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Monday, December 16, 2013

Thursday, December 12, 2013

WONDERFUL PERFORMANCE!!



3rd & 4th grade students, you did a FABULOUS job on "It All Happened in the Country"!  I was very proud of all of you!  All of the practices and hard work paid off!  Thank you for a job well done!  I love you and hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

Love,
Mrs. Dyer

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

This 'n That

ATTENTION PARENTS!  Here's some info I'd like you to know:

1.  Georgia Children's Chorus is holding ongoing auditions for boys and girls with treble voices , ages 8-18.  If you are interested in having your child try out or wish to find out more info, contact the GCC office at 706-542-8711 or email gcc@uga.edu  Rehearsals are held in Athens.

2.  In my music classes, I award a "Noteworthy" to children who answer questions, help pass out papers, are especially kind to others, etc.  Children fill out a "noteworthy" coupon and drop it in my bucket and at the end of each month, I draw out several names.  These students are then permitted to choose a small prize from my treasure chest.  If you would like to contribute small items from the dollar store to help replenish my goodies, I would greatly appreciate it!  

3.  If you are aware of any musical opportunities for elementary aged children (concerts, audition choirs, workshops, for example), contact me and I will do my best to post the info on my blog.  Also, if your child has won a musical award, please let me know that as well!  I love to share good news! 

Musically Yours,
Mrs. Debbie Dyer

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Music and Dance Go Hand-in-Hand!

In my music classes, we engage in many forms of dance and movement.  American folk dances are some of my favorites!  Here's why:
1.  Folk dancing is part of our American heritage!  Before computers, ipads, iphones, and modern technology, singing and dancing and playing musical instruments were the main form of entertainment.
2.  Listening skills are increased--The calls (directions) are given by the caller (person giving directions) and students must immediately perform the dance moves.
3.  Social skills are practiced--Boys and girls learn to bow and curtsy, and also how to dance with different people of both genders.
4.  Students learn the basic music skill of "keeping the beat"!  Most folk dances have a strong, well-defined beat.
5.  Children are MOVING!  Many times, students come to me after having done desk work for an hour or so, and dancing re-energizes them!
6.  Folk dancing is FUN!  Ask your child, almost all my students LOVE to folk dance!

Here's a short video of a 3rd grade class performing "Heel-Toe Polka":
http://youtu.be/I8LgjAcPUUE
       

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Musically Healthy Children

As we begin a new school year, I'd like to remind everyone to stay musically healthy!  God gave us an incredible gift when he gave us the "voice".  It is a built-in instrument that is one of the most flexible instruments ever!  With our voices we can sing, whistle, make animal sounds, cry, cluck, whine like a fire truck siren, and make a multitude of sounds.  We must preserve this gift by taking special care of it.

Here are a few tips:

1.  Eat healthy foods.  Since our voice is part of our body, we need to keep it strong and well.  Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is one way to do that!
2.  Get plenty of rest.  Ever notice how your voice sounds "scratchy" after you have spent the night with a friend?  When you stay up late, and don't give your voice "rest time", it is overworked.
3.  Yelling AND whispering can injure your voice.  Most people know that yelling or screaming hurts your voice, but whispering is harmful, too.  It's best to speak in a NORMAL voice, just do it more quietly.  Here's one link that helps explain it:  http://blogs.voices.com/voxdaily/2009/07/the_dangers_of_whispering_for_your_voice.html
4.  Drink plenty of water.  The vocal cords work best when moist and free of excess mucus.  If your body is dehydrated, your voice will be, too.  Avoid caffeinated drinks, as caffeine pulls moisture out of your body.  Water is best!
5. Medicine can affect your voice.  Many over-the-counter cold and flu medicines can dry out even the healthy mucus your voice needs to function properly.  The National Center for Voice and Speech has a list of prescription medicines and how they may affect your voice--*Parents, check it out!
6.  Stop talking or singing if you are hoarse or your voice is raspy.  Limit talking when your voice is tired.  Do not talk or sing through it.  You can damage your voice if you continue to use it when it is strained.
7.  Avoid being around smoke or other pollutants.  Strong scents and cleaning products can cause irritation that often affect the voice.

These are just a few ways to help keep your voice healthy!  For more information, go to the National Center for Voice and Speech at:  http://www.ncvs.org/   Happy Singing!