The 5th grade practiced singing in unison (all together) and harmony (separate parts) using rounds in 1, 2, 3, and 4 part harmony.  Stein Round   Wade Round

 

 

Several 6th, 7th, and 8th graders traveling into classrooms on the last day before Winter Break to spread some holiday cheer!

 

The 2nd grade learned about ostinato using the song “Brother John”, which some might also know by its French title, “Frere Jacques”.  The students learned that an ostinato is a small part of the music that gets repeated over and over, while the melody is layered on top of it.  Sometimes the ostinato can have a few words repeated over and over, sometimes it can be an instrument playing a few repeated notes, sometimes it can can be a short repeated rhythm pattern.  Here, you’ll hear some students singing “Brother John” over and over (the ostinato) while the rest of the class sings the melody at the same time.  It’s a simple way to make harmony together.  Enjoy!  Brother John Ostinato

In addition to all grades learning the traditional “Auld Lang Syne”, Grades 1, 2, and 3 learned a Japanese New Years song!  Here is is, performed by Grade 2.  Enjoy!      Japanese New Year

 

Grades PreK, K, and 1 are also enjoying a song called “Colorful Mittens”, where we work on skills like color identification, rhyming, and independence.  Students select the colored mitten off of the feltboard that rhymes with the given word.  Colorful Mittens

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mrs. Fabiano’s 4th grade class re-wrote the lyrics to “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”, in the style of a ballad (a slow song that tells a story).  All groups were required to use the words December, Snow, and Winter.  Students had to be careful with syllable count, as well as rhyming patterns, to make the song work.  We then added a xylophone part.  Enjoy!

 

The 4 Penguins

The Destroyers

Eagles

The Watersons

Lightning

The Vampires

Bulldogs

Every student in the school district is learning this song of peace.  This is a recording of the MJD choir singing it.  Click here:  Let There Be Peace CHOIR

Here are the lyrics:

Let there be peace in Bayonne, and let it begin with me.

Let there be peace in Bayonne, the peace that was meant to be.

We work with one another, as one big family.

Let me walk with my brother, in perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me, let this be the moment now.

With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow.

To take each moment, and live each moment, with peace eternally.

Let there be peace in Bayonne, and let it begin with me.

Let there be peace in Bayonne, and let it begin with me.