Simonton Chorus, Take Two

Reminder and last call to Simonton 4th and 5th grade general music students: If you are planning to participate in chorus, you need to report to the music room immediately after school on Tuesday (EVERY Tuesday!). We will rehearse until 3:45 PM, and you need to make sure you have a ride home. Last week we only had three students show. In order to have a functioning chorus, we need AT LEAST 10-12 people to participate regularly. Come on, we can do it! We had an AWESOME after-school chorus last year. Let's do it again! :)

THANK YOU, Ranch PTO

It is with a grateful heart I give a big THANK YOU to the Ranch PTO. They purchased recorders for 4th and 5th grade general music students to use. Students have the option of buying them for $1.00 and they will get to take them home at the end of the year. We couldn't do this without you, PTO, so THANK YOU again!

2nd and 3rd Grade Patriotic Program!

Get ready for our upcoming Patriotic Music Program. It will feature each class doing a "big job," that is, something special that showcases each class. Some classes will be accompanying the singers on instruments and some classes will be presenting a play party (like a combination of a dance and a game). It is going to be a lovely evening and I am sure you will enjoy it! Student participation is required.* There is no particular dress requirement, but students are encouraged to wear red, white and blue! If your student does not have something like that, please ensure they dress in a comfortable but neat manner.

RANCH: Thursday, November 4, 5:00 PM. There is also an open house, book fair, and pie and ice cream social happening after the program!

SIMONTON: Tuesday, November 9th, 6:00 PM.

*If there is a reason your child will be unable to participate, please contact the school or e-mail me. RANCH: 480.882.3530, x1616 SIMONTON: 480.987.5330, x4421 OR ejones@jocombs.k12.az.us

SIMONTON CHORUS

It's time to get Simonton Chorus on board! Chorus will meet every Tuesday after school until 3:45. Any 4th or 5th grader in general music may join. Unfortunately, 5th graders in band or orchestra will not be eligible at this time because of a concert performance conflict. Please see Mrs. Jones for a permission slip. Remember:
* We will start Tuesday, October 26, right after school
* We will end at 3:45
* Students must have transportation home (there is NO LATE BUS!)
* Regular attendance and good behavior are required

Get ready to sing!

4th and 5th Grade

RECORDER TIME! It is that time of year again, when 4th and 5th graders begin on recorder. All 4th graders and Ranch 5th graders will be staring out with letter B, and Simonton 5th graders will be reviewing letters B, A, G and E. Special thanks goes to the Ranch PTO, who are purchasing the recorders for Ranch students.

There are a couple of key points to remember when playing recorder:
* Hold the instrument in the LEFT hand, always!
* Press fingers firmly and completely over the holes. After just a few minutes, you should have "donut holes" on your fingers.
* Play the instrument with slow, soft air, as though you are fogging up a mirror.
* Each note begins with the tongue pressed lightly against the opening of the mouthpiece.