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Mr. Van's Class is the official page for Mr. VandeWalle (Mr. Van) and the music classroom at Kocurek Elementary School in Austin Independent School District, Austin, Texas. From our first musical experiences in kindergarten to our final performances in fifth grade, there's always something exciting happening in music! Explore our programs, celebrate student achievements, and discover what makes music at Kocurek special. ABOUT US About Our School About Our Class About Mr. Van OUR PROGRAMS LEARN ABOUT MUSIC MEMORY FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR KOALA CHOIR GET INFO ABOUT RECORDERS

< Back Winter Concert 2023 View photos from the Kocurek Koala Choir's Winter Concert (December 2023). https://youtu.be/W0I4MPVn2qk Previous Next

< Back Winter Concert 2018 View photos from the Kocurek Koala Choir's Winter Concert (December 2018). https://youtu.be/_4BJ3t77hPg Previous Next

The G Note is played by putting the left thumb on the back hole and the first finger on the left hand on the first hole. followed by the second finger on the second hole and the third finger on the third hole. Place your right thumb on the back of the recorder about half way down. CHOOSE YOUR SONG

< Back Spring Concert 2023 View photos from the Kocurek Koala Choir's Spring Concert (May 2023). https://youtu.be/3FMau1Cqxq8 Previous Next

< Back Winter Concert 2022 View photos from the Kocurek Koala Choir's Winter Concert (December 2022). Previous Next

< Back Winter Concert 2007 View photos from the Kocurek Koala Choir's Winter Concert (December 2007). Previous Next

Learn more about Mr. VandeWalle's music classes. What is it all about and what is the goal of elementary music education at Kocurek Elementary School? ABOUT OUR MUSIC CLASSES OUR ESSENTIAL AREAS CLASSES At Kocurek Elementary School, students from Kindergarten through fifth grade have the opportunity to attend Essential Areas classes, which include Music, Art, and Physical Education (PE). These classes are scheduled on a three-day rotation, with day one focusing on Music, day two on Art, and day three on PE, and then the cycle repeats. Each of these classes is led by a qualified and state-certified specialist in their respective content area The general music classes at Kocurek Elementary cover a wide range of topics and learning objectives. Students are exposed to various aspects of music education, including singing, playing musical instruments, and reading and writing music. Additionally, students have the opportunity to explore music history through the Music Memory curriculum. This comprehensive approach to music education ensures that students receive a well-rounded and engaging musical experience, fostering both their musical skills and their appreciation for the art of music. OUR MUSIC CLASS Music belongs to everyone. For centuries people have sung and played instruments, told stories, shared news and preserved important events. Although the preservation of our musical heritage began as an aural tradition, in the twentieth century the teaching of music and related subject matter had begun to be relegated to the classroom. It is a natural activity for young children to sing and to create with free play and movement. These activities must be encouraged to help our society become musically literate. A small percentage of students will become professional musicians. I don't expect every student who walks through my classroom door to become a professional musician. What I hope is that they leave with an appreciation for music, the confidence to participate, and the ability to understand and enjoy music throughout their lives. OUR MUSIC GOALS As a result of the involvement in music education, the following non-musical effects may be achieved: 1. a building of self-esteem through successful experiences during the music lesson 2. an establishment of higher levels of thinking 3. creativity and self-expression 4. development of large and small motor skills, hand-eye coordination and aural skills 5. an acceptable level of social interaction in a classroom environment Our goal is to provide a complete music education environment that will offer an ongoing source of enjoyment which will enhance each student's quality of life.

Ready for an Extra Challenge? Welcome to our Recorder Karate Bonus Selections! This special page is for students who are ready to push themselves a little further, take on new challenges, and see just how much they can accomplish! Each bonus song offers an extra opportunity to build your musical skills and go beyond our regular Recorder Karate belt tests. These songs are completely optional, but students who successfully perform a bonus selection for me in music class will earn a special reward for their extra effort and achievement! Remember, great musicians aren't made overnight. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn, improve, and grow. Practice means progress!Good luck, and happy practicing! BONUS White Belt Selection BONUS WHITE SELECTION Au Clair de la Lune Demonstration Video with Recorder BONUS WHITE SELECTION Au Clair de la Lune Performance Video (no recorder) BONUS Yellow Belt Selection BONUS YELLOW SELECTION Down by the Station Demonstration Video with Recorder BONUS YELLOW SELECTION Down by the Station Performance Video (no recorder) BONUS Orange Belt Selection BONUS ORANGE SELECTION Kuma San Demonstration Video with Recorder BONUS ORANGE SELECTION Kuma San Performance Video (no recorder) BONUS Green Belt Selection BONUS GREEN SELECTION I am a Poor Wayfaring Stranger Demonstration Video with Recorder BONUS GREEN SELECTION I am a Poor Wayfaring Stranger Performance Video (no recorder) BONUS Purple Belt Selection BONUS PURPLE SELECTION Old Brass Wagon Demonstration Video with Recorder BONUS PURPLE SELECTION Old Brass Wagon Performance Video (no recorder) BONUS Blue Belt Selection BONUS BLUE SELECTION Lightly Row Demonstration Video with Recorder BONUS BLUE SELECTION Lightly Row Performance Video (no recorder) BONUS Red Belt Selection BONUS RED SELECTION Yankee Doodle Demonstration Video with Recorder BONUS RED SELECTION Yankee Doodle Performance Video (no recorder) BONUS Brown Belt Selection BONUS BROWN SELECTION The Wedding March Demonstration Video with Recorder BONUS BROWN SELECTION The Wedding March Performance Video (no recorder) BONUS Black Belt Selection BONUS BLACK SELECTION Happy Birthday Demonstration Video with Recorder BONUS BLACK SELECTION Happy Birthday Performance Video (no recorder)