Kindergarten: Kindergarten children begin learning basic rhythmic notation and vocalize this notation by the use of a rhythmic code for quarter notes, eighth notes, half and whole notes. They also begin to recognize pitch and note names by the use of solfege and learning the staff and the placement of notes on the staff. Kindergartners sing music with real music notation from the very beginning of the year. They are directed to find musical symbols and signs, notes, rests, repeat signs, etc. They are helped with the reading of the song texts. Kindergarten students also "listen" to music in a teacher-directed way. They listen for different instruments, form, tone, tempo, timbre, etc. They also sing songs pertaining to the season or special days using different languages and styles. They are well on their way to learning how to read music by first grade. |
First Grade: First grade students continue using vocal code for rhythmic sight reading. They also continue to polish their understanding of solfege and use it to sight read melody. They are directed to discover the relationship between melody, harmony, and rhythm. First graders continue to learn to read notes on a staff and develop a vocabulary of musical terms learned by focusing on written music and finding the special symbols and signs that make up a musical page. First grade students sing songs and accompany themselves with Orff instruments (metallophones, xylophones, glockenspiels) and other rhythmic and melodic instruments. Respect for these instruments is taught as each new instrument is introduced. All children have a chance to play these instruments during class time. Listening lessons that teach about composers, instruments, orchestral pieces, musical history, etc are given. Parents are invited to observe a regular music class in the Spring. |
Second Grade: Second grade students continue much in the same way as the first grade students. Melody, harmony and rhythm is emphasized by new material and more difficult musical challenges. Orff instruments are again used to help each student gain musical independence and to add different musical elements into the classroom. Listening lessons focus the student on composers, form, orchestral pieces and musical history. There is heavy emphasis on the treble staff, notes and rhythmic notation in second grade. All students are directed in the reading of actual music pages with it's many signs and symbols. A music vocabulary is continued. Parents are invited to observe a regular music class in the Spring. |
Third Grade: The third grade is a very important grade in our musical development. We learn how to play a musical instrument, the recorder. The recorder is a medieval instrument that uses the fingers of both hands and is small enough to carry in a backpack. Children also receive a recorder text which they are encouraged to take home with them along with their recorder. The students are now expected to learn each note of the treble clef and follow the music as written. Students play music in unison as well as in parts and also accompany their recorder music with Orff instruments. A performance is given in the early Spring to highlight their progress and show the parents what they have learned. Listening lessons are still provided along with seasonal and fundamental vocal music. |
Fourth Grade: Fourth grade students are encouraged to take formal instrumental lessons during school in fourth grade as well as to join chorus. Chorus meets before school for 4th grade on Wednesdays at 8:00 AM. (see permission slip) Students CAN belong to both chorus and band as each meets on separate mornings. The third grade recorder lessons have now enabled the fourth grade students to learn their instruments more quickly and to read music given during chorus. They can follow two and three-part music and sing independently in harmony. Fourth grade students are given a multi unit on American music where they learn dozens of songs from Revolutionary War times to the present. They sing and play the recorder to learn these songs. They discover the "American Sound" through listening, singing and playing the music. Fourth Grade chorus performs two times a year in December and in June. |
Fifth Grade: Fifth grade students continue to take instrumental lessons during school and perform in band concerts throughout the year. They are also encouraged to continue singing in Fifth Grade Chorus. The lessons taught from Kindergarten through fourth grade have prepared the fifth grader for bigger musical challenges. The fifith grade is introduced to musical theater through a many-week lesson. They understand the many "arts" that make up musical theatre and prepare short musical skits during class time. They choreograph songs and build props. The class as a whole puts on a curricular-based show at the end of the year for the school and their parents. The fifth grade end of year shows foster working as a group, cooperation, creativity in various forms, sharing information, research, and inclusiveness. Each child is expected to be part of the show and is written in to the show by the class. Each class writes a skit, has a song to choreograph and perform and all classes are part of the larger theme with additional speaking, solo and choral parts. Listening skills are honed, seasonal songs sung and accompaniment with various melodic and rhytmic instruments is continued. Fifth grade chorus performs two times a year in December and in June.
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