5th graders are learning about the song “Carol of the Bells.” This song is a popular Christmas carol that was originally composed by the Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych in 1904 and is based on a folk chant known in Ukrainian as “Shchedryk.” The song is easily recognizable for its four-note ostinato. We listened to three different versions of the song:
The Trans Siberian Orchestra
Libera (a boys chorus)
The Pentatonix (an a capella group)
We then learned to play the tune on our ukuleles! Next week we will try it with note reading and xylophones.
Here are the ukulele frets to use to play this song:
Our 5th Grade Farewell is coming up in June! We are practicing these songs to sing at it:
The National Anthem
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Bridge Over Troubled Water
When you’re weary, feeling small,
When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all;
I’m on your side. When times get rough
And friends just can’t be found
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down.
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down.
When you’re down and out,
When you’re on the street,
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you.
I’ll take your part.
When darkness comes
And pain is all around,
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down.
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down.
Sail on silvergirl,
Sail on by.
Your time has come to shine.
All your dreams are on their way.
See how they shine.
If you need a friend
I’m sailing right behind.
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind.
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind.
For Good
For Good
I’ve heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led to those who help us most to grow
If we let them and we help them in return
Well, I don’t know if I believe that’s true
But I know I’m who I am today because I knew you…
Like a comet pulled from orbit as it passes the sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder halfway through the wood
Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good
It well may be that we will never meet again
In this lifetime so let me say before we part
So much of me is made of what I learned from you
You’ll be with me like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine by being my friend…
Like a ship blown from its mooring by a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a skybird in a distant wood
Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
Because I knew you
I have been changed for good
And just to clear the air
I ask forgiveness
For the things I’ve done you blame me for
But then, I guess we know
There’s blame to share
And none of it seems to matter anymore
Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes the sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better?
I do believe I have been changed for the better
Because I knew you…
Because I knew you…
Because I knew you…
I have been changed for good…
Students in fourth and fifth grade were given a “mystery tune” to figure out on our xylophones and glockenspiels. The hint was that it is a song that is very popular on the radio, and that the tune they were playing was the chorus of the song. Test out your own music reading skills by printing out the mystery tune and playing it on the virtual xylophone at:
The West Chorus, Band, and Orchestra presented their concert on Tuesday night at Plymouth North High School. It. Was. Awesome!!! Great job everyone!
The band, led by Mrs. Kos, played Fanfare on Ode to Joy, Lyric Prelude, and Dragon Dance. They were outstanding! The orchestra played several songs including Frere Jacques, Lightly Row, and the Can Can. They were superb! The chorus, led by Ms. Friedmann (me) sang “Sing,” “Food Glorious Food,” “I Won’t Grow Up!,” “If I Only Had a Brain,” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!” They were fantastic!! More pictures to come!
The West Elementary Music Blog! 