Nutcracker

As a music teacher I think it is important for students to recognize music that is familiar in the world around them.   For example a student several years ago, upon hearing the main theme of the Hallelujah Chorus, excitedly told me that he knew where the song was from.  Spongebob!, he told me excitedly.  Along these lines I teach third graders a unit based on the Nutcracker Ballet,  We focus on form, overture, ballet, theme, history, and instruments.  We do movement, rhythm and singing activities in addition to attending a performance at the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center.  The unit and activities are always very exciting for the students.  This year I added a Nutcracker Spotting wall where students could add where they had heard music from the Nutcracker outside of the music room.  Students from all grades participated in this activity and it was a huge success.

After attending the ballet the students write a review of the performance.  All students should see the value of writing in all subjects.  We discuss what a review is and read samples, the students pre write and then write a final draft.  I grade the students on content for this piece.  Here are a few cute ones.