November Newsletter

NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER

Music
A traditional church hymn has the refrain “How Can I Keep from Singing!” We could sing this every day here at St. Benedict’s.
At our weekly all-school Mass, the singing has been tremendous. Praises to God definitely echo throughout our large church space.
In Kindergarten, the children are enjoying Thanksgiving songs (Super Turkey, Pilgrims) at the same time as they are learning Christmas songs for their upcoming program. They have learned a singing game that always brings giggles – ask them about Bow Wow Wow!
The 1 ^st and 2 ^nd graders are working ahead on songs for their spring program. They have become experts on loud and soft in music and can use the terms forte and piano and even fortissimo!
Our 3 ^rd and 4 ^th graders are learning about notes on the staff. They have been enjoying the traditional song “Over the River and Through the Woods” along with the more contemporary “Pilgrims” and “Super Turkey.” Fourth graders will soon put their music knowledge to use as they begin playing recorders.
In 5 ^th grade, students are reviewing their prior music knowledge, especially rhythms, even including sixteenth notes and syncopation. After Christmas they will dive into study of recorders and will be able to earn Recorder Karate belts in record time.
The 6 ^th and 7 ^th graders have begun adding instrument accompaniments to short poems and nursery rhymes. In the process, they have been introduced to diatonic and pentatonic scales. This knowledge can then be applied to barred instruments such as xylophones and metallophones. Their creativity will later lead them into opportunities for composing.
In 8 ^th grade students can be found planning out an imaginary band or music group. Project choices include creating an album cover, planning the band’s performance schedule, writing character descriptions of their band members, and composing a cover song or remix. Creativity abounds!

Faith Corner
At this time of year, many Christian churches hear Bible readings about the end of time and the return of Jesus. These Sunday readings will be followed by those of Advent – back to the beginning, and those ancestors in faith who were waiting for Jesus’ coming. As we experience the change in seasons, the changes in rapidly-growing families, and the changes in the Church year, we remember that St. Augustine told us that God is “EVER ANCIENT, EVER NEW.” May we all take some quiet time to refresh ourselves and speak as a friend to the God who loves us.