Sleigh Rides

December is "Sleigh Ride" month in the music room!

Kindergartners listen to Leroy Anderson's beloved piece, finding the sounds of the sleigh bells, horses' hooves, whip, and whinny.  Then they create and perform a score using the song "Jingle, Bells!" and some sleigh bells: some children perform the singers' line in the score, while others are following the line for the sleigh bells.

Fourth-graders also hear Anderson's "Sleigh Ride" numerous times, as they learn a challenging body-percussion piece to be performed along with it.  This activity is a favorite of mine and of many of the kids as well.

And third- and fourth-grade recorder players have been learning an arrangement of "Jingle, Bells!" which we will perform several times on Wednesday the 12th.  Starting at 12:30, we'll be touring the school and playing in the hallways and common areas.