4th Graders Study LeRoy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride"

Fourth Graders have spent the last few music classes studying the song, "Sleigh Ride" by American composer, LeRoy Anderson.  The song was ironically written during a summer heat wave in 1949.  Here is a video of The Boston Pops playing "Sleigh Ride":

We also learned that words were written for the song in 1950, and that it is the most licensed and copied holiday song in modern American music history.  Because of this, there are MANY different versions of the song, and listening to a few of them was also part of our study.  Fourth graders listened to versions by Ella Fitzgerald, The Brian Setzer Orchestra, The Ronettes, and a version from Bluegrass musician Cody Kilby from an album entitled "Christmas Grass."  There are countless versions of "Sleigh Ride" out there, which is YOUR favorite?

Funny Rendition of "The Twelve Days of Christmas"

Have you heard this version of "The Twelve Days of Christmas?"  It comes from Straight No Chaser, a men's a capella group.  A capella means singing without any instrumental accompaniment.  As you might imagine, this type of singing is difficult to do by yourself, let alone with a large group of people.  It requires a very good sense of pitch and excellent listening to the other singers around you.  Enjoy!

Practice Makes Progress

The first time you picked up a basketball and tried to shoot a basket, did you make it?  Chances are the answer is no.  But now, years later, you have a pretty good chance of making that shot, don't you?  What's the difference between now and then?  PRACTICE.  You didn't give up.  You kept trying.  You kept PRACTICING.

Even professional musicians have to practice songs as simple as "Jingle Bells."  Take a peek at Wynton Marsalis (probably one of the best trumpet players of all time) and the JLCO (Jazz @ Lincoln Center Orchestra) as they PRACTICE for an upcoming holiday concert.

A Musical Joke

A friend sent me this musical joke.  PLEASE tell me if you can figure it out!

Congratulations Music Makers!

Wow - the residents of Trillium Place were very impressed with our Bluffsview Music Makers on Saturday as they sang some of their favorite holiday songs and carols.  Several residents approached me after the performance and said that they could not believe that our choir was from an elementary school - that we had to be professionals or something!  What a compliment!  That speaks to how well you paid attention, sang, behaved, and conducted yourself while in a new place.  THANK YOU to all the Music Makers who came out to sing at Trillium, and thank your parents for bringing you.  What a wonderful musical experience you had for yourself, but also shared with others.  That's what making music is all about!  I am so proud of you!

Fun Rendition of a Holiday Tune

If you haven't heard of Jimmy Fallon and his house band, "The Roots," you're missing out on some really talented musicians.  Mariah Carey was a recent guest on the show, and Jimmy and the band jammed with Mariah, performing her most famous holiday tune.  Check out the video and the band playing on "classroom instruments":

Music Makers Caroling at Trillium Place Once Again

The Bluffsview Music Makers will be caroling at Trillium Place, an independent senior living facility, once again this year.  Students will be singing on Saturday, December 8th, 2012 from 2:30-3:00pm.  This makes the third time that our school choir has performed for the residents of Trillium Place, and the staff is very excited that we will be back!

Music Makers will sing in the main lobby, and are asked to report at 2:15pm.  Family is welcome to attend, but please reserve the seating for residents first.  There is a small study area where we will warm up, and please remember your very best Bluffsview Bear behavior when entering the facility.

See you on the 8th!

Veterans Day Assembly

The Bluffsview Veterans Day Assembly will be next week!  We will honor our Veterans on Monday, November 12th, 2012 from 8:30-9:00am in the Gymnasium.  Please join us and bring a friend or relative that you may know who is a Veteran.

There will be a special guest at the assembly: Mr. Daubney (who is a trumpet player) will be here to play "Taps" for us at the end of the assembly. This is a special treat as we have not had a live trumpeter play for the school for a few years.


The Bluffsview Music Makers will also be performing as part of this special assembly.  Music Makers are reminded to wear their t-shirts with black pants or skirts and black (or dark) shoes.
The Music Makers look forward to singing for you and helping to honor our country's brave Veterans!

New Interactive Recorder Sites for Beginners!

Fourth Graders have JUST started learning to play the recorder.  Fifth and Sixth graders have spent several class periods reviewing what they learned on recorder in previous school years.  If your child is excited about playing the recorder and would like some extra practice at home, check out some of these interactive websites that I discovered over the summer:

Click Here for an interactive fingering chart from Plank Road Publishing.  Shows the note on the staff, the pitch name, how to finger the note, and what it should sound like.

The next two sites are amazing learning tools.  You must have a microphone activated either externally or internally for these websites to work.  In Recorder Express, playing exercises are "train" themed.  In Joy Tunes Interactive, playing exercises are "adventure" themed.  Both can be played with or without creating a user profile, although if you create a free account, student progress can be saved in the game.  Both websites allow students to play recorder right at the computer, with the microphone picking up their sound and advancing them as they play correct notes.  They are really neat websites!

Students, if you try any of these out, let me know!

Fall Update

♫ Welcome back to school! We’ve gotten off to a great start this year, and I am excited for what’s to come. Fourth Graders are about to start learning how to play recorder, First Graders are learning to read music notes, Fifth and Sixth Graders are playing and singing more challenging music, Third and Second Graders are improving instrument playing skills and folk dancing skills, and Kindergarteners are learning how to sing and move to music. There’s so much going on in the music room already, and it’s not quite OCTOBER!


♫ It’s time to join The Music Makers… If you have a child in 4th, 5th, or 6th grade who loves to sing, please encourage him/her to join our school choir, The Bluffsview Music Makers. Students rehearse one day a week throughout the school year (or more as concerts approach) during lunch recess time. Participation in our school choir is a wonderful way to extend what we learn in the classroom and apply it in a performance setting. Plus, it’s fun! Last year, The Bluffsview Music Makers performed at the Veteran’s Day Assembly, sang holiday carols at a local senior living facility, and gave their own concert in the spring. Similar activities are in the works for this year as well. Interested students should check the announcements outside the music room or see Mrs. Daubney for more information.

♫ Concert Dates are set for the year. Don’t miss these great performances:

          o Wednesday, February 6th – 5th Grade Music Program, 1:30 and 7:00 pm

          o Wednesday, March 20th – 3rd Grade Music Program, 1:30 and 7:00 pm

          o Monday, May 6th – Music Makers Spring Concert, 1:30 and 7:00 pm

Fourth Graders Learn About The Treble Clef!

Fourth Graders are learning about the Treble Clef in preparation for beginning recorder study later this month.  These fun songs help them remember the names of the notes in the lines and spaces - the MOST IMPORTANT thing they will learn in 4th grade music!

EGBDF: These are the notes on the lines of the Treble Clef.

FACE: These are note on the spaces of the Treble Clef.



Enjoy!  :)



Officially Mrs. Daubney!

So many students were excited about the news of me getting married this summer... I just had to share one picture from our wedding!

What Are YOU Doing This Summer?

Well Bluffview Bears, we've been on summer break for a month now.  What have YOU been up to?  I am very excited that in the next month I will be taking a class about using SmartBoards in the Elementary Music Classroom at Central Connecticut State University.  This is an advanced level class, which I am particularly looking forward to because I have taken several introductory level classes already, and hope to learn new things about the SmartBoard that I've not seen before.  Plus it's rare to find a technology course that is specifically designed for elementary general music classrooms!

In August, I will be getting married!  So don't forget that when we come back to school, your music teacher will no longer be Ms. Hogan - because I will be Mrs. Daubney!  Enjoy the rest of your summer,  Bluffsview Bears!

Capriccio! Youth Choir - Auditions Happening Now!

If your child loves to sing and is looking for an outlet for that talent outside of school, please consider having them join the Capriccio! Youth Choir.  Capriccio! Vocal Ensemble is a Worthington-based community choir, directed by WKHS Vocal Music Teacher, Larry Griffin.  Many Worthington teachers and staff are part of the ensemble, including Ms. Hogan!  The Capriccio! Youth Choir is an extension of the adult group, and several current and former Bluffsview students have been members of the choir.  Placement auditions are happening right now for the 2012-2013 season.  For more information about Capriccio! Youth Choirs, Click Here.

Music Makers Party This Friday!

To close out the school year, we will have one last Music Makers meeting this Friday, May 18th and it will be a celebration!  We will have a few snacks and will watch the video of our daytime "Pirates!" performance.  Special thanks to Mrs. Kelly who volunteered to bake some cookies for us.  See all you Music Makers then!

Congratulations Music Makers!

Blimey!  The Music Makers show was amazing!  Congratulations and thank you for all your hard work.  I have received many compliments on your singing, acting, and overall enthusiasm...people have told me that they could really tell how much fun you were having during the performance.  Take a bow!

We will celebrate our year in Music Makers on Friday, May 18th during regular cub club time.  We will watch the video from our daytime performance and have some snacks.  Please don't forget to attend!

Music Makers - Last Minute Details!

A few last minute details for all Music Makers, in regards to our concert TOMORROW, May 3rd:

• Please PACK YOUR LUNCH tomorrow if you're in 4th or 5th grade as our rehearsal will likely run late and we will eat afterwards.
• Final Dress Rehearsal at 11:30 tomorrow in the GYM.
• Performance for Bluffsview students - tomorrow at 1:30pm.  You will be released from your classroom at 1:15pm to come to the MUSIC ROOM to get your costume accessories in order.
• Evening Performance - tomorrow at 7:00pm.  Please report to the MUSIC ROOM at 6:45pm to get your costume accessories in order.
• The foundation of your costume is your MUSIC MAKERS T-SHIRT and JEANS (or dark pants) rolled up to the knee.  Please wear tennis shoes or something similar - NO FLIP FLOPS!

I am proud of your progress and excited for your show tomorrow.  You're going to be great!

Congratulations Third Grade!

What an amazing performance, Third Grade!  Thank you for all your hard work.  I was blown away at how well you memorized all of your parts and worked together as a team to pull off a wonderful show.  Stand tall and be proud of your accomplishments!

3rd Grade Music Program - Coming Next Week!

Final details on the 3rd grade music program:
Date: Tuesday, March 27th, 2012
Time: 1:30PM performance for the student body (visitors welcome)
         7:00PM performance for families and friends
Call Time: Students are asked to report to the MUSIC ROOM by 6:45PM.
Dress: Please have students wear nice dress clothes. No jeans, please, if possible. Students need to keep in mind that they must be able to dance in the shoes they wear, however. This is very important!


The students have been working very hard and are extremely excited to perform for you.  Don't miss these special performances!

Fourth Grade Instrument Project 2012

Fourth Graders are studying the science of sound and how it relates to instruments. All instruments can be classified scientifically one of four ways, based on how their sound is produced: Chordophones (vibration of strings), Aerophones (vibration of air), Membranophones (vibration of skin), or Idiophones (vibration of self).

Students have the assignment of constructing an instrument of their own, must be able to identify their instrument's scientific classification, and must complete written directions for the construction of their instrument. All instruments and written directions are due on the following days for each class:

Wharton: Monday, March 12th, 2012
Rankin: Wednesday, March 14th, 2012
Hale: Thursday, March 15th, 2012

Students will be given time in music class to browse information on instrument construction as well as make notes for their ideas. In addition, the following websites have wonderful ideas to assist in this project:
How to make an African Drum
Artists Helping Children
E-How videos on instrument construction
How Stuff Works
Busy Bee Kids Crafts
Making Musical Instruments on essortment.com
Mudcat Kids
Kinderart.com
Family Crafts from About.com
Family Fun instrument crafts
Nancymusic.com
Rhythmweb.com Homemade instruments


I hope this list is helpful! AND I can't wait to see what instruments make their way into my room in the next weeks! Good Luck!

Congratulations Pancake Day Singers!

Thanks to all the Fifth Graders who performed at Pancake Day this past weekend.  And thanks also to their family members who came out to support us!  It was wonderful to see smiling faces in the audience.  Job well done!  :)

Pancake Day 2012

I am so excited that the 5th Grade students will have the opportunity to perform at Worthington's Pankcake Day this coming Saturday, March 3rd, 2012!  We are scheduled to perform at 2:00 PM in the Auxiliary Gym at WKHS. 

Please have students arrive by 1:45pm so that we can get checked in and lined up.  Students should wear jeans, tennis shoes, and either a Bluffsview spirit wear t-shirt or some sort of blue and/or white top. Students should also bring a recorder (if they own one).

The performance should be very short - around 20 minutes - which leaves your family plenty of time to enjoy the rest of the activities of the day.  If anyone is available to help me load equipment back into my car at the conclusion of the performance, that would be very helpful!

See you on Saturday!

Congratulations Fifth Grade!

Congratulations Fifth Grade on a wonderful performance!  Your hard work paid off and you were great!  I have received many compliments from teachers and parents about your show.  You should be very proud of yourselves!

WE GET A CHANCE TO DO IT AGAIN!  Or at least, part of our show.  We have been asked to perform at the Annual Worthington Pancake Day!  The event will take place on Saturday, March 3rd, 2012 at Worthington Kilbourne High School in the Auxiliary Gym.  We are set to sing at 2:00PM and will perform a modified version of "How To Make An Apple Pie and See The World."

Letters with information about the event and a permission form are going home this week.  Please be sure to read over the letter with your family and figure out if you will be able to take part in this performance.  Permission forms are due back to me by Friday, February 24th, so I have an idea of who will be able to participate.

More information to come as the date approaches!

Final Details on the 5th Grade Music Program

Final details on the 5th grade music program:


Date: Thursday, February 2nd, 2012

Time: 1:30PM performance for the student body (visitors welcome) AND 7:00PM performance for families and friends

Call Time: Students are asked to report to the MUSIC ROOM by 6:45PM.

Dress: Please have students wear nice dress clothes. No jeans, please, if possible. Students need to keep in mind that they must be able to dance in the shoes they wear, however. This is very important!

Also: If your child owns their own recorder, it is very important that they bring it with them to the evening performance, and NOT leave it in their classroom. Students will not have access to their classrooms as that side of the building will be locked at the time of the performance.

Great Music at Your Public Library!

On Fridays in February, the Old Worthington Library's fireplace area provides a nice place to warm up and enjoy the sounds of some of central Ohio's most talented musicians.  All concerts are free, in partnership with the Jazz Arts Group and the Friends Foundation of Worthington Libraries, and begin at 4:00 PM.

Check out this great line-up:
February 3rd: Dave Powers (piano, vocals)

Febrary 10th: Teen String Quartet (Alexandria Hill, Katrina Kent, Kimerly Lu, and Aubrey Liston)

February 17th: Ukulele Cowboy Society (jazz ukulele by Jesse Chandler and Michael Kaplan)

February 24th: Mark Flugge (piano)

5th Grade Program Fast Approaching

The 5th Grade Music program entitled, "Stories in Song" is fast approaching!  Students will perform on Thursday, February 2nd, 2012 at 1:30pm and 7:00pm. Don't miss this unique performance... it is sure to be unlike anything you've ever seen our Bluffsview Music Students perform before!