Mr. Brown
Welcome
Welcome to Mr Brown's Music Page!!!
Please click on the tabs to find important information relating to the musical instruction provided at Whitby Shores P.S.
If there is something more you'd like to know more about, please don't hesitate to let me know.
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Primary
Students in Grades 2 to 3 will enjoy singing and playing hand held percussion instruments during music periods. The main focus will be to develop student's rhythm, as well as to begin learning some of the symbols involved with reading music notation.
The students are encouraged to use their creativity in developing rhythmic compositions, often using bucket drums or boomwhackers.
Students in Grade 1 will have Mrs Melnichuk for music this year; please see her page for any Grade 1 Music information!
Students who are looking for some 'outside the classroom' music are encouraged to see Mrs Melnichuk and/or Mrs Nutt for Primary Choir!
Grade 4 and 5
Grade 4 and 5 students will be participating in the Recorder Karate program. Each student will be required to purchase a recorder, and will need to bring the instrument each and every class.
The recorder is an ideal first instrument for students because it is an instrument that each and every student can find success on.
The students will go through a series of pieces, assigned in a progressive order, and will earn Recorder 'Belts' for their progress. Each belt builds upon the skills learned in the previous belt.
In addition to the Recorder program, the main focus for the Grade 4 and 5 students will be learning to read music fluently from the music staff and continuing to develop their rhythm. This will help the students as they continue their progression to instrumental music, which starts in Grade 6.
Students who are looking for some 'outside the classroom' music are encouraged to see Mrs Melnichuk and/or Mrs Nutt for Junior/Intermediate Choir, or see Mr Brown to join the Percussion Club!
Grades 6 - 8
Students in grades 6-8 are assigned a concert band instrument and enjoy the full experience that music can offer. The main focus will be to continue developing student's reading of musical notation, as they practice and prepare musical selections to play as a class or individually. The students will develop the discipline and creativity needed to learn basic skills on their instrument, such as scales, melodies, note fingerings, and dynamics. The students will periodically have playing tests which they will perform, either individually or as a small group. Never forget that practicing makes perfect and will help improve your mark!
Instruments are provided by the school, and will be shared. Students are made aware of the proper mouthpiece sterilization procedure (as provided by the DDSB) and are encouraged to sterilize their mouthpiece prior to each use. If students wish to purchase (or rent) their own mouthpiece (or instrument), they can order one through the school, or go to a local music store. Prices are reasonable, but do vary depending on the instrument. If you have questions about this, please ask.
Students who are interested in 'outside the classroom' music are encouraged to join the Concert Band, the Percussion Club, try out for Jazz Band, or join the Junior/Intermediate choir. For more info on our band programs, please see the tabs above.
Practicing
Practicing makes up the majority of music homework for all grades.
Students who play concert band instruments are able to take home instruments and method books to practice any night of the week, including weekends.
Regular practice is important for each and every student in order to progress. Taking an instrument home once a week, for a half hour of practicing, is the absolute minimum that each student should be doing. Students who are involved in extra-curricular music ensembles should be doing longer, more frequent, practice as they have more music to prepare.
The key to proper practicing is making a plan to always improve. Students should start with a warmup; something that is easy for them in order to get the air moving properly through the instrument. Remember that practicing something that you already know, over and over again, is not progress... work on the hard parts! Also, remember that music is supposed to be fun, so even practicing should be enjoyable! Take breaks as you need to.
Finally, try to avoid practicing for too long at a time. Your muscles get tired, and this might actually have negative effects on your improvement! Many students do this prior to playing tests. Try to remember this and plan to practice ahead! Regular practice has a direct correlation to better performing marks!
Upcoming Playing Tests
Mr. Albrecht's class - no tests currently announced
Mrs. Drover-Smith's class - no tests currently announced
Mrs. White's class - #113 (Sea Chanty), in class on Thursday March 28 (alone, or with a partner)
Mrs. Geuzebroek's class - Kookaburra, in class on Wednesday March 27 (alone, or in a round of 4 people)
Concert Band
Whitby Shores' Concert Band is open to students in grade 7, and 8. Students in grade 6 may be invited to join the band once they have proven to be fluent on their instrument. The band rehearses weekly after school all year, with a focus on developing the techniques learned in class while in a group setting. Repertoire includes traditional concert band music, along with popular selections. The concert band will participate in nearby music festivals this year, as well as concerts at the school. Band members are expected to practice their parts and come to rehearsals ready to participate fully.
Next Rehearsal - None Currently Scheduled.
Jazz Band
Whitby Shores' Jazz Band is made up of students in grade 7 and 8, who are selected to the band following an audition in September. The jazz band rehearses weekly after school all year. The band's focus is to further develop the skills needed to play in an ensemble, as each member has their own unique part, while at the same time performing challenging selections of repertoire. Band members are expected to practice regularly, as the success of the group relies on each member coming to rehearsals prepared.
Next Rehearsal - None Currently Scheduled.
Percussion Club
Whitby Shores' Percussion Club is made up of students in grades 5 through 8, who are looking to continue developing the rhythm skills learned in class, while at the same time enjoy making a lot of noise! The club meets once a week at lunch and uses equipment ranging from drums to buckets to handheld percussion instruments. A new tradition at school assemblies started last year, with the percussion club opening each assembly on the school's gathering drum. Look for us at a concert this year; there is no doubt you'll hear us!