The Rhythm Kitchen

Adapted from Chapter 3 in “Adventures in Musicland”

Sarah and Nikolai arrived home after a long day at school.Their mommy left a note on the table to remind them to eat a snack. But instead, Sarah and Nikolai wanted to go to Musicland. They racedup the keyboard staircase, to see who could be faster, and more forte
* Play "giant, alarm clock" in pairs alternate hands.

When they arrived at the Purple Dragon's Cave, they smelled the mostdelicious aroma of food coming from the Castle kitchen.
"Red Giant must be cooking today," purred Yellow Cat. "Red Giant is areally good chef."
They walked towards the castle. Outside the kitchen of the Castle wasa large sign that read, "Rhythm Kitchen"

"Let's see what we can order for our snack!" said Sarah.

"Welcome to my delicious Rhythm Kitchen," boomed Red Giant.“Let me explain a quarter note gets one count; words like and have one short syllable like quarter notes.Two eighth notes get one count; words like and havetwo short syllables.A half note gets two counts; words like , , haveone long syllable.Now can I show you what I'm making today?”
*See Giant Chef Menu pg 17

"Yummy!" said Sarah and Nikolai together. "We will try everything"

After they ate their snack, they said thank you to Red Giant for allthe delicious food from the Rhythm Kitchen in the castle.They were very excited to tell their mom about the quarter notes,eight note pairs and half notes.

Nikolai played the two black key-Caves, “piano” while saying“pancakes, pancakes”Sarah played the three black key-castles, “forte” while saying "pumpkin pie"
* Use the third finger to play the black keys individually, relaxed hand

When they got home, their mom asked them what they would like fordinner. They looked at each other grinning, and said together "RhythmSoup!"

Musicbytes Lesson1

Hey Parents!
It was wonderful to see everyone for the first class the other day onWednesday. For the Fall 2009 session we have Valerie, Lila, Katelynand Maggie!

In this newsletter:
1. Class timing
2. Lesson structure
3. NAC Kinderconcert series!

I just wanted to remind everyone to arrive on time at 5pm. I willleave the door unlocked so you can bring your child inside and guideher downstairs to the studio. The official lesson time will finish at5:30pm because some parents need to pick up their child and be home intime for dinner etc. However our last activity is a "craft" so it'sfine with me if you want to pick up your child at 5:40. Once againI'll leave the door unlocked because there are lots of children tokeep an eye on with coloured markers too! :)

Basically in 30 minutes:
1. Opening song.
2. "Sing and Dance" to selections from children's CDs with a specificpurpose: for example for the lesson on tempo - adagio, moderato,allegro we'll have songs with slow, medium and fast motions. Specialequipment - scarves, parachute, drums, puppets etc.
3. Storytime. This is the core lesson from the Musicland storybook.Each of the chapters (short story) covers a specific topic.
4. Piano playing - there will be hands on playing of music, related tothe lesson. I have one piano so the kids will take turns.
5. Writing Exercises - this is from the workbook geared for this age,colouring, drawing a circle around the correct object, joining lines,and eventual writing music notes! or a simple craft.
6. Our "Good-bye" song. It makes saying bye alot easier :)

My goal is that the kids will learn the names of the notes on thepiano, have age-appropriate control of left and right hand fingers,and play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star by heart.

HOMEWORK THIS WEEK
1. Play "Dragon Stomp"
2. Colour and decorate Yellow Cat (If you continue with othermusicland characters, please use the correct colouring scheme)

KINDERCONCERT SERIESThe NAC offers 4 terrific concerts for children aged 3 to 8. Instruments, animation and storytelling capture youngsters'imaginations, providing fun and discovery of the endless wonders ofmusic! "Fred Piston and his 7 Trumpets" on Sunday, November 1, 2009.
All concerts are held in the NAC Panorama Room on the floor. Bring acomfy cushion and join in the fun!http://nac-cna.ca/en/family/kinderconcerts.cfmBuy tickets online, about $6.50 each.