This week Mr Dwyer's students are reinforcing their learning of melodic motif creation, having been inspired by Beethoven’s ‘fate motif’ of the 5th Symphony. We are developing rhythmic ideas into a melodic motifs, using crotchets, minims, quavers and quaver rests. Students then learn how to write these ideas on a stave and perform their own motifs on the keyboard.
Each week, Mr Irving gains the attention of his class with a different percussion instrument. This week he used a simple wood block (recently, others have included the vibra-slap, xylophone and cowbell). The lesson pictured focused on polyrhythm and the importance of counting to keep time – preparation for an ensemble presentation and building on the performer aspect of Juilliard's Learner Profile.
With Mr Fernandez, NJM were learning the difference between the voice we use for speaking and the voice we use for singing. While working together, they learned how to take a deep breath before every musical phrase.