Grade 3 is an exciting year in Wesley’s music program. Each year, our students enthusiastically anticipate learning ukulele. This year was certainly no exception. We start off learning the parts of our new instrument and then how to hold the ukulele with one hand to play (which is not as easy as it looks!). Students are introduced to the open strings and start off right away reading simple melodies on the staff using their first four notes.
It is rewarding for students to apply the solfege and rhythm concepts they have learned in grade 1 and 2 to an instrument and to play along with some familiar songs from previous years. We often get a chance to play some of our favourite primary music games while reinforcing our new instrument skills. Some of our favourite games include hobby horse facing while playing the song Bell Horses and a ball bouncing contest while playing the song Bounce High, Bounce Low.
Throughout the year, students will build on their music skills by learning and applying new dotted rhythms to their playing as well as learning how to play the pentatonic scale and C Major scale on their instrument. Just for fun, we will explore some chords as well! Later in the year, students will have the opportunity to join the Ukulele Ensemble and are showcased at our end of year Spring Concert.