2-3 "High Plains Hoedown" Showcase

Howdy, y’all! 
​
All High Plains 2nd & 3rd-grade students will contribute to our upcoming Showcase Event in February! Showcases are a chance for your student to show off all they have learned in their specials classes (music, physical education, art, library, & innovation). The theme for this showcase is “High Plains Hoedown”. We have collaborated to make an all-in-one event where you can see movement, artwork, digital presentations, and music that celebrate Western culture. Here are the details of the upcoming event:
“High Plains Hoedown” Showcase Event
Thursday, February 26th, from 6:30-7:30 pm
On the HPS Main Stage (large gym)
Gym vestibule doors open at 5:55
Call time for performers is 6:00
Concert begins at 6:30

  • Please have your student present at HPS by 6:00 p.m. They will report to their classroom. They will be supervised by their teacher until the concert begins. Audience members can take their seats during this time in the large gym. 
  • Students can wear “Western-style” clothes & accessories. They could also wear their black HPS music shirt. If you are new to our school and have not received a shirt yet, Mrs. Lemons will give your student a shirt for free; thanks, PTCO!
Any exploration around this topic at home will help solidify some of the learning from school and expand your student’s knowledge of Western culture. Thank you for taking the time to support this Showcase Event. We are looking forward to celebrating your student’s work with you!
  • Shawna Lemons
  • Myriah Groover
  • Michael Waido
  • Shena Schultz
  • Lindy Jones
  • Matt Beck

Instrument Exploration

We are learning about the five families of the orchestra in our 2nd - 5th grade classes. If you would like to see fun videos and examples of these instruments, please CLICK HERE to access this presentation. 

4th & 5th Showcase

Our High Plains 4th & 5th grade students presented a wonderful concert as part of our recent Showcase Event! This was an opportunity for students to show off what they learned in all of their “specials” classes with an overarching theme of SPACE. Please enjoy the video below. 

2-3 Showcase Event
Our High Plains 2nd & 3rd grade students presented a concert as part of our Fall Showcase Event! They did AMAZING showing off all of their work!

This was an opportunity for students to show you what they have been doing in all of their “specials” classes with an overarching theme of thankfulness. 

Thank you for taking the time to support this Showcase Event!
​
​Your HPS Specialists,
Shawna Lemons
Michael Waido
Shena Schultz
Matt Beck

HPS Recorder Karate Program for 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Musicians

​The recorder karate program is NEW for us this year! Recorder Karate is a program that encourages student growth and allows for a highly differentiated music class. Plus, it is a fun way to motivate students to make consistent progress in learning how to play their recorder, and will be a long-term goal for your musician. There are a series of songs that progressively get more difficult; After each song that they have completed correctly, they will receive a “karate belt” bead that they will attach to their instrument case. Every student is working at their own level and receiving specific feedback about their progress. To best meet the needs of all students, we have agreed to exemplify Bison R.E.S.P.E.C.T. while participating in Recorder Karate in the following ways:
 
  • ​Responsible - Students need to have all materials for music class which includes: their recorder, blue bag with belt ring, and music folder.
  • Empathetic - Students need to understand and empathize with their peers and what level they are at at the moment. 
  • Safe - All materials and people will be safe in our music space. This includes making this classroom feel like a safe place to learn and grow. Take a re-FOCUS moment when needed. 
  • Persevering - These skill levels are meant to challenge you; Please do not give up - this is a long-term commitment and goal for us this year. 
  • Empowered - Students who reach higher levels can help others achieve. Once students have completed the black-belt level, they will become “Master Musicians”, and can help individuals or small groups as needed. 
  • Curious - Since this is a safe place, students are encouraged to ask questions and feel comfortable in their learning experiences. 
  • Trustworthy - Students will earn their belts during class and are trusted to be in charge of their materials for this process. ​
MASTER MUSICIAN - These students have mastered the recorder and will turn into teacher helps by pulling aside musicians or small sections to improve a particular skill. 

SENSEI - Mrs. Lemons is your music teacher

Bucket Drumming!

We have been using utility buckets a lot lately. Check out this cool presentation all about Bucket Drumming so you can keep on learning at home!

Hoping to play piano? Here are some tips from the pros...

Piano Wrist & Arm Positioning and Playing Resources

The 10 Best Piano Practice Tips to Remember

The Beginner’s Guide to Learning Piano

How To Play Piano

*Special shout out to:
Jen, Jaymee, and Diane for the idea to place these on the website and the first link above. If you also like what you see, pay it forward like they did and share with others. 

Music Theory Studies

Rhythm Studies

Singing Studies
Posture Roll Call
Shoulders are down feet firmly on the ground with slightly bended knees. 
uhuh!
Back is straight to balance my weight my arms are hanging free.
oh yeah!
Lifting my chest helps me breathe my best now there's just one more thing.
what's that?
Hold my head up right and focus my sight and now I'm ready to sing!
booyah!
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