KG Music

HomeChorusKG MusicMG MusicMusic Calendar

Music TeachersTech LabInservice

Kelvin Grove District 91 Music Department
Mrs. Sarah Bush Randolph, Teacher          Send E-Mail to Mrs. Randolph

 

The D91 Music Theme for 2010-11 
is the National Music Educators' National Conference (MENC) Theme :

"Music Lasts A Lifetime" 

 

 

**************************************************************

 

 

KG Chorus will go to see Lion King at the Cadillac Theatre Sunday, November 21 for the 6:30pm show - leaving KG by school bus around 4:30pm and returning c. 11pm.

*****************

6th -8th grade Chorus members that would like to audition and perform at the District IMEA Festival, should get application from Mrs. Randolph. 

***********************************

  We have 119 Valu cards left to sell!

Orders received now - will NOT receive a Merchant Guide. You can find ALL Merchants listed at www.valucards.com. If you would like to check-out a few cards to try and sell and sign a form to either return the cards or the money, please send a note to Mrs. Randolph ASAP. We will continue to sell cards until they are sold, but won't qualify for cash prizes from the company now.

Milne& Kelvin Grove Students are selling Valucards(Discount cards that can be used every day - good for one year at OVER 2000 Chicagoland Locations and other USA states. Cards sell for $10 each. Money raised goes to purchase technology equipment for D91 Music Classes. For each card ordered, send $10 in an ENVELOPE with Music Valucard on the outside of the envelope with your child's name and Homeroom Teacher - to Mrs. Randolph. Questions - contact Mrs. Randolph 815-838-0737 x 140. Thank you for your support! See all the USA locations to use Valucards at www.valucards.com

Here are some of the area businesses with more being ADDED on the Valucard 
+ over 2000 Chicagoland locations for 1 year!

1.        CICIS PIZZA – LOCKPORT-   FREE CHILDS BUFFET W/PURCHASE OF ADULT BUFFET or   ADULT BUFFET ONLY $3.99 W/PURCHASE OF A DRINK
2.      
PIZZA FOR U – LOCKPORTFREE 12” CHEESE PIZZA W/PURCHASE OF 16: PIZZA @ REGULAR PRICE
3.      
SONIC – LOCKPORT
- FREE SONIC BURGER W/PURCHASE OF SAME
4.      
MASTER LUBE – LOCKPORT
  - $5 OFF FULL SERVICE OIL CHANGE
5.      
PAGODA HOUSE – LOCKPORT  - FREE ORDER OF EGGROLLS W/PURCHASE OF AN ENTRÉE @ REG PRICE DINE-IN ONLY
6.      
COLDSTONE CREAMERY 0 LOCKPORT
$3 OFF ANY SMALL OR LG ROUND CAKE or  FREE PLAIN WAFFLE PRODUCT W/ANY LOVE-IT OR GOTTA-HAVE-IT PURCHASE
7.      
BROWNS CHICKEN & PASTA – LOCKPORT$3 OFF ANY REGULAR PRICED PURCAHSE OF $15 OR MORE
8.      
MIKE-EEZ PIZZA – LOCKPORT & LEMONT
$2 OFF ANY PIZZA @ REGULAR PRICE
9.      
MCDONALDS – LOCKPORT -   FREE $1 MENU ITEM W/PURCHASE OF A VALUE MEAL
10.  
PEOPLES CLEANERS – LOCKPORT15% OFF INCOMING DRY CLEANING
11.  
THE SPORTS HUDDLE – LOCKPORT10% OFF EXCLUDING GYM SUITS
12.  
POPS ITALIAN BEEF – LOCKPORT-    FREE LG FRIES W/PURCHASE OF ANY SANDWICH @ REGULAR PRICE
13.  
NU VIBE JUICE & JAVA – LOCKPORT-     $1 OFF ANY REGULAR PRICED PURCHASE OF $5 OR MORE
14.  
SUBMARINE CITY – LOCKPORT-     FREE SMALL FIRES W/PURCHASE OF ANY SANDWICH @ REGULAR PRICE
15.  
WHITE CASTLE – PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS-    3 FREE WHITE CASTLES W/PURCHASE OF 3 or    FREE BREAKFAST SANDWICH W/PURCHASE OF SAME

*************************************************************************************

Music Dept. is going paperless!

 

 

 

Back Up Next

 

******************************

HARMONICAS (OPTIONAL): Students in Grades 4-8 that would like to learn to play harmonica may purchase a harmonica with book and CD for $8 (checks made out to D 91 Music Department and see Mrs. Randolph). This is a fun and VERY EASY method. You don't have to read music to start harmonica. It starts with numbers and colors. This is the Kevin Burt method who is a professional harmonica player who has performed with BB King and other famous people. Students in Grades 6-8 can earn 50 extra credit points each for up to 2 songs learned on harmonica.

4-5 Kelvin Grove Music Classes- General Information

ALL K-8 Music students (& parents) are asked to SAVE all of the music worksheets and music until after 8th grade. We recommend that you put them in the order given to the students in a 3-ring binder at home for grades K-1. 

Fourth & Fifth Grade are to keep their music worksheets in a 3-ring binder with:
-  their name on the outside FRONT COVER AND SIDE SPINE 
-  5 tab dividers inside- labeled in this order :
             (1-Notes; 2- Theory; 3- History; 4 - Classical Is Cool; 5 - Music)
-  10 sheets of notebook paper after Chapter 1 and 3
-   a sharpened pencil with eraser in the folder 

4th & 5th Grade students will have a music worksheet to do as homework every week. Many of the answer cues will be found on the worksheet or below on this web site (scroll down to the section covering the information on the worksheet). All worksheets will be due the next week during music. 

If the child forgets or doesn’t have the paper, they will not receive a sticker for the day and the paper will have a 0 in the grade book. Music grades are S, S-, or N.  Please do not ask for replacements of lost papers. We are trying to teach the students to be responsible in doing their work and turning it in on time.  Completed worksheets will be graded and returned to put in their music folder in the music classroom. 

At the end of the year, the music folders will go home and are to be SAVED until 8th grade. Students may take their music folders home any time, but are responsible for returning them to school by the next music class time. Students in 4th & 5th Grade may leave the binder in their locker at school or take the binder home as long as they bring it back for each music class. They are building a music book/portfolio. They will be able to play the music selections each year. All Grades 2-5 students may earn music stickers for their  sticker sheet for completed music assignments. Students in Grades 2- 5 with the most stickers by the end of March will receive a coupon for a special music drawing to be held. 6-8 students completing Music Exploratory assignments will also be given a coupon for a special music drawing.

4th & 5th Grade Parents: Students are responsible for bringing their completed music homework to music class every week. Please do NOT ask to replace lost homework. If they lost their homework or didn't complete it - they will do the missed work during class instead of using the pianos/instruments/computers - plus they will not earn a sticker or other reward for good work for that day. If the student needs help with music homework, THEY are to write Mrs. Randolph a note stating they need help with their name and homeroom on the paper and give the paper to their homeroom teacher THE NEXT DAY AFTER THE MUSIC ASSIGNMENT WAS GIVEN. Mrs. Randolph will then schedule a time to work with the student within the next week. Do NOT wait until the day before it is due for help. Appointments will only be made with advance notice. 


4th Grade
   NO Homework until posted here

Mondays  (2:18-2:58 pm) 4A Mrs. Brock -   

Tuesdays  (2:18-2:58) 4B Mrs. Kurczak  -  

Friays (1:35-2:15) 4C Mrs. Peil

5th  Grade    NO Homework until posted here

Mondays (1:35-2:15 pm) 5A Mrs. Farina   

Tuesdays (1:35-2:15) 5B Mrs. Hodkowski  

Wednesdays (2:18-2:58) 5C Ms. Mackey   

 

 


4-8 Kelvin Grove School - General Music Information

ALL K-8 Music students (& parents) are asked to SAVE all of the music worksheets and music until after 8th grade. They are building a music book/portfolio. They will be able to play the music selections each year. All K-5 students may earn music stickers for their music sticker sheet for completed music assignments. K-5 students with the most stickers by the end of March will receive a coupon for a special music drawing to be held. 6-8 students completing Music Exploratory assignments will also be given a coupon for a special music drawing.

*********************************

 1st Quarter Grades 6-8  Music Exploratory Classes 
      
Some dates may be subject to change

HARMONICAS (OPTIONAL): Students in Grades 4-8 that would like to learn to play harmonica may purchase a harmonica with book and CD for $8 (checks made out to D 91 Music Department and see Mrs. Randolph). This is a fun and VERY EASY method. You don't have to read music to start harmonica. It starts with numbers and colors. This is the Kevin Burt method who is a professional harmonica player who has performed with BB King and other famous people. Students in Grades 6-8 can earn 30 extra credit points each for up to 2 songs learned on harmonica.

 

6th Music =scroll down past this list for more assignments in addition to these

Students will build Individual Student Portfolios including electronic portfolios, class worksheets, tests, sing, etc. PLUS the following:  

Th. August 26 -(First Full Day of Class)- Assign Computer Stations & Lockers, Login, Music Maestro

- Music Health: Vocal, Brain, Hearing Health

 

F. August 27  - Music Folders GRADED (Bring past year folders for extra credit) (Must have: Music Grade Sheet as the first page followed by Music Log Sheet as the second page inside folder BOTH sheets with Student's First and Last Name, Grade and Section Letter (A,B,C, or D). Record grades and assignments there;  Followed by 5 tab dividers labeled : 
1 Notes, 
2 Theory (put all past worksheets in order from earliest sheets to the most recent sheets and separate each grade level by a paper clip on the first page of that grade),  
3 History, 
4 Classical Is Cool, 
5 Music) NOTE: if you have folders from past years in music, bring them the day your folder is graded to earn extra credit!

 F. August 27- Musition 3- Note Reading Level 10 ENTRANCE Test; 
- Musition 3: if you didn't pass Note Reading  Level 10:
         1 - read Lessons- Pitch - Note Reading - (Read All tabs/Pages)
 
         2 - then TOPICS - PITCH - Note Reading  (do note reading drills Level 1-10. When you are ready to pass Level 10 - re-take test for 2nd time. When test is passed with 90% or higher, go to  Note Reading Level 10 EXAM

 M. August 30 -Musition 3- Lecture on Note Reading 10;
               -
Note Reading Level 10  EXAM 

 T. August 31- INTERVALS Level 1 Test    - If you didn't pass test go to : LESSONS - PITCH - INTERVALS (read) then go to TOPICS - PITCH - INTERVALS Level 1 - do drills under topics, then re-take Intervals LEvel 1 test  

(Grades 6-8)- (Finish all Tests  Musition 3: Note Reading Level 10; Intervals Level 1 & 2; passing ALL with a 90 % or higher)

W.Sept. 1 - Musition Test Intervals 1

Th.Sept. 2-  Musition Test Intervals 2
         - Continue Music Maestro Lessons then Games  

F. Sept. 3 - Finish Musition Intervals 1 & 2 Tests; Start Enharmonics;

Extra Credit Reports due if you attended a live music concert from last year up until this date; All other concert reports are due one week after the concert or sooner.

T.Sept. 7_ -  Music Health (Hearing, Vocal, Brain & Body); Start Piano from beginning or where you left off last y ear (see grade requirements below) 

        - Music Maestro - Continue lessons then game for each lesson from where you left off last year (Continue working as far as you can throughout the nine weeks to finish at least 12 Lessons) see DUE date below for assignment 

W. Sept. 8 Grades 6-8 Review assignments due for this week. Rhythm dictation. (8th grade ONLY) = W. Sept. 8 -Turn in music project proposal for video (required for 8th grade - optional for 7th & 6th). Deadline for other special music project requests. Musition - Enharmonics  Entrance Test

_____ -  
          6 Slide Composer Power Point due  - Main Font Size at least 24 or larger - careful with font colors - so they can be read easily compared to background color
          WHEN COMPLETED:
SAVE under W drive Shared folder under Music Student Work - your class folder (ex. 2012 D) and then in the folder marked Composers with your last name followed by composer's name.  
    Slide 1 Composer’s full name, birth date (Month- Day - Year) & death (Month - Day - Year), Country born, Country Died (Leave open if still living) Your name and the date it is DUE 
    Slide 2 – Include picture of composer with composer's name (put web address on bottom of slide in text box about a 6 point font) & on last slide (24 point font)) 
    Slide 3– Composer's Name then include map of country where composer was born – and map of country where composer spent most of his/her life- Put Composer's Full Name under map (Put web address on bottom of slide in text box with 6 point font & last slide - with 24 point font)
    Slide 4– Put Composer's Name on slide then List at least 3 Major Compositions
    Slide 5– Put Composer's name on slide, then Include information about composer’s life, family, education, etc. (Do NOT copy & paste information or paraphrase!! If you use someone's ideas - use quotes and list source on each slide you do that. Use YOUR OWN WORDS, BUT BE SURE TO GIVE CREDIT TO THE PERSON YOU USED IDEAS FROM!)
    Slide 6– Last slide must have composer's name and include ALL sources with exact addresses for Bibliography.  You must use at least ONE "Print" Source - ex. a book or print media source. Absolutely NO Wikipedia sources!!

You MUST use transitions using custom animation. See Rubric for point system.

       * You may have more slides with more pictures and make them elaborate using good taste appropriate for that composer.
       * Absolutely
no sound effects other than the composer’s music, NO typewriter effect on letters. Have the presentation run by ONLY one click.

OPTION – extra credit given for including music of composer and correctly label  title of music played with source listed on that slide

 

____-  Start Rhythm Notation 1-6; Rhythm Tapping 1-3; Enharmonics 1-5; 

___ -  Instruction (Musition 3) on Rhythm Notation 1-6; Rhythm Tapping 1-3; Enharmonics 1-5; : Start Composer Power Point Worksheets due Fri.

___ -  Continue Composer Worksheets and other assignments

___ DUE DATE FOR: Composer worksheets from Power Point Presentation 

___  -  Read and Drill on (Musition 3) on Rhythm Notation 1; Rhythm Tapping 1-3; Enharmonics 1-5;  

     -  Continue 

     -  Continue 

 

__ - Enharmonics Level 5 Test (Musition 3) Grades 7 & 8; 

            - Enharmonics Level 1 Test (Musition 3) Grade 6

           - Continue working on your Assignments
  -  ____ 

____  - Original Compositions using Sibelius software are due  SAVE under W drive Shared folder under Music Student Work - your class folder (ex. 20010D) and then in the folder marked Sibelius  with YOUR last name, then first name, followed by the name of your composition. 
Composition Requirements:  

Must have a Title; Composer (and Lyricist if you are adding words); EXACTLY 16 measures long (ABSOLUTELY NO EXTRA MEASURES) following the part writing rules given to you, Copyright Date, Tempo, Dynamics, Meter in 4/4, C Major (Start & End on C), must use the 4 required rhythms shown on the study guide and use a variety of other rhythms; NO more than 3 ledger lines above or below the staff; NO  accidentals used;  (7th & 8th must harmonize in Bass Clef; 8th grade – must include drum set percussion part

7th & 8th Grade MUST harmonize in the Bass Clef with melody in Treble. (Whatever the note is in the Treble, the Bass Clef Chord must match it below - example if an A is in the Treble Clef, You must use a IV (4) Chord FAC below) 

         ex. CMajor Scale  =  C       D       E       F       G       A      B       C'
                                             1       2       3       4       5        6       7       8

      CHORDS    I                          IV      V
                         5G                       8C     2D
                         3E                       6A     7B
                         1C                       4F     5G 

7th & 8th Grade have an additional Grade for Adding a Video to their original composition -(For ideas see demos under Student Applications - Sibelilus videos: and  www.sibeliusmusic.com and www.vtmidi.org . Video may be one you made, claymation, cartoon, etc. outside of class time, then bring to class and mix with your original composition using our equipment.If you make video at home- save as a Quicktime video. Save as above for compositions- only save in the Video Sibelius folder with your name and video title.) 

      Continue 

_____or sooner- Piano Performance graded - from Bastien Older Beginner Book: 6th grade – page 17, 7th Grade your choice from Page 18 on,  8th grade  your choice from page 21 on) (If you pass into advanced piano – you start organ – continue as far as you can and play the most difficult song you can play in organ book, then receive an invitation to play the Grand Barton Pipe Organ at the Rialto Theatre in Joliet in the spring)  NOTE: There is no late penalty if you aren't ready to pass piano by this deadline. You have until the end of the 9 weeks to pass piano without late penalty. This exceptions is for PIANO ONLY.

Week of   - Rhythm Notation drumming.

___. or sooner - Organ Performance graded - from Bastien organ book (this is extra credit and may be passed without penalty if before the end of this nine weeks)

__.  Performance Day - Sing, Play an extra piano, organ, guitar selection or perform something on your band instrument for extra credit

__.  -or sooner - Guitar Performance graded - (this is extra credit and may be passed without penalty before the end of this nine weeks.)

 

 - Musition 3- Rhythm Notation Level  Test DUE

 -  

Wednesdays - Magazine Article Discussion - Reminder: bring magazine to class EVERY DAY. If you lose it, YOU pay $4 to replace it.                      

TBA? - 7 & 8th GRADE ONLY - Return In Tune Magazine & Disney Magazine ($4 replacement cost) - Each Wednesday - be prepared to discuss, in class, the articles assigned for that magazine 

TBA? -: 6th GRADE ONLY -Return Music Express Magazine after reading ($4 replacement cost)- Each Wednesday - be prepared to discuss the articles assigned


TBA? -  Sing the Star-Spangled Banner from memory- know dates (see below)
 and write the following: Title=Star-Spangled Banner -The National Anthem of the United States of America, written September 13, 1814 by - Francis Scott Key  while on board British ship watching the flag fly above Fort McHenry;  composer- John Stafford Smith, In 1931 Congress established it as our national anthem. Before the "Star-Spangled Banner" became our National Anthem, our National Anthem was "America". Extra credit option: write a one page report or make a poster about the Star-Spangled Banner and/or the flag that helped inspire Francis Scott Key to write the words (lyrics) - decorate report  with elaborate border, etc. Check: www.thenationalanthemproject.org or www.menc.org

EXTRA CREDIT - 1 pt or more depending … good music sites for students  

 
(6th Grade = Above assignments + the following)

SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS DUE above + to  READ Music Express Magazines+ Below

"Classical Is Cool"  Define Terms - answers are found in reading the material in the packet - write only in pencil!! 

W. Sept. 1  - Page2 
W.Sept. 8 - Page 5 
W. Sept. 15- Page 8 
W. Sept. 22- Page 11 
W. Sept. 29- Page 14  
W.  Oct. 6 - Page 16 

Other Software programs used:  (Instruments, Compass, Auralia), Band-In-a-Box , Garage Band, IMovie, and others

Worksheet/ General Music Help 

(Named from the bottom up): 
Treble or G  Clef Lines = EGBDF (Every Good Bunny Does Flops);               Spaces = FACE
Bass Clef Lines = GBDFA (Good Bunnies Do Flops Always);
Spaces = ACEG (All Cars Eat Gas)

Order of:

Flats = BEADGCF (Bead good creamy fudge)

Sharps = FCGDAEB (Fat Cats Go Down And Eat Birds)

 

Grades 4 & 5 - Working on Music Maestro in Lab and regular music lessons,  Folders are the same as grades 6-8  see above. Music worksheet assignments are due completed by the following music class.) 

National Anthem Project  - Be able to write the dates and history of the National Anthem from memory.  Write a one page report on the Star-Spangled Banner. Include: Title, National Anthem of the United States of America, lyricist, composer, date written, date established by Congress as our national anthem, decorate with elaborate border, etc. 

Feel free to come visit our music classes and see all of the things our students are learning. (Please make an appointment before coming to make sure what day I will be teaching your child.)

 

Mrs. Sarah Bush Randolph, Music Instructor

 

Feel free to come visit our music classes and see all of the things our students are learning. (Please make an appointment before coming to make sure what day I will be teaching your child.)

Lockport District # 91
Kelvin Grove Music Students in Grades 4-8 Learn:

 -   to sing correctly using a variety of methods including Kodaly/Solfege (hand signs/singing) and Madisson Short sight- singing/rhythm

-     Music Theory and basic computer skills (assisted by the “Music Maestro”, Sibelius 4, Musition3, and other networked computer programs which track each individual student)

-         American Folk Music

-         Music of Other Cultures (Multi-Cultural Music)

-         Music History assisted by the “Classical Is Cool” material provided through Music Educators National Conference, the National Association of Recording Merchandisers, and others); as well as “Classical  Tunes and Tales”  by Tod F. Kline

-         Compose original musical compositions using “Sibelius” (music composition software)

-         Use the Internet for music research and information for PowerPoint Presentations

-         Use “Band-In-A-Box” Music software

-         Learn to Play piano using the Bastien Older Beginner Method

-         Advanced Piano Students Learn to play organ. Select organ students are taken to -  the Magnificent Rialto Theatre in Joliet (our partners in education with the Joliet Area Theatre Organ Enthusiasts) to play the Grand Barton Pipe Organ and hear a concert by one of JATOE’s organists.

-         Learn to play Guitar (7th & 8th grade)  

-       Study "World Music Drumming" (7th & 8th grade)

-         Learn basic computer skills

Advanced students will create, edit, and mix, videos, commercials, and music they have written/composed. 

We work to meet and exceed State and National Learning Standards for music education:

The Illinois State Board of Education Music Standards

IL State Goal 25: Know the language of the arts – music

IL State Goal 26: Through creating and performing, understand how works of art are produced

IL State Goal 27: Understand the role of the arts in civilization, past and present

National Music Standards

  1. Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music

  2. Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music

  3. Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments

  4. Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines

  5. Reading and notating music

  6. Listening to, analyzing, and describing music

  7. Evaluating music and music performance

  8. Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts

  9. Understanding music in relation to history and culture

 

 

MUSIC

To many, elementary music is simply singing songs, playing games and performing in musicals and programs. Quality music education, however, is much more. Both the Illinois and Federal governments recognize arts education as a basic subject area and have created standards that require a curriculum much more comprehensive than the weekly singing classes experienced by so many through the years. These standards not only include performing, but also musical composition, improvisation, analysis and listening. Although performance has always been an important part of the music curriculum, other areas have often been ignored causing some children who were not gifted performers to be left out.

Recent advances in technology have opened many doors in music education. The latest computer software has made the teaching of music literacy a reality at even the youngest levels. Because the use of such programs can be individually modified, both gifted and special education students can work side-by- side progressing at their own rate! When both technology and performance are incorporated into the music curriculum, the comprehensive vision by the Illinois Department of Education, the National Standards, and the Music Educators National Conference can be realized.

Benefits of Music Education & Brain Research -
While many recognize the social benefits of music, we are also aware of the cultural and academic benefits that result from the study of music. In fact, many research studies have shown a correlation between music study and academic achievement.
(Brain Research)

·         Right hemisphere of brain activated when listening to music with a variety of pitch & timbre; when playing by ear

·         Left hemisphere activated when reading music, understanding key signatures, notation, and details of scores - same area of  brain activated in analytical and mathematical thinking

·         Limbic system of brain: seat of emotions, certain memory, glandular control; this area can literally facilitate or inhibit learning and higher order thinking. Positive emotions  (love, tenderness, humor) can facilitate    higher order thinking skills. Negative emotions (anger, hostility, fear) downshift brain to basic survival thinking. (from Dr. Paul MacLean—Nat’l Institute of Mental   Health)

From: “Music and the Mind” by Dee Dickinson

http://www.mwnc.org/publication/articles/academic/dickins.htm

Music & Academic Achievement

·         Study of 14 yr. old science students in 17 countries –top 3 countries: Hungary, the Netherlands, Japan. ALL 3 include music throughout   curriculum from kindergarten through high school

·         Foremost technical designers &   engineers in Silicon Valley are    almost all practicing musicians

·         Schools who produced the highest academic achievement in the United States today are spending 20-30% of the day on the arts, with special emphasis on music

·         St. Augustine Bronx  elementary school, failing in 1984, implemented an   intensive music program. Today 90% of the students are reading at or above grade level.  

       Davidson School in Augusta, Georgia (grades 5-12), began its music arts program in 1981. It is now academically #1 in the country.       From: “Music and the Mind” by Dee  Dickinson http://www.mwnc.org/publication/articles/academic/dickins.htm

Back to top

 

 

The information provided on District 91 classroom web pages relates to homework assignments, projects, due dates, and/or concepts currently being taught in the classroom. The information will be kept as current as possible. Assignments and due dates may change. Please check your student's planner/agenda if applicable.

 

Back to top

Back to top

Up ] Chorus ] [ KG Music ] MG Music ] Music Calendar ] Music Teachers ] PowerPoint ] Tech Lab ] Inservice ]

Hit Counter