About half of the 4th and 5th grade kids in STOMP had experience with musical instruments while the other half did not, or so they thought.
Ms. Brenda Larson and Ms. Micki Rebeck informed them that they have been making music all of their lives, but they haven’t noticed it.
Larson explained, “What we are trying to do is expose kids to rhythm and movement which can be exercising at the same time. To help them hear sounds, we had them make a makeshift instrument to make a sound and choreograph dances with their instruments.”
Both teachers said that the kids showed great manners and were very nice to one another. “It’s a very good group,” said Rebeck.
The class took many trips: They went to the fitness club to experience ways to incorporate rhythm in music with exercising, and they visited Robert M. Sides to look at all the different kinds of instruments.
Mark Odorizzi exclaimed, “It’s fun! We have to find the beat in music.” He also said that they listen to music that people wouldn’t normally pay any attention to. Example are the workers who were fixing the windows of the chapel, tapping and moving around as they listened to a radio, or others being oblivious to all the different noises outside.
Kayleen Maihle commented that her favorite thing was bringing in CDs and listening to the beats and the counts of the music. She also said excitedly, “It’s a very fun class, and I would definitely do it again next year if I get a chance!” Maihle added, “What we are working on is very fun; we’re listening to the beats in the music and learning |
