KINDERGARTEN:

Music in the Kindergarten includes singing, moving and playing rhythm instruments. All children are encouraged to develop their singing and sense of rhythm through the exploration of song, dance, chants and musical games from all over the world. An integrated arts approach is used to develop and appreciation for music and an opportunity to experience personal satisfaction in performing with one’s classmates.

FIRST GRADE:

Rhythm and singing are the foundations of the First Grade Curriculum. Children are given the opportunity to recognize and perform different rhythmic patterns, to respond to changes in tempo, dynamics and melody and to become more confident performing within their class and for the school community. We will explore music styles from all over the world, observing the differences and unique qualities that make music the universal language. Note cards, music sheets and musical games will be used to develop music reading.

SECOND GRADE:

Singing, moving and playing instruments are the foundations of the Second Grade Curriculum. We will develop good intonation by learning to sing folk songs, rounds and simple two-part melodies. Children will be encouraged to improvise both tunes and words. We will study the instruments of the orchestra and the band using live demonstrations whenever possible. Note cards, music sheets and musical games will continue to be used to develop music reading.

THIRD GRADE:

Singing, moving and playing instruments are still the foundations of the Third Grade Curriculum. Note reading is emphasized more in third grade. We discuss notes, their rhythmic value and part-singing in more depth. Children are encouraged to perform instrumentally and vocally, within their own music class and in school performances. Children in third grade will be learning how to play the Precorder. You may purchase one for $5.00 and your child will be able to keep it at home. I will maintain one for each child to use here at school for the year. This will reinforce all of the concepts learned in the general music class while helping to develop fine motor skills. We will continue to study songs, dances and musical styles from all around the world in order to discover our uniqueness and our common ground through an integrated arts approach.

FOURTH GRADE:

Students at this level are given the opportunity to create, perform and listen to many different styles of music from all over the world. Special emphasis is placed on developing the skills of improvisation-both vocally and instrumentally. Ear training and singing continue with more emphasis on note reading and part-singing. Reading skills become enhanced through the use of the Recorder, which is a step up from the Precorder used in third grade. You may purchase a Recorder for your child to keep at home for $7.00. I will maintain one Recorder for each child to use here at school for the year. An integrated arts approach is used to enhance each child’s musical experiences and connect them with art, dance, drama and poetry.

FIFTH GRADE:

Fifth graders are given the opportunity to perform, create and listen to music as well as study its basic theory. Song material becomes increasingly sophisticated as the year goes on. Special emphasis is still given to the development of vocal and instrument improvisation skills-which encourages exploration and self-expression in music. Two-part singing is developed with opportunities for lyric writing, musical skits and individual performances to encourage musical independence and creativity.

Fifth Graders also participate in CHORUS . The Chorus performs for the school community in December and in May or June. A variety of musical styles and songs will be learned throughout the year and performed with the expectation of full participation, exploration of one’s own voice and the joy of singing in a large group with one’s peers.

Nan Reszenski, Music Educator