ANDONG MASK FESTIVAL!
This week in music class we learned about Andong Mask Festival of Korea!
This vibrant annual October tradition of Korea explores not only art and music, but also emotions and humanity through facial expressions of masks and dancing. Our younger children also enjoyed rocking and bouncing songs, and moving to the beat of a drum while expressing facial emotions.
The children listened to traditional Korean folk dance music as they explored Andong mask replications on popsicle sticks, and we also talked about facial expressions and emotions (as well as managing emotions.) Older students brainstormed on what their faces look like while expressing feelings, and how they might manage their feelings, as well as what causes them to feel a certain way!
Check out the pictures below for some of the mask play as well as the reproduction of facial expressions--happy, sad, scared and surprised!
I'd also like to introduce you, if you aren't already familiar, to our assistant teacher, Miss Holly (included in the pictures below!) Miss Holly is a very musical member of our staff who has been at Joyful Noise for almost 4 years.
Holly has been shadowing and assisting me in music class to prepare for my substitution when I leave for maternity--that's right, my husband and I are expecting a baby in February, if you haven't already heard! =) We're overjoyed to be welcoming a new addition and students have been very interested in my growing belly over the last few months. ;) I look forward to spending as much time as possible this fall and winter with our kiddos until it is time to take a break, and I know Miss Holly will do a great job executing the lesson plans we will have prepared in advance--a continuing blend of instrumental and music theory experiences along with culture and diversity!
Thanks for viewing the blog this week, and don't forget to ask your child some of the extender questions below!
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR CHILD
1) What country celebrates Andong Mask Festival? Korea
2) What does your face look like when you are feeling happy, sad, angry or scared?