Summer SAVY, Session 3 Day 5, “Math & Music” (5th-6th)
I’m so sad to be writing this because it means our wonderful week has come to an end! It has truly been a joy having your children in class. Each one of them is so special, and I feel lucky to have spent this time with them. Thank you for sharing them with me – I’ve loved every moment!
Today, we spent time exploring what really counts as an instrument. After some lively discussion, we came to a definition together. An instrument is… anything that makes sound!? We did our best to challenge our perception of what we consider an instrument and really ended up with a big question mark! Music really can be made anywhere from anything! To bring that idea to life, we watched videos of the Blue Man Group and STOMP!, where performers create music using all sorts of everyday objects. It was amazing to see how music can come from just about anything around us. I have linked the videos we watched below:
We leaned into the world of percussion, learning how musicians keep rhythm through pulsing and internal beats. Everyone received their own drumsticks, which we taped up just like real percussionists to protect both our musicians’ hands and the sticks. The students had a great time experimenting with their own patterns and letting their creativity shine as they explored different rhythms. It was fun to see them really get carried away on a drum solo! Watch out – they might put a Home Depot bucket on their Christmas Wish List!
Next up was the recorder… If your kids come home sounding like squawking birds, I would like to apologize, but I PROMISE we focused on the proper way to play it! We learned about the techniques for focused air, stopping the sound with our tongue, and not over-blowing. Recorders really do sound great with a bit of practice! We played some call-and-response songs as a group, building both skills and confidence. The energy was fun and supportive, and it was clear the kids enjoyed making music together. Now that students had all the right “skills,” we could conquer our final project!
To wrap up the week, we hopped into groups and composed a song with a few special rules: each “musical mathematician” must have a solo, the song needs some repetitive rhythm or pattern, and it had to teach listeners something about math. The final product was 4 lively, creative pieces that brought together everything we’ve learned about music and math. It was a perfect way to celebrate the week’s discoveries.
I’m so grateful to have spent this week with such wonderful students. I hope this experience has sparked a lasting love for music and math, and that your children carry that excitement with them as they continue to learn and grow.
Zoe Kendall