REQUEST: 2nd grade concert video?

Unfortunately, the video camera was not working for the 2nd grade "Spring Sing" concert :( I would love to be able to show a video of it to the 2nd graders, and they keep asking me to see it, so if anyone has a video and is willing to share it with me, I would really appreciate it. If you have a video that you are willing to share, please email me and we can figure something out. Thanks!

Email address: ritter@aaps.k12.mi.us

1st Grade "Spring Sing" Photos

Last night the 1st graders had their "Spring Sing" concert called "A Taste of Music," and they did a great job! I was so proud of how well they sang and all of the new musical skills and concepts that they were able to share last night. I was especially proud of their two part harmony--that was they best they have ever sung it. Thanks to everyone who came to help out and support our 1st graders. I have been blown away at the parent support for our last two concerts and can't wait for the Kindergarten concert tomorrow.

Here are some photos from last night's performance. Great job, 1st graders! I am already looking forward to the 2nd grade next year :)

2nd Grade "Spring Sing" Photos

Here are some photos from the 2nd grade "Spring Sing" concert last night, Peace, Love and Music!

Great job, 2nd Graders!

Dear 2nd Grade Rockstars--

All I can say is...WOW! You were amazing tonight and I couldn't be more proud of your performance. Not only did you sing beautifully, but you were bright, engaged and represented Bryant School as leaders. Each and every one of you shined tonight and I cannot stop smiling thinking about how great you all were. I hope that you had fun and that you are proud of all that you have accomplished. Here are a couple of pictures from tonight--I will post some more soon. You rock!!!

Looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow!

--Ms. Ritter 

Let's Go Blue!

Today in music class we took some time to celebrate the Michigan Wolverines' basketball victories and to cheer them on in the National Championship game tonight! Here is a recording of the "Let's Go Blue!" chant played on metallophones and xylophones :) Go Blue!

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Song Recording

Happy St. Patrick's day from the music room! This past week, the students at Bryant heard and sang a variety of Irish music. We even learned how to Irish jig! One of our favorite Irish songs from this week is an Irish folk song called "Michael Finnegan." Here are two recording's of Ms. Puente's class singing this song. In the recordings you will hear the class sing in 2 parts--melody and harmony. Since this was the 2nd grader's first experience singing the chord roots to a song, I was very happy with what they were able to do after just a short period of time. I love watching and hearing them become much more independent singers and musicians and this is just one example of that. Great job everyone!!!



Also, I have to share with you one of my favorite Muppet videos. It is their version of the old Irish favorite, "Danny Boy" and it just gets me everytime :) Enjoy.

A2SO Concert and Visit

Yesterday, Mr. Kinasz, Ms. McManus, and Ms. Puente's 2nd grade classes went on a field trip to Hill Auditorium to see a performance by the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra. While unfortunately I was unable to go, I heard from the students and teachers that it was a great performance and the students really enjoyed it!

As a special bonus, the conductor of the A2SO, Mr. Arie Lipsky, came to Bryant this morning to talk to our 2nd graders about music. He told them how he grew up in Israel and started out playing the flute and piccolo and then how he started to play the cello. He brought all of these instruments with him and played beautifully on all three. The students were absolutely enthralled with his presentation, and loved listening to his stories. He also talked about how the instruments produce sound, the correlation between size and pitch, and loud vs. soft, which was a great connection with what the 2nd graders are currently learning about in science. Lastly, he taught them some conducting patterns and gave the students a chance to try them out. Overall, it was a wonderful experience and we are so grateful to Mr. Lipsky and the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra for giving us this opportunity!