December was filled with winter concerts all across the district! The GPS community was treated to seasonal sounds from our Bands, Choirs, Orchestras and Middle School Select Ensembles. As students prepared, they not only reinforced and perfected repertoire, but also learned what it means to perform as a group and work together.
Students might ask: How do I know that I played the correct rhythm? Is my third finger position the same as my peers? What does it mean to articulate clearly and how do I do it? Is my vowel shape correct? What is the length of phrase for this song? Am I keeping a steady beat while watching the conductor? What do I do if I miss a rhythm and loose my place with the ensemble?
Students are constantly refining their practice by reflecting in the moment as they are playing and hearing their ensemble peers. Performing music is certainly an amazing experience which gives the audience a smile and opportunity to tap their feet, but the cognitive processing each student experiences pays dividends for developing our learners in multi-sensory feedback loops that increase their capacity to problem solve and process multi-step tasks.
Understanding what it means to be a performer is another lesson concert season brings for students. It can be challenging to manage nerves when performing in front of peers and community members, whether it is the first time or tenth time. Understanding emotions while also being mindful of the feedback from our conductor/teachers is an important framework for future success in life and all our school-based pursuits.
Grade K-2 students have worked with different mediums such as chalk and pastels to capture still life. Students drew inspiration from Alma Thomas as they worked with markers to explore abstract designs and scenes. Then students extended their 2D technique to developing watercolor skills with dip/drip/dab/dash, to perfect brush stroke control.
Our MS students have been working with mixed media as they plan, create, reflect and express their artistic purpose. Both CMS and WMS celebrate their semester 1 art shows in January, while EMS and ISD had receptions in December. Our district Art show will be upcoming March 25, 26 and April 1st at 299 Greenwich Ave, in the Greenwich Arts Council galleries. Both school-based art shows and our district art show are listed online in our 2024-25 Arts Performance Calendar
Want to learn more about what your child is learning in Art & Music? Contact James Antonucci at james_antonucci@greenwich.k12.ct.us
Please follow us on X: @GPSArt_Music
HORSE at Riverside
Riverside School held their annual 5th Grade PE HORSE Basketball Tournament. Here is a picture of the student winners with PE Teachers Bill Bogardus & Jay D’Andrea
Winter golf at Cos Cob School
For the second year in a row PE Teachers Phil D'Amato and Mike Fina bring in some holiday cheer to the Cos Cob community. The holiday themed course was integrated into a PE segment on golf
Ghost Bowling at Parkway
At the end of October, students at Parkway School eagerly jumped into the highly anticipated Ghost Bowling unit in PE! In this exciting unit, students worked in teams to knock down ghost-themed pins using an underhand toss with bean bags. They practiced consistent tossing patterns to improve accuracy and distance, applied the concepts of direction and force to aim at their targets, and, most importantly, strengthened their teamwork and collaboration skills while working toward a shared goal.
Academic Curriculum Coordinators
If you enjoyed this newsletter and would like it mailed directly to your inbox, click on the "Follow" box on your right!
Website: https://www.greenwichschools.org/teaching-learning/k-8-curriculum
Location: 290 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich, CT, USA