Advent & Christmas Blog

What a fun season for music! I just love teaching seasonal songs.

Each class has been practicing their own song for the big Christmas Program. The program is Thursday, Dec. 12 at 9:00am and 7:00pm in the church.

I am excited to see the show come together. They should all be proud of their grade song and together the entire school will sing the last song of the program.

The 3rd and 4th graders are writing 'Thank You' songs. They could pick any song they like and just change the lyrics to words of thanks. They could also write their own tune for their lyrics. They are very creative and it is fun to see what ideas they come up with. They will be able to share their songs with the class if they would like to after the Christmas Program.

The Advent Mass on Dec. 4 was a beautiful way to begin the season.

The choir went on a caroling adventure to Barnes & Noble on Thurs. Dec. 5th after school. It was fun to see them enjoy singing Christmas Carols and share their music. They will also go caroling later this month to Carondelet Village.

Keep singing and dancing..............

Mrs. Olson

Nov. 1- All Saints Day

The past few weeks in music have been fun with songs about Fall and Halloween. 

This week, each class enjoyed watching a 10 min. Scholastic Video based on the book Dem Bones and the song Dry Bones. It is great to have a 

Smart Board for watching and for other interactive music activities. They also played many instruments in a musical play called 'Pumpkin Party'.

We celebrated an all school mass today for All Saints Day. I was proud of the choir and for everyone there for great singing! 

The choir has a new look with their new T-Shirts. What a great group of singers. 

Now, we celebrate all that we are thankful for. We will also start to prepare for our big Christmas Program. It is called Angels Aware. It will be performed on Dec. 12 in the church. Each class will sing their own song as part of the musical production and wear outfits that go along with their song. The entire school will also sing a song at the end called Glory to God. I am looking forward to being part of a great tradition at Hi-C with their Christmas Programs. I used to come and watch my nieces and nephews in them years ago. 

The next family mass is for 5th graders on Wed. Nov. 13 at 12:00. The next All School Mass is Wed. Dec. 4 at 12:00. 

Sincerely,

Jean Olson

j.olson@highlandcatholic.org

October Music News

I am opening my blog with a Musician's Prayer that I have the choir students read before rehearsal. 

Musician's Prayer

Divine Composer, 

I start this day on a joyful note, thanking you for all the blessings You have orchestrated in my life. Help me to live in harmony with others throughout the day. 

May I be Your instrument, in concert with Your will and in tune with Your way~ Trusting I always have You as my accompaniment. And at day's end, may I know that I have played my part to put a song in every heart. Amen.

The choir will be singing at the Nov. 1st, All Saints Mass at 12:00. We hope to see many families there. 

Our music classes continue to follow the curriculum, Game Plan lessons.

Students are starting to play some Orff instruments such as the Xylophones and Glockenspeils along with other rhythm instruments.

I have started a 'music share' time where a student or 2 may share a quick minute or two of music in front of the class. So far we had someone play their violin, recorder, xylophone and bongo drums. This will be a great opportunity for both the audience and participant. It will not take away from the lessons of the day, it will happen if there is time. No pressure either. Students do not have to share, only if they wish to.

If anyone has a favorite Mass Song, I would love to have you 'reply' with some suggestions. I like to hear what families like to sing. Thanks and have a great October!

Mrs. Olson

First month of music

Hello from Jean Olson. I am at Hi-C this year for Rosie Romportl teaching her K-4 music classes and 5/6 choir. I also visit the preschool classes once a week. The staff, students and families have been so welcoming and kind. 

The music program follows a curriculum called Game Plan. Each grade has it's own program with lesson plans and visuals. 

Kinders- are singing songs and enjoying music activities about the animals on the farm. Each music class is about a different animal that we add from the barn. So far we have met the duck, hen and lamb. We are waiting to sing about the pig, horse and cow.

1st grade is learning to keep a steady beat. The other day we sang a fun song about 'monkey see and monkey do'.

2nd grade is learning rhythms and enjoys 'Charlie over the Ocean' and learned the difference between locomotor movements and nonlocomotor movements while listening to music.

3rd grade has been busy singing 'so mi la' patterns and clapping rhythm patterns. They know how to walk like a quarter note, half note and whole note along with listening to music. 

Many classes have learned 'who has a color' song and 'who has the penny' game.

The 4th graders learn to play the recorder. It is exciting to play songs on your own instrument and it helps to learn to read music. They have officially learned 'Hot Cross Buns' and were able to play it along with accompaniment. 

Choir is on Thursday mornings from 8:15-8:55 for 5th & 6th graders. The choir includes both boys and girls and will be singing at the All School All Saints Mass on Nov.1st. They will sing at all of the All-School Masses and some other events. We have had 2 great rehearsals. I love hearing their beautiful voices! 

Coming Soon!

Check back this fall for new blog entries.