Tuneful: to be able to sing independently with accurate intonation.
Translation: a child can sing by themselves and stay in tune, in an appropriate key (not too high, not too low.)
We work to develop tunefulness by participating in vocal exploration activities at the beginning of every class. We slide up and down through our vocal range, warming up the tiny muscles that make up our vocal folds (aka. vocal chords.)
Students are constantly singing songs, both short simple tunes and longer more complex melodies. We sing fragment songs, such as echo songs and call and response. This breaks down the phrases and provides a positive vocal example at the same time.
To encourage vocal independence, students in the grades PreK through 1 frequently sing solo (by themselves) a cappella (without any accompanying instruments.)
Students practice singing and creating their own melodies (improvisation) by visiting "The Arioso Kingdom." During this segment of the lesson, students create their own melodies. It can be as simple as humming with a hummingbird finger puppet, or as complex as improvising a sung conversation with a classmate.
As students move into upper elementary grades (2nd through 5th), focus is placed on proper vocal technique. The use of round vowel sounds and crisp consonants helps to create a beautiful choral sound when singing together for performances, such as the Winter and Spring concerts.
How can you extend this learning at home? Encourage your children to sing for you! Ask them to sing a song from Music class. In the coming weeks you may start to see "Ask Me" sheets in your child's take home folder. Make sure you ask your young musician about the song or musical element mentioned on the sheet!
