Hello Southwest Families,
Welcome back to another exciting year! I am thrilled to return again for my fifth year teaching music at Southwest! I felt it would be helpful to share with you an overview of opportunities and performances that will take place this school year.
We will continue to use the Spotlight on Music series as a major resource for our lessons. We will continue to move in place and through space, responding to the music. We will be using a variety of instruments to help learn about and experience music. Third graders will spend time developing skills on piano keyboards. Fourth and fifth graders will be using recorders, and ALL students will continue to use both unpitched and pitched percussion instruments.
The 4th and 5th grade choir has begun rehearsing! Please let me know if your child is still interested in joining the group.
All 4th and 5th grade students will have the opportunity to perform at the “How the West Was Sung” finale concert of the Harvest Music Festival on Sunday, September 25th at 4:30 p.m. in the Geneseo City Park. Here is a PDF of music we will be singing. Students are encouraged to submit a talent show audition video! Here is more information. This could be a musical or non-musical talent. Please have your child come to the music room before school for help and ideas. Those selected from the auditions will also perform as part of Sunday’s events.
Here is a tentative list of all Southwest musical events for this school year. I have also attached a page outlining events where you are invited to assist and become involved. Please return this form with your child to the music room at Southwest. T
Please let me know if you have any questions at meckwall@geneseoschools.org or (309) 945-0699. I look forward to working with you again this year!
Sincerely in Music,
Mike Eckwall
Southwest Music Teacher
2022-23 Southwest Fine Arts Dates
Harvest Fest Talent Show Auditions (4th and 5th grades)- Friday, September 9, 2022-
deadline to submit to Mr. Eckwall your video audition
Harvest Festival (4th and 5th grades)-Sunday, September 25, 2022 Geneseo City Park
(rain location Geneseo HS)
Talent Show 3:00 p.m.
Finale Choir Concert 4:30 p.m.
Geneseo Christmas Walk (4th and 5th grade choir)– Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, downtown Geneseo
Southwest Christmas Programs– Tuesday, December 20, 2022, High School Concert Hall
Grades K+1-5:30 p.m.
Grades 2+3-6:15 p.m.
Grades 4+5-7:00 p.m.
Music in Our Schools Concert (4th and 5th grade choir)– Thursday, February 23, 2023,
7:00 p.m., HS Concert Hall
Quad City Symphony Day-(4th grade) –March 2, 2022, 11:00 a.m. concert, Adler Theatre,
Davenport, IA
4th Grade Musical – Tuesday, March 14, 2023, 7:00 p.m. at Southwest
Southwest Fine Arts Day– Thursday, March 16, 2023 during school day at Southwest
5th grade Recorder Concert Monday, April 24, 2023, 7:00 p.m., HS Concert Hall
All-Unit Choir Concert (4th and 5th grade choir)- Monday, May 1, 2023,
7:00 p.m., HS Concert Hall
Southwest Spring Programs– Thursday, May 25, 2023, Southwest Gymnasium
Kindergarten then 1st: 8:30 a.m.
4th+5th combined: 9:30 a.m.
2nd+3rd combined: 1:30 p.m