Turkey in the Straw for Grades 3-8

This is optional instructional material for the 3-8 grade guitar class.

10-21-09: Grades 3-8

We are working on flatpicking the melody to the song Bile Them Cabbage Down. For the next two weeks, students will have the chance to earn a certificate for playing this song solo in class. Here is a short video explaining how to play the song:

It's About Time!

We've been in session several months already this year, and I am finally getting around to my first post. The students have made a noticeable improvement since last year. It is very rewarding to see the progress everyone is making in both of the classes.

Quick Change Awards

I have started presenting the Quick Change Awards to the 3rd-8th grade class. So far, we've had a good response from the students. Those that have tested and received the award are: Bailey G., Courtney R., Anthony R., Sean K., and Trevor B. Congratulations to you!

I allow about 5 students per class session to test for the award. Students have to perform the verse to the song "Redwing." Great job so far!

Courtney Debuts at Youth Talent Contest in Eureka, MO

This is Courtney performing for the very first time at the Youth Talent Contest held in Eureka, MO on March 20, 2009. Courtney is playing guitar and singing "Slewfoot." She won a medal for her performance and did a fantastic job. Courtney has only played guitar for 4-1/2 months!

Grades 3-8: Quick Change Song "Redwing"

Here is a video of the song "Redwing," which will be our Quick Change song:

What We Did Today: Grades 3-8

We made music books today! I brought with me copies of just about all the songs we've ever done, along with folders, sheet protectors and name stickers for all the students. It was everyone's job to pick out a folder, put their name sticker on it, and then put the songs in the folder. Now everyone should be able to practice singing and playing with all the proper chord changes. Congratulations to everyone for making it this far and doing such a great job!

After making the folders, we then proceeded to use them! We played through 3 or 4 or our songs, and I collected the "Mountain Dew" assignment. There are still a few students who did not complete the assignment or did not bring it with them to class. All students were told that the assignment is not voluntary, but it mandatory. I will be expecting the remaining students (just a few) to bring their assignment with them next week. Soon, I will be posting some of the verses that the students wrote.

This class is really doing well with their chords and strum patterns. As I listen to the class play, I can really hear the chord changes now and tell that most everyone is strumming at the same time.