The general music program exposes all students to the language of music, and familiarizes them with many different musical experiences, including singing, movement, recitation, drama, instrumentation, listening and creating. The curriculum consists of specific skill building in the areas of singing with correct intonation, understanding rhythm, gaining knowledge of various non-pitched and pitched percussion and learning the correct way to play them, following a musical blueprint, learning about various patterns in music and reading and writing music. Listening, memorizing, performing and improvising are also incorporated into the program. The objective is for all students to develop deep and abiding love of music and a feeling of comfort with all musical styles.
Goals and Objectives
- to expose and familiarize students with many different performance experiences
- to introduce students to various musical concepts including pitch, notation, rhythm, dynamics, tempo, harmony and timbre and form
- to introduce and develop students’ use of various pitched and non-pitched percussion instruments
- to give students a foundation in American traditional/folk music and nursery rhymes
- to introduce and develop various performing arts skills
- to involve students in beginning performances
- to introduce students to a number of classical artists and their works
Performances
Performances are viewed as an important, but lesser part of the music curriculum. They are crafted in such a way as to be an extension of what would normally transpire within the classroom. It is strongly felt that the flow from classroom to the performance stage should be a natural and comfortable one.
The Early Childhood classes are involved in two main performances per year, one during the December holidays and a final performance at year’s end. Kindergarten - Second Grade share one or two musical selections during the Holiday and Graduation programs. In addition, the classes are involved in a class play each year which always includes a musical component. A yearly talent show is also scheduled to provide an opportunity for students in these grades to perform.
Instrumental
A wide variety of percussion instruments are utilized as part of this program. These include both pitched and non-pitched instruments. The body is also used as an instrument as the students explore various ways of creating body percussion and other musical sounds.
These experiences are extended through the use of Orff-Schulwerk methodology and instruments. The Orff approach involves learning to perform music through a rote/speech/song method. Since speech is an easy way for children to communicate, they do not become overwhelmed with all the new material needed to read music. As the students become more proficient in class, music reading is introduced and developed. Use of the toned Orff instruments provides a solid foundation for the student’s eventual use of the recorder in Third Grade.
Introduction to Classical Music
Every few months one classical composer is highlighted for study. The students are given a brief biography and are then introduced to approximately three works by that composer. Artwork, dance and movement exercises are utilized to enhance the student’s listening experience.
Classes are also introduced to various classical music forms, such as symphonies and sonatas. Identifying characteristics are shared along with musical selections.
Thematic Units
Some of the skill-building associated with music and the performing arts are created through the sharing of thematic units. The use of thematic units is a wonderful vehicle to connect the student’s world to musical concepts. Some of these concepts include pitch, notation, rhythm, dynamics, tempo, harmony and timbre. At times, the music curriculum is tailored to the needs of the individual classroom. Separate themes are also introduced as a part of the music class itself. Each theme embodies a number of units and sub-units. Sub-units may be covered in one or several class periods. Most Nursery through Second Grade classes are involved in the same thematic study. The activities with each theme, however, are tailored to the specific age level involved.
The month of October is set aside for Halloween, while the month of December is set aside for Hanukkah/Christmas. Other thematic units include Under the Sea, Farm Animals, Dinosaurs, Transportation, Shapes and Colors. The sub-units in each theme include, but are not limited to: singing songs, children’s games, listening to recordings, playing instruments, creative movement and reading stories.