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Music Washes Away from the Soul the Dust of Everyday Life {Music Room Theme}

I love, love, loved my bulletin boards from last year.

I think having a board with the lines and spaces labeled up at the front of the room was really helpful, especially while students were playing recorders.

I loved my quote board a lot. I know it was over the head of my little ones, but I explained what it meant to my 3rd-5th grades and I think it was great for showing them that I truly believe that each student plays a crucial part in my classroom, and that even if THEY feel they are not good at music, they should still participate because they do add something so special. 

I almost wanted to just leave these boards up for this coming year, but I think the kids love it to have something new and exciting on the walls when they come in, and I love having a fresh look.
I have been on the search all summer for something that would inspire me when I entered my classroom.

Here are my inspiration pictures and quotes:




In my search for music and ocean pictures and quotes, I came across an article with this title: 

"Music is like the ocean, it does not belong to any one race or culture"

I loved that too, but wanted to simplify it a bit more to "Music is like the ocean, it belongs to everyone"

So there was my inspiration to build my theme around for my room. I love it! Then I remembered I had already done this set of posters for the new Core Arts Music Standards: 

Music Is Anchored in Standards {Music Standards Posters}

So since I already had purchased all the nautical clip art and backgrounds, I thought I would put them to good use in my new room theme.

I knew I wanted another lines and spaces bulletin board, so I came up with "Sailing Through the Staff". I had also thought about "Boats are Sailing in their Place, on a Line or in a Space", but it was a little too much like last year. 

I'm going to show you how I set up this board for anyone who wants some ideas:

Here's what my room looks like after the summer. Luckily, I was able to leave my velcro circle and board spots on the floor and everything is relatively in its place on my shelves.
                        
To start off with I added my background to the bulletin board, stapling it into place. You can use butcher paper or fabric, but I used a $1.00 plastic tablecloth from Dollar Tree. I get more variety in colors that way!
For the staff lines, I used streamers or crepe paper. Instead of stapling it right away, I begin by taping it. I just kind of eyeball it and I was actually covering up the folds from the tablecloth and it worked out perfectly. Once the staff lines are taped, I added the boats and lifesavers with double stick tape.

(ok, so funny note about these pictures- I had my laptop set up on video because I was going to do a whole tutorial. Then my laptop died and I left my cord at home, and what I had recorded the volume was way too quiet. But I took some screenshots from it and figured I could just write out the directions!) Such is life!
Once I saw everything was where I wanted it to be, I would staple the streamers into place and cut off anything that was hanging over the edge of the board (including the tape). 
           
Next, I lifted up all of the boats that were on a line and put a staple behind them to help keep the streamers in place. This bulletin board is by a door to the outside and when the band teacher comes in my room via that door on a windy day, it can send things flying, so I have to make sure everything on this board is really nailed down.

Last year I didn't staple my birds in place and they stayed for pretty much the whole year. I would have one fly off every now and then, so this year, I put double sided tape on the back of the boats and lifesavers and one staple per picture. I really don't like to see a lot of staples, so I do everything I can to hide them.
 For the finishing touches, I added 2 borders (one was a sparkly pink, the other was navy with white polka dots) clouds, 2-3 inch letter die cuts and a light house.
Navy Polka Dots Scalloped Border Trim


Here's the final result:
If you would like these ready made printables for your board, you can purchase them here. I am working on a music room decor bundle that I will add to as I complete each thing. It is available here.
So far it includes this bulletin board kit, binder covers, and the NCCAS Music Standards Poster Set.

Here's a peak at what I am working on next:

 I knew I wanted to save one bulletin board for Solfa Street. Then I thought, "Why not make it SOLFA SEA!?!?!" 
I am not done with the bulletin board yet, but I plan on going to my school to crank it out later this afternoon.

Then I have one big bulletin board where I will put the "Music Washes Away..." or "Music is like the ocean..." quote. Still haven't decided. Let me know which one you think I should do in the comments below!

8 comments:

  1. I love your theme, and I agree that students having a visual for the line and space notes is really helpful throughout the year. Also, I'm envious of the door and window in your room. It's nice to be able to see outside during the day :)

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    1. I LOVE having the natural light. I don't love that it looks out on the playground and there is a drive that big trucks come and go to drop off food for the cafeteria. I typically keep my blinds closed to keep distractions as minimal as possible.

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  2. So cute, Lindsay! I love the nautical theme and I especially love the pic of the piano as part of the beach. Beautiful! :-)

    Malinda
    My Musical Menagerie: Kodaly and Orff Classroom

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    1. I know! I loved that picture when I found it! Wish I could get it printed for my classroom!

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  3. Looks really good, Lindsay! I especially like your color scheme - how pink was incorporated rather than the standard red that usually goes along with nautical decor.

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    1. Thanks, Stacie! It may be a bit girly, but I actually really don't like the color red. at. all. So when I saw the pink and blue clip art, I jumped right on it!

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  4. These are so awesome! Love the nautical theme and have always adored the bird theme. You are a bulletin board WINNER! :D Thanks for linking and sharing.

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    1. Thank you so much David! I am always in awe of your boards too! Yours are so outside of the box! :)

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