The fourth grade students have been studying the instruments of the band and the orchestra, and some of them are learning to play a band instrument this year. Our students have made their own homemade instruments that will be on display during March and April in the two showcases near the cafeteria. On April 23rd, all fourth grade classes will attend a Discovery Concert given by the Hartford Symphony at the Warner Theatre in Torrington. Conductor Daniel D’Addio will present a program called “Discovering Band Music” with works of Bach, Holst, and Mendelssohn.

                                                                        May 2008

Dear Parents,

     As we approach the end of the school year I would like to thank you for helping your son or daughter remember to bring their recorder and book to school on music class day. Please continue to encourage your child to practice 10-15 minutes each day and to have them play a song for you. (Now that the weather is nice, they can even practice outside!) At the end of the school year your child has the opportunity to be part of our 4^th Grade Flag Day Program on June 13^th. Students who can play correctly and memorize the three songs will be able to participate. The songs are:

     Theme from Beethoven’s 9^th Symphony (page 26)

     Yankee Doodle (page 28)

     America (on a hand-out sheet)

     Students are not required to participate in this program, but if they have achieved this level of ability on the recorder, it is an honor for them to participate.

     I have also sent home an information and sign-up sheet for 4^th grade chorus. If you did not get one from your child, you may find a copy on my web page on the Lake Garda website. Please fill it out and have your child return it to me as soon as possible.

     Thank you very much.

     Mrs. Denise Skelton

                                                                                    May 2008

Dear Future Fourth Graders and Parents,

In fourth grade, Lake Garda School offers a choral experience for  students who enjoy singing and would like to improve their vocal abilities.  The choral group will be a half year experience, beginning in September, and will meet during the school day. Students who do not elect to take chorus will be assigned to another activity during that time.

There will be an evening performance in December in which the chorus students are expected to participate. December concert attire consists of a dark skirt or pants (preferably navy or black) and a solid white shirt, blouse or sweater top.

Students may participate in both chorus and band/instrumental music. Since chorus is usually a large group, participation in chorus will be based upon good behavior in both the general music class as well as in chorus.  You will be notified of any behavior difficulties.

I encourage your child’s participation in this musical experience and look forward to working with our new fourth graders in the fall. Please return the form below to your child’s classroom teacher or to Mrs. Skelton by Friday, May 23^rd.

I would like to have my child participate in chorus in fall 2008 and understand that the December evening concert is part of this class.

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Child’s name                   Parent’s signature

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Third grade teacher          Home phone #