Last update...5/27/18
I am retiring from my position as a music teacher in the Norwalk Catholic Schools/St. Paul High School at the end of the 2017-2018 school year. This is my eleventh year at this school, and I also had thirty years in public school service.As a teacher-minister, I have been blessed to have had this opportunity to serve the students of NCS and St. Paul. I sincerely appreciate the support I have received from the board, administration, staff, and parents during these eleven years.
My prayers will continue for the staff, students, and families of the Norwalk Catholic Schools. I am grateful to have been a part of the students’ education from kindergarten through high school. This is a wonderful place for children to grow in their faith and academics. Again, thank you for the chance to share my faith and passion for music with so many students during the past eleven years.
Sincerely,
Martin Hanke
Some of my resource material for K-6 comes from the website: musicplayonline.com
The username for this link is: student - the password is: 2345
See the photo gallery for new photos from the Christmas play - grades one & two
Congratulations to third (and 4th) graders for great performances of SHOW ME THE MONEY! Look under upcoming events (concerts) for photos...)
My class schedule for 2017-18 is the same as last year (see it listed under the "WELCOME")
First graders had their first "performance" on Sept. 11 for the Grandparents' day celebration. Even though the first quarter is finished, we have been busy learning songs, moving to music, keeping a steady beat, and playing the staff game. See photo gallery...
April 18 (Wednesday) was LEAP FROG DAY - kindergarten students from the ECC attended Mass and experienced a 30 minute music class (SEE PHOTO GALLERY)
Second grade students are following a similar plan to the first grade classes. The songs are different of course, but the idea is to keep them aware of steady beat, listening to music, and becoming aware of tempo, dynamics, style, etc. Reading basic music rhythms has become our focal point for some of the lessons, along with singing high - low - and middle voices. Starting April 16, we will be using bouncy balls in a choreographed routine, plus some "hands-on" instrument rotation activities during class.
SEE SPECIFIC INFO for third grade UNDER "UPCOMING EVENTS" especially for the photos of the spring play - SHOW ME THE MONEY!
In third grade, our main focus for the fall is reviewing and expanding their awareness of the elements of music: pitch, tempo, meter, rhythm, dynamics, etc. Students are watching a series of DVD's from "Quaver" - a music curriculum which presents material in fun and catchy segments. These topics can then be reinforced through other class songs and lessons.
5th grade music students (not in band) have started expanding their knowledge of music with topics such as: the "Star Spangled Banner," the constitution (rap), singing a blessing for our military, and reviewing the music lines and spaces on the staff (and how the keyboard represents these notes). Recorders have begun and will culminate with a performance on
May 22 at 7 p.m.
In sixth grade, music students (not in band) will be looking at music history, listening to various styles of music, and continuing their study of music theory. We hope to use boomwhackers, drums, and other instruments throughout the school year. There is no required public performance for these students, however, my goal is to rehearse and "perform" during class so they gain additional musical skills.
Drumming with Dylan - April 24, 2017
3rd grade music classes experienced a variety of percussion instruments!