Songmaker on google and see if you can make some songs of your own!
May 1st: Games!
Music Games!
Hi friends!
Today I have some other wonderful sites for you to check out.
Take a look at the New York Philharmonic Kidszone! Lots of great games and thinks to look at.
Also continue tinkering with the Chrome Sound lab.
Before you go don't forget to check out the video that the EJ Dunn Staff made just for you!
May 4th: May the 4th Be With You!
Star Wars!
Happy May the 4th! Today is unofficial Star Wards day! We are going to celebrate by looking at the music of Star Wars. Did you know that the person who wrote all of the music for Star Wars is a famous composer named John Williams? Here are some videos of the music he created.
This is a medley of Star Wars music performed by Peter Hollens.
This is John Williams conducting the Vienna Philharmonic performing the Imperial March.
This is the Piano Guys performing a Star Wars medley.
Sonya Belousova performs a piano medley of Star Wars music.
May 5th: Wash your hands!
Wash Your Hands
By now you are all aware of the importance of washing your hands. We are supposed to wash our hands for a minimum of 20 seconds which is about the time it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice. What other songs work for this purpose? I like to use You are my Sunshine.
May 6th Brass Instruments
Brass Instruments
How brass instruments work
Today we are looking at brass instruments! To the left there is a video on how brass instruments work. Previously in class we have discussed the types of brass instruments; saxophones, trombones, French horns, trumpets, tubas, etc. Below you will find a variety of performances with brass instruments.
Louis Armstrong was one of the greatest and most influential American musicians of all time. He played Jazz music and was a very talented trumpet player, this is him and his brass band performing Skokiaan.
Ska Music- a type of music popular in the 90's often used a heavy brass section. This is The Mighty Mighty Bosstones performing "The Impression that I get."
This is Canadian Brass performing Flight of the Bumblebee.
This is Miles Davis playing Summertime. It sounds very different from the music we listen to on the radio doesn't it? This recording and the album it is on are considered some of the best jazz ever recorded.
May 7th Genre Ska Music
Ska Music
When we talk about genres of music in class we are talking about different types of music like rock, classical, hip-hop, or country. There are a lot of really famous genres of music and some that are really popular for awhile and then kind of go by the wayside. One of these genres is a style of music called Ska music. Ska came from Jamaica in the 1950's but it really came to popularity in the 1980's-1990's. Ska is a blending of punk rock with reggae. It sound is characterized by a walking bass line and rhythm on the off beat. Below I have put some videos of the most popular Ska performers.
Reel Big Fish
Goldfinger
The Mighty Mighty Bosstones
Less than Jake
What did you think? The Mighty Mighty Bosstones were one of Ms. B's favourites when she was in high school. Drop me a line and give me your review nboutwell@sd70.bc.ca
May 8th: Sound Effects
Sound Effects
May 12th: Audacity
Audacity
Hi Friends!
Today we are starting our sound design project! Now, participating in this project requires you to download a program called Audacity. Ask your parents before you do this. Audacity is free and does not come with built in ads or anything sketchy. You can get Audacity here. Today what I would like you to do is just play around with audacity, try recording your own voice and playing around with it. Below is a simple video that shows you how to get started. If you are not able to download the program, please watch the videos to get a sense of what the program can do and we will continue to learn about sound editing when we go back to class.
May 13th: More Audacity
Audacity
Hi Everyone! So hopefully yesterday you had a lot of fun playing with audacity! Today we are going to try a little project with audacity. Check out the video below and then try creating your own MONSTER sound effect. Start by recording your own monster growl, try to get a good 5-10 second growl and then start working with effects.
Miss you all!
May 14th I am With You
Hi everyone,
Today we are taking a little break from audacity. I found this song that Disney released and it immediately made me think of all of you. Teaching is a very special profession because it means that every day we get to work with awesome kids like you. Please know that you are in my thoughts and I can't wait to see you again soon!
May 15th More Audacity
More Audacity
Good Morning! Today we are looking at putting more than one sound or track into audacity and seeing what we can do with those. BUT MS.B WHERE WILL WE GET SOUNDS??!! Simple, remember the BBC library of sound effects? You can download different effects from that site and put them over top of each other. Try putting a lion's roar over jungle sounds, or a motorcycle revving over the sounds of a city. You can overlap any sounds you like and as many as you like.
May 20th Roald Dahl
Roald Dahl
We are taking a little break from Audacity today. Ms. B found a really fun reading of Roald Dahl's famous book, James and the Giant Peach. This is just the first four episodes.
Even more Audacity
May 21st More and more audacity
Hi Everyone! So by now hopefully you are pretty confident with the basics of audacity. Importing sounds, layering them, and playing with some of the sound effects. Today we are going to play with editing music. This wonderful site, Mixkit has free music tracks that you can download and play with. Please take some time and experiment with importing a song and playing around with the effects. Try cutting the song, and fading it out. Try fading it in, try layering one of the sound effects you made over it. Have fun!
The Sound of Music
May 22nd The Sound of Music
Starting at 11:00am the complete musical The Sound of Music will be available for 24 hours on YouTube. This is one of the most popular musicals ever made and this particular version stars Carrie Underwood.
May 25th Lip sync Challenge
For your entertainment
June 1st
A Little Note
Hi Everyone! You may have noticed that I did not update the page last week. that was because I was back at school getting ready for when school reopens. I am really looking forward to seeing smiling faces when we go back. Some of you won't be there and that is ok because I will hold you in my heart until I see you again soon! I won't be updating this page quite as frequently as I have been but I will still update until June 19th at least 2-3 times a week. Best Wishes to all of you and your families! Ms.B
More Dahl!
June 3rd
Tutting
June 5th
What is tutting? It is a type of dance that mostly focuses on fingers and arms and it is all about creating cool geometric shapes with your body. Check it out!
June 8th
More Tutting
Often sound designers have to use special effects to create a realistic sounds for performance. In Shakespeare's day sound designers would roll cannon balls across the floor in a room above the stage to simulate the sound of thunder. Before tv, radio sound designers had to come up with genius solutions to recreate sounds for radio plays; for instance if a door slammed the sound designer might be hitting two planks of wood together. Over time radio, television, and movie, sound designers have created a massive library of sound effects so that they don't have to recreate a sound every time they need one. The British Broadcasting Corporation or the BBC has a HUGE library of sound effects that is currently free for students and teachers to use. Take a moment to check it out and play with some of the sound effects or FX as they are commonly called. Next week we will start a sound FX challenge.
BBC Sound FX Library.
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