Music at Washington School
The music program at Washington School is focused on helping children to become proficient at many music skills especially the reading of music.
From kindergarten through 5th grade we explore fun and interesting ways to learn the language of music through rhythmic and melodic exercises and songs. We begin to "read" music from the first day of class by using a rhythmic code for note values and solfege for pitch.
In third grade, students learn how to play the recorder. An instrument used since the middle ages, the recorder is a great tool to begin putting into use our newly acquired language of musical notation. In March the students perform for their peers and parents.
All children see actual musical scores and discover the symbols and special markings that help musicians interpret the music. They learn how to read many lines of music and begin to become independent singers and instrumentalists. We use beautiful rhythmic instruments including xylophones, metallophones, glockenspiels, drums, and specialty instruments like gongs, bells and quiros to accompany our songs.
Children begin making harmony by singing in rounds and partner songs. By 4th grade all children are encouraged to sing harmony by following independent lines of music. Pitch recognition and rhythmic independence are strongly ingrained by this time.
Fourth and fifth graders are able to join chorus which starts in the beginning of the year. Students in chorus meet on Tuesday (5th grade) and Wednesday (4th grade) mornings at 8:00 AM. They are responsible for performances in the winter and in the spring. Skills learned and reinforced in class are carried into chorus. Rhythmic instruments are also used in chorus to accompany the singers. These instruments include the xylophone, metallophone and recorder. Students may volunteer to join the Rhythm Ensemble at any time. Opportunities for small ensemble singing and solos are given by sign up or audition.
During the year, children also receive special instruction on recognizing the instruments of the orchestra, learning how to "listen" to and interpret orchestral music. They also learn about many composers and performing groups. We also learn about music from many cultures by singing songs from different countries and in different languages.
Washington students should expect to leave Washington with a well rounded knowledge of music and will be prepared to continue in middle school with band and chorus and in the community in theatre arts.
Excellent Music Web Sites
| DSOKids • Dallas Symphony Orchestra | |
| musicinschoolstoday | This is great!! This site has all kinds of information for you about music and what you can do right now! |
| MusicK8Kids.com | Neat website for children and parents. Children can play musical video games, download favorite music from music class, play recorder and boomwhacker games and much more! |
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Check out this Jazz website for grades 3-5 |
| This is a neat site that students can use to learn all about music. Recorder players can find some of their favorite music on this site! |
| ClassicsforKids | Wonderful site where you can hear music, read about composers, play musical games and look up musical words in their music dictionary. Each week this site offers information on a different composer. Check it out! |