Conducting

Today in music class we read a book about some different instruments and the sounds they make.  At the end of the book we saw a picture of the whole orchestra and the conductor in the front.  We practiced saying the words "director," and "conductor," and talked about all the things a conductor does.

We watched a short video about conducting and learned about "crescendo," which is gradually getting LOUDER, and "diminuendo," which is gradually getting softer.  After the video, we made our own batons so we could practice being a director and conducting.  The kids made two batons, one to take home to practice with, and one to leave here to use for later activities.

After we finished, we practiced conducting by taking turns standing on a stool and waving our batons in the air in time to the music.  When we want the orchestra to play LOUD we wave our arms BIG.  When we want them to play SOFT we wave our arms SMALL.  The kids absolutely loved conducting!  Have them practice conducting at home by putting on some classical music, giving them their baton, and letting them have at it.  Make it even more exciting by providing a stool and/or a music stand.

The more you encourage your kids to express themselves musically while they are young, the easier it will be for them to continue to do so as they get older.  So, go forth and conduct!