Preparing for International Day of Peace

September 21st is International Day of Peace. In music we have talked have talked about how we make peace with each other. Students shared how being a good friend and helping someone who is hurt are ways we work together peacefully every day. In class we are learning the folk song "Peace Round."

"What a goodly thing if the children of the world could live together in peace."

Untitled from Valerie Díaz Leroy on Vimeo.

The lyrics were written by Jean Ritchie in 1964. Her original lyrics are different from the ones we learned in class. This being a folk song, I learned it aurally. It important for us to realized that the words may change, but the message remains the same.

To reinforce Sra. Bockman-Pedersen's Spanish lesson, we are also reviewing "Niños Por la Paz" in class. K-4 sung this two years ago at Celebrate the Arts. This is one of my favorite Spanish songs!

A look back...

Take a look back on all the fun we had last week!

Much Ado About Mozart
Second Graders are Getting a Head Start

First Graders retelling Otto Goes to the Beach.

Second Graders are Getting a Head Start

This fall the Second grade will perform A Small Part of the World. This week students started learning some of the songs for their show. Each week second graders will study a different continent until we have sung songs from around the world. They are already excited to perform!

Untitled from Valerie Díaz Leroy on Vimeo.

Much Ado About Mozart

The Kindergartners and Fourth graders are leaning songs by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Each grade began class by listening to a piece by Mozart. As they listened, students drew whatever the music inspired in each of them. Kindergarteners listened to the overture to The Marriage of Figaro, and Fourth graders listened to Rondo Alla Turca. They then began to study the form through song and dance.

Drumming with Matt Savage

This Saturday Claudia McIvor and I attended a workshop sponsored by the Greater Tampa Bay Area Orff Chapter. Matt Savage, a talented percussionist and drum circle leader, shared drumming techniques and tips with us on incorporating drumming into our classrooms and school communities. We had a great time learning and making beautiful music. At the end to the day all of us teachers left inspired and anxious to get back to teaching!


"See the rhythm
Hear the rhythm
Feel the rhythm
Play the rhythm
Live the rhythm
The rhythm is life
Rhythm alive!"

from Rhythm Alive by Matt Savage

A great start to the year for all!

What a week! I have met with each class for music and everyone is excited for this year! After reviewing our safety drills and music room rules I got to know a little more about your children. Kindergarten created a Wordle based on what they know about music and grades 1-4 took a survey on their likes and desires as a musician.


With the help of the book Otto Goes to the Beach by Todd Parr, first graders began reading rhythms. Students matched up a phrase in the book, "Poor Otto," with quarter notes and double eighth notes. They then created a new rhythm and retold the story on their own.

Welcome Back

Welcome back from a wonderful summer. My summer started with Sewing Camp. Mrs. Bell and I taught a group of already talented sewers how to make everything from pillows to lunch bags. Inspired by our campers, I continued to sew all summer long. This bag is one of my favorite summer projects.


I also traveled a bit. My favorite trip was up to Vermont. The rolling hills and fresh fruit were unforgettable! This picture was taken at the Billings Farm and Museum, where I saw a quilt show and got to felt wool!


I hope you are looking forward to this school year as much as I am! We have a full year of exciting lessons and performances and I can't wait to get started. As you walk into the music room please take note of my favorite poster which reads, "It's okay to make a mistake when you've tried. It's a mistake not to try." I want to encourage you all to try new things and to step out of your comfort zone this year. Don't be afraid-go for it! I'll be right there with you.