There are many inspiring quotes about the power of music, but to see the students at GFW Elementary light up as they walk into the music room is more powerful than words. Our school is so fortunate to have not only an incredibly talented teacher in Lehi Gertz, but also a dedicated piano lab, a supply of ukuleles, and students who are passionate about learning new things.
As heard during our Veterans Day program, our students love to sing. In music class, which every student gets to take part in during our specialists rotation, they learn about simple things like keeping a beat, changing pitch, making notes change from loud to soft, and from fast to slow. Ms. Gertz has been with us for four years and has challenged students not only to learn the concepts, but to read music, advance in piano, and be excited to make music together.
The piano lab in our school was initially funded with a grant and offers the chance for classes to come in and have each student work on their individual growth. Ms. Gertz walks around the class and works with each student individually.
“We have 22 pianos and it is really neat to see the kids try something new with their fine motor skills,” she said. “Everyone goes through the progression at their own pace and I love being able to help them. It is so cool seeing kids who may not be super social really excel in music.”
When they aren’t preparing for a concert, classes use the piano lab once a week at least in addition to singing, using ukuleles or recorders. The lessons start with finger numbers and then move up to different hand positions and eventually to reading music mostly in treble clef, but with some bass clef as well. There is a lot of excitement from both teachers and students during music class.
“If kids aren't having fun then I am not having fun,” says Ms. Gertz. “Music class is a great opportunity for students to learn something and then be able to grow their confidence and perform for the community. We don’t have a lot of nervous kids, but I try to make them comfortable with performing.”
Don’t miss the Winter Concert!
The next chance to see our students perform will be at the winter concert on Thursday, Dec. 19 with performances at 1:30 and 6:30 p.m at the Elementary School. There will be some songs sung in Spanish, some festive classics, and some new twists on songs you know and love. Ms. Gertz also says there are more harmonies than ever before and one song where some of our grades will collaborate!
