May Day Festivities

Recently in my music classes, the students learned about the history of May Day, which is May 1^st.   A tall pole decorated with long, brightly colored ribbons, and with flowers on top, is central to the celebration.  Traditional folk music is played while participants dance around the May pole.  Though the meaning of May Day has changed through its history, today it is a symbol of Spring.  

During the 1800’s in England,  villages created their own song, or their own version of a popular folk song, and went from house to house every May Day, singing the town song and delivering a “branch of May”(flowers and greenery) to each home.  This “May Day caroling” would end in the center of town, around the May pole.  First and Second grade classes at GWA recreated this tradition by taking flowers to different people around campus, singing a May Day carol, and wishing them “a joyful May”. We presented May Day bouquets to over 16 different groups or individuals.

Pictured below is Mrs. Pulliam’s 1^st grade class.  They took flowers and sang to Mrs. Rebecca Ratliffe and Mrs. Carolyn Phillips in our Lower School Media Center.

Also pictured is Mrs. Franklin’s 3^rd grade class as they prepared to dance around the May pole in Music.

Georgia Elementary Honor Chorus 2017

The Georgia Elementary Honor Chorus was held this past weekend in Athens, Georgia, at the Classic Center.  Representing George Walton Academy were Evie Carter, McNair Shannahan, and Rosemary Ferguson.  These students were selected by Lower School music teacher, Mrs. Debbie Dyer, based on their musical skills and exemplary behavior.  Over 500 fourth and fifth grade students statewide joined together to perfect challenging music they had been preparing with their music teachers over the past few months.  The concert was held before a packed audience.  Congratulations to these talented young ladies!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

It's Christmas Everywhere!

On Tuesday, December 13th, George Walton Academy 3rd & 4th grade students performed the musical, "It's Christmas Everywhere!"  This program featured songs, dance, and instrumental accompaniments from different countries.  Children wore traditional costumes from various countries around the world.  Selections performed included "Kling, Glochken, Kling", "Kiyoshi Kono Yoru" ("Silent Night" in Japanese), "Aussie Jingle Bells", "A La Nanita (sung in Spanish), "Sing We All Noel", and a rousing African-American version of "Go Tell it on the Mountain".  The presentation concluded with a reprise of the opening song, "It's Christmas Everywhere!" and a parade of nations.  The appreciative audience gave the students a standing ovation!

A THANKSGIVING STORY

Come join us this Friday, November 18th at 9:00am in the Lower School gym of George Walton Academy.  Our K4 and K5 students will present a program you won't want to miss!

Pilgrim girls and Pilgrim boys

Pilgrim minister and Indian boys and girls

Curriculum Night Video 2016

Lower School Music Curriculum Night 2016

In case you missed it, curriculum night at GWA was a hit!  Parents and family members were able to get a "Snapshot" of a day in the life of a student.  Here's a video that gives you a glimpse into the world of Lower School Music:

GEORGIA CHILDREN'S CHORUS IN ATHENS, GEORGIA

Georgia Children's Chorus, in Athens, Georgia has a high-quality choral training program.  Boys and girls ages 7-18 audition and are placed in a choir by ability and age.  Practices are from August to May, on either Tuesdays or Thursdays, depending on which choir you are placed in.  Choristers explore a diverse repertoire from classical works to authentic international, folk, and ethnic music.  They perform at numerous community events in addition to two major concerts in Hodgson Hall in the University of Georgia Performing Arts Center.  Interested singers should contact the GCC office at 706-543-87ll or email gcc@uga.edu This is a wonderful opportunity for students who enjoy singing more challenging music!

Young Artists Programs in Covington

**CLICK FLYER TO ENLARGE.
Mrs.Vaughn is a GWA parent, and works for the Arts Association in Newton County. They have added new programs to the Oxford Singers groups.  They have begun Oxford Little Singers that start in first grade now. Then, they have Oxford Singing Children that is for 4th-7th graders. Performances include Christmas in Covington in the fall and a spring musical later in the year. This year, the younger children will be doing Honk, Jr. and the older kids will do Hairspray. Registrations are currently being held if your child is interested. For further info contact:

Katie Vaughn|, Office: (770) 786-8188 kvaughn@newtoncountyarts.org

www.newtoncountyarts.org

Young Artists Programs in Covington

Mrs.Vaughn' is a GWA parent, and works for the Arts Association in Newton County. They have added new programs to the Oxford Singers groups.  They have begun Oxford Little Singers that start in first grade now. Then, they have Oxford Singing Children that is for 4th-7th graders. Performances include Christmas in Covington in the fall and a spring musical later in the year. This year, the younger children will be doing Honk, Jr. and the older kids will do Hairspray. Registrations are currently being held if your child is interested. For further info contact:

Katie Vaughn|, Office: (770) 786-8188 kvaughn@newtoncountyarts.org

www.newtoncountyarts.org

Welcome and Welcome Back!

Bulletin boards are done, rooms are decorated, supplies organized, and schedules are prepared.  We are very happy to welcome back all our "old" friends, and excited to meet all our "new" friends.  The Lower School Music calendar is jam packed full of many performances, so fasten your seat belt!
It will be a fabulous year!  Here's the link to the Lower School Music Performance Schedule:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9ivxaC9DoMkSS1adjBYR0R5WUE/view?usp=sharing

Maypole and May Day celebrations

This week, we've been celebrating May Day with a little maypole dancing.  I remember enjoying this when I was in elementary school.  I finally found a tutorial showing how to easily make a maypole, and I couldn't wait to try it out.  This is a big hit in all of my classes.  It brings back sweet childhood memories.  I hope it will do the same for many of you!  Happy May Day! *Here's a link to one of my 3rd grade classes dancing around the maypole:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkXDK4fKiTU

"Arf!"--A Summer Camp Musical

"ARF!" the Musical, Summer Camp

Where:  George Walton Academy in Monroe, GA

Dates:  June 6-10

Time:  Monday-Thursday 9am-12noon

            Friday 4:00-7:00pm with a performance at 7:00pm

Ages:  Those entering 1st-5th grades

Instructor:  Mrs. Debbie Dyer

Cost:  $125.00

*You do not have to be a GWA student to attend.  This camp is open to the public!

This is a dog-filled, delightful musical.  All dog breeds are busy rehearsing for the upcoming dog show, vying for 1st place.  The competition makes for a wagging tail/tale!  Students will receive a practice CD, script, light snacks each day, and a Friday pizza party!  A performance for family and friends will close out the week.

To sign up online, click on this link and look for "Arf!" the Musical

https://campscui.active.com/orgs/GeorgeWaltonAcademy#/selectSessions/1376201

"We The People"

Recently, GWA 3rd & 4th graders presented performances of "We the People".  Patriotic songs, such as "This Land is Your Land", "You're a Grand Old Flag", and "God Bless the USA" were a few of the songs included in the program.  Though all the selected songs were the same for both grades, the 3rd and 4th grade scripts were entirely different because each grade wrote portions of the script.  The patriotic performance was a celebration of our American heritage. Kudos to all the children for a job well-done!

SPRING IS HERE!

K4 and K5 Present:  "The Color Factory" 

Thursday, March 10, George Walton Academy's K4 & K5 classes performed the musical,"The Color Factory".  All colors are important, and when we work together, we can make even MORE beautiful colors.  It just takes TEAMWORK!  Thanks to all the K4 & K5 teachers and the parents for helping make the program a success!  A special "thank you" to Mrs. Patti Lewis for designing and decorating the set and stage.  To all my precious students:
YOU DID A MARVELOUS JOB!  I LOVE YOU!
~Mrs. Dyer

 

"Ain't I Rock Candy"

During part of first grade music today, we sang and danced to an American folk song/dance, called "Alabama Gal".  It's a silly song that ends with the phrase, "Ain't I rock candy".  It means, "Aren't I as sweet as rock candy".  To explain what rock candy was, I showed the students a brief YouTube video which demonstrated how to make it.  Here is the link (Preview the ad before the video):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oUUkAT6xeA  I wanted to share it with you in case you wanted to make a batch over the long weekend (Remember, we have Monday off!).  Music is a fantastic medium for teaching many things--in this case, we learned a bit of our American heritage,  the meaning of a new expression,  learned how to "cook", got exercise AND HAD FUN!!  And you thought all we did was sing songs!  :) 

Have a musical day!
Mrs. Debbie Dyer

 

Christmas: A Comparison of Secular and Sacred Christmas music

In music class, we've talked about the meaning of the terms "secular" and "sacred".  We've sung "novelty" Christmas songs such as "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer", "Santa Claus is Coming to Town", and "The Grinch", and we've had tons of fun doing so!   We've also sung "sacred" Christmas carols such as "Away in a Manger", "Joy to the World", "O Come All Ye Faithful", and "Silent Night".  In our 3rd & 4th grade Christmas musical, we sang many secular songs, but we ended with Linus' recitation of the Christmas story from the Bible, followed by a sacred Christmas carol.   Here is my Christmas present to all of you:  Linus' recitation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtPpcWGRb0k  and Josh Groban's presentation of my favorite Christmas carol, "O Holy Night".https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Zh-yR0pbmU  Merry Christmas, and God bless us, everyone!

Stop by and see us!

Parents of K4-4th grade students:

YOU ARE INVITED
              TO
CURRICULUM NIGHT
                at
            GWA
Thursday, October 22nd
             from
       5:30-6:50 pm

Come and see what
my music students
are learning!

We Do MORE Than Sing!

Here is Mrs. May's K5 class performing "Beethoven Bear's Song".  They are demonstrating the difference between the music terms, "forte" and "piano", through singing, movement, and playing different rhythm instruments.  https://youtu.be/pGqMaIC3Nv4  Great job!

ATTENTION GWA LOWER SCHOOL STUDENTS!  Here is some info on auditions for an upcoming play that will be performed at "On Stage Playhouse" in Monroe, GA.:

"THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER"

On Stage Playhouse, 215 High School Ave., Monroe, GA

For more information visit www.onstagewalton.org

 

Auditions will be held:

 

Sept. 24, 6-8pm and Sept. 26, 2-5pm

All actors will be asked to sing in a chorus. Several solos and small group vocalist parts are available. Anyone interested in being a soloist, please come prepared with a song to share, or willing to sing a favorite carol.

*Please come any time during the audition dates and times. Auditions will last about 30 minutes.

LARGE CAST NEEDED!! 

FATHER (Bob Bradley) - -38 years old

MOTHER (Grace Bradley) - 35ish
BETH BRADLEY - the narrator, 10-11 year old
CHARLIE BRADLEY - 8-9
RALPH HERDMAN - 12-13
IMOGENE HERDMAN - 11-12
LEROY HERDMAN - -11
CLAUDE HERDMAN - -10
OLLIE HERDMAN - 8-9
GLADYS HERDMAN - 7-8
ALICE WENDLEKEN - 10-11
MRS. ARMSTRONG - 50ish
MRS. SLOCUM - 35-60
MRS. CLARK - 35-60
MRS. CLAUSING - 35-60
MRS. MCCARTHY – mid 40s
MAXINE - l0-ll
ELMER HOPKINs - 12-13
HOBIE - 9-10
DAVID - 8-9
BEVERLY - 7-8
FIREMAN - 25-30
FIREMAN - 25-30
SHIRLEY - 5-6
JUANITA - 5-6
DORIS - 9-10
REVEREND HOPKINS - 40s

 

WELCOME BACK!

I'm excited to see all my students again!  I've missed you over the summer.  I've got a fabulous year planned for you, and can't wait to get started!  Hurray for a new school year!

Summer Fun!

George Walton Academy offers MANY wonderful summer camps for kids of all ages!   These camps are at the GWA campus, but are open to the public.   Here is a sampling of the camps offered:  GWA Lego Adventures, Princess & Pirates Camp, Photoshop Basics, Art Camp, and MANY more.  Mrs. Donaldson and I are also leading, "101 Dalmatians Music Camp" and we would LOVE to have you join us.  For all the details of our camp and the many others, follow this link:https://campscui.active.com/orgs/GeorgeWaltonAcademy#/selectSessions/974403
Hope to see you there!