Today we played lots of songs in the key of G (G,A,B,C,D,E,F#,G). We now know enough notes to play E minor (Em) scale (E,F#,G,A,B,C,D,E). E is called G's "relative minor" because it is composed of the same notes with a different tonic (home tone or the note you end on). For G major the tonic is G and for E minor the tonic is E.
We practiced slurring notes and learned to play staccato. This just means to play the note 1/2 of its written value. A staccato note is indicated by a dot over or under the note. We learned one new note, C#, which allows us to play a full D scale (D,E.F#,G,A,B,C#,D). See recorder sheet 7 for scales and fingerings.
The new song for this week is Down in the Valley. Recorder sheet 8 has the melody part and two harmony parts. Students should continue practicing the songs from last week in the key of G, scales from sheet 7, Down in the Valley, Ode to Joy (challenge yourself with harmony part 1 if the melody is too easy), and Edi Beo thu Hevene Quene (This is on the back of Hot Cross Buns - practice student or teacher part).
