A Letter from Mrs. Killian

Letter from Mrs. Killian

August 2016

Hello CCLS 4th Grade Parents!

My name is Katie Killian and I have the great fortune of being your student’s music teacher!  A little about myself… I am a Wife, a Mother of 3 (a daughter who is attending Loyola University, Chicago this fall, a daughter who is a high school sophomore, and a son who is in 7th grade), a Singer, a former Preschool Teacher, the CCLS-Uganda Mission Coordinator, and a LOVER of CHRIST and MUSIC!

As most of you are aware, your child will be exploring and learning to play the recorder this year.  Any child who was unable to attend Charger Night prior to the start of school will receive a recorder and book from me the week of September 5th.  Recorders are not required for class until that week. You will need to fill the TADS account form being sent with the recorder to approve the $8.00 charge for the instrument, book and neck strap. The neck straps for the recorders are crucial because we need our hands free for clapping rhythms and playing other instruments at times throughout the class. Cleaning rods and cloths will be distributed as I teach the children proper recorder care and cleaning. I have carefully selected the best sounding and easiest to play recorder and it is very important for the students to have the same instrument. The quality of sound and the blending of instruments will make this experience more pleasant for all. Please contact me with any questions concerning the purchase of this beginning instrument.

We will be using the Recorder Explorer book enhanced with the “Recorder Karate” curriculum.  The children will be encouraged to work at their own pace and will earn “belts” as they master songs along the way.  The “belts” will be attached to a special ring on the end of their instrument as they pass each level.  I will record the “belt” songs on my blog, mrskilliansings.blogspot.com, so the students may listen and play along as needed.

This experience with the recorders is one I know the students will enjoy.  They will move on to 5th grade with a great foundation to begin playing a band instrument if that is in their future.  Please encourage your student to practice at least 10 minutes a day.  If they are experiencing any difficulties, feel free to contact me at kkillian@ccls-stlouis.org. It is important that the students come prepared to play their instruments so please help them remember to have them and their books in their backpacks on music days.

Thanks for supporting your student in their quest to make beautiful music!

Blessings,

Katie Killian