Move it! Move it! Move it!

How do I move my hands?
Perfecting xylophone technique.

Movement is an important tool in our music room.  We use our bodies to deepen our understanding of many elements in our curriculum such as beat, rhythm, melody and form.  Students refine their fine motor control as they develop effective instrumental technique, and they explore creative gestures to express ideas and feelings. 

How many different ways can elephants move?
Let's find out as we move to the next instrument!

All of this is important, but our movement work helps students learn more than just our musical objectives!  As they work physically, children also develop an understanding of their own unique bodies, and how they relate to the people around them.  This helps build a sense of ensemble, of making music “like a team” by synchronizing our many different “selves” into one powerful collective.  Students learn first hand the benefits of co-operation and the advantages of being a part of a community.

Kindergarten students curling up small
like Halley Hedgehog.

It may look like we’re just dancing or pretending to be gorillas, but there’s a lot going on under the surface!