Third Grade students will participate in exciting activities to  reinforce all singing, rhythmic, and music literacy skills introduced in First and Second Grades. Third Grade is a particularly exciting year for students, because they will begin to study the recorder*. The recorder, a woodwind instrument,  is a member of the flute family. Because it shares many playing techniques and fingerings with other instruments such as the flute, saxophone, and clarinet, it is considered to be a "pre-band" instrument. Playing the recorder helps students to develop the muscles needed for playing other wind instruments and assists in strengthening the ability to read music quickly and accurately. On top of learning skills, students will have FUN!

In addition, students will have the opportunity to learn music related to different topics they are studying in the classroom. For instance, boys and girls who are studying Australia can learn even more about Australia through its music. The study of sound comes alive when knowledge is applied to the use of musical instruments. The possibilities are endless during this exciting year.

At the end of the year, students will be visited by Shatekon's Orchestra Director, Mrs. Tallman, who will introduce students to the string instruments they may choose to play in the Orchestra, beginning in  Fourth Grade. These are the violin, viola, cello, and bass. Mrs. Tallman will distribute a detailed information sheet.

*Recorders MUST be purchased through school or brought in from home. They are NOT provided by Shatekon. The projected cost for the recorder for the school year of 2008-2009 is $6. I will collect the funds in September. If you are planning to purchase a recorder outside of the school order, please note that recorders that cost $1 are inferior, and cannot be used during Music class. Please try to avoid purchasing First Act recorders, for the same reason. They are difficult to play and have a poor tone. Your child will play recorder in class until 6th or 7th Grade, making this a very inexpensive investment. Thank you!

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