This week in the music rooms at Al Batinah International School, the journey continued — but with a fresh spark! Our students stepped more boldly into their musical selves, preparing for end-of-term performances and diving deeper into the heartbeat of global rhythms, creative storytelling, and collaborative artistry.
🎨 KG1 – Mixing Emotions with Movement
Building on last week’s exploration of Mixed by Arree Chung, our KG1 musicians turned emotions into expressive movement and soundscapes. This week, they began crafting their very own class performance — complete with rainbow scarves, echo songs, and simple percussive instruments to represent different feelings.
We also explored sound dynamics by playing with quiet rain and loud thunder through our hands, feet, and voices — setting the stage for musical contrasts and early composition!
🌏 Grade 1 & 2 – Story Songs and Stage Magic
Our Grade 1 and 2 learners journeyed deeper into the stories behind the songs — asking: Where does this music come from? Who sings it? Why does it matter? We used maps, instruments, and storytelling props to explore musical traditions from Latin America, the Middle East, and Oceania.
Students also began shaping their performance pieces — combining song, movement, and dramatic expression. Rehearsals included call-and-response chants, musical mime games, and body percussion — all while reinforcing rhythm, pitch, and coordination.
🌍 Grades 3–6 – Building the Stage, Finding Our Voice
Our upper primary musicians took on leadership this week! As rehearsals intensified, students explored what it means to rehearse with intention. In addition to polishing lyrics, choreography, and timing, we introduced reflective discussion: What message are we sending with this performance? How does music speak across cultures and languages?
Grade 5 and 6 explored musical traditions linked to migration, identity, and celebration — even composing short original verses inspired by folk rhythms. Grade 3 and 4 focused on ensemble balance, creative staging, and transitions. Some students began documenting their rehearsal process as part of their arts reflections — evidence of artistry and agency.
🎤 Beyond the Classroom: Music as Expression and Identity
Music at Al Batinah is more than just song — it’s a mirror of self, a bridge to others, and a celebration of shared humanity. Whether it’s clapping along to a Swahili beat, stepping to a samba rhythm, or imagining the world through lullabies, students are learning to feel, hear, and express with confidence and curiosity.
🌟 Looking Ahead: Show Time!
Excitement is building as all classes move closer to their final performances. Expect joyful storytelling, cultural gems, and brave new voices taking the stage. Whether it’s your child’s first time performing or their tenth, we are proud of their growth, their courage, and their joy in the journey.
Thank you for being part of our musical world. Keep the rhythm going at home — ask your child to sing you a verse, clap out a rhythm, or show you their favorite movement from rehearsal!
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The Music Department
Al Batinah International School