Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten
In music class, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students engage in a variety of musical activities. They learn to match pitch and echo lyrics while singing. Recognizing and playing rhythms on percussion is an important activity as well. Students work as a group to develop cooperation, consideration, sharing, and performance skills. They experience musical elements: fast/slow, loud/soft, steady beat, and blending of louder and softer voices. They listen to examples of classical music, identifying instruments and melodic contour. For performance in our concerts, students learn songs in several different styles. In class, they dance and play musical games, which develop fine- and gross-motor skills, self-expression, and a sense of fair play.

Grade One and Grade Two
In music class, first and second grade students engage in a variety of activities. They develop more independence in singing, and continue to expand their melodic range and linguistic abilities. They enjoy singing rounds. Students work together as a group to develop cooperation, consideration, and problem-solving skills. They improve their ability to blend louder and softer voices within the group. Students recognize and perform rhythmic notation. They can play simple accompaniments on the xylophone. They listen to examples of classical music, identifying instruments and melodic contour. For performance in our concerts, students learn songs in several styles and play percussion instruments. First graders know how to follow cues and demonstrate good performance comportment. They enjoy musical games and dances; these enhance self-expression, music skills, and a sense of fair play. Students are very interested in our new computer software program, “Music Maestro,” which contains lessons and games for aural skills and music theory.

Grade Three
In music class, Third grade students learn to play the soprano recorder and engage in a variety of activities. They become more sophisticated in singing and continue to expand their melodic range, intonation, and linguistic ability; reading lyrics and enunciating clearly. They improve their ability to project their voices and to blend louder and softer voices in the class. Students work together as a group to develop cooperation, consideration, and problem solving skills. Third graders recognize and perform rhythmic and melodic notation. They develop fine-motor coordination.

While listening to examples of classical music, students focus on identifying instruments, melodic contour, and expressive elements. For performance in our concerts, students learn pieces in a variety of musical styles. Songs may include unusual rhythms and mixed meters. Third graders learn to follow a musical score. Students follow performance cues and demonstrate good concert comportment. They are very interested in our new computer software program, “Music Maestro,” which has lessons and games for enhancing music theory and aural skills.

Grade Four
In music class Fourth graders take part in a variety of musical activities. They continue recorder playing, learning new notes and more difficult songs. They develop fine-motor coordination. They learn about articulation, dynamics (loud and soft), and playing in tune. They become more sophisticated in singing and continue to expand their melodic range, intonation, and linguistic ability while reading lyrics and enunciating clearly. They improve their ability to project their voices and to blend louder and softer voices in the class. Students work together as a group to develop cooperation, consideration, and problem-solving skills. Fourth graders recognize and perform rhythmic and melodic notation.

While listening to examples of classical music, students focus on identifying instruments, melodic contour, and expressive elements. For performance in our holiday concert, students learn pieces in a variety of musical styles. Songs may include unusual rhythms and mixed meters. The fourth graders follow performance cues and demonstrate good concert comportment. They are very interested in our new computer software program, “Music Maestro,” which has lessons and games for enhancing music theory and aural skills.

In addition to our regular music classes, fourth graders have the option of taking up a band/orchestral instrument. Members of the Fourth Grade Ensemble learn basic care and assembly of their instruments. They learn to play major scales as well as chromatic notes. They learn pieces for enjoyment and for performance in school concerts while gaining the ability to play in a group and follow cues. Private and semi-private lessons are offered after school, and students participate in a weekly rehearsal. Students may choose among the following instruments:
Violin
Cello
Flute
Clarinet
Saxophone (alto)
Trumpet
Trombone
Baritone