Grade Level Curriculum

Kindergarten - Our Kindergarten curriculum consists of an introduction to broad spectrum musical concepts such as high and low sounds, long and short sounds, and fast and slow sounds. Determining the difference between a beat and a rhythm and finding our singing rather than our talking voices are consistent elements in our lessons. Movement and classroom instrument playing are our favorite ways to learn.

1st Grade - The large concepts of Kindergarten continue into 1st grade and let us venture into the exploration of form (like verse/chorus and call/response) and begin working with solfege syllables and hand-signs. Rhythms move from "long" and "short" to the representative symbols "Ta" and "Titi". A variety of cultures are represented in our musical singing and listening selections.

2nd grade - Second graders spend a lot of their time experiencing music in fun and experimental ways. Scarves, bubbles, playdough, tennis balls, crayons, and more help us illustrate our knowledge of musical concepts through movement and creativity, linking various aspects of the arts. How music makes us feel and how music tells a story are a big part of the 2nd grade year.

3rd grade - The four families of instruments keep 3rd graders busy in the fall, learning the basics of music reading with note and rest values and the lines and spaces of the treble clef staff are the focus of the winter months, and learning to describe what we hear with both oral and written words are what awaits 3rd graders in the spring.

4th grade - 4th graders use the first half of the year to review and increase their knowledge of music reading and concepts. Beginning in February that knowledge will be put to work as the 4th graders learn how to play the recorder during their weekly music classes.

5th grade - Much of 5th grade is spent exploring music of many different cultures and time periods in history. A large percussion unit starts off the year. A big part of the winter months provide 5th grade an opportunity to learn how to play the ukulele. Swing, folk songs, patriotic tunes, and broadway show tunes are just a few of the styles 5th graders use to learn about how music and history are interwoven.

6th grade - The 6th grade curriculum has large units of study where students are immersed in one concept for several weeks at a time. The "Nutcracker" unit prior to the holiday break, a compact look at music history from the Medieval Period to today, a unit exposing students to the numerous and varied career paths within the field of music, and an in-depth look at a broadway musical give 6th graders a unique perspective on music as an art form.

Chorus - 5th and 6th grade students are encouraged to participate in Chorus. Just as Band and Orchestra are extra-curricular groups that enhance and enrich the school music experience, chorus allows 5th and 6th graders an opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge in a "lab" setting, work as a team, and practice being in front of an audience. The Chorus performs two evening concerts each year, one in December and one in May, with a variety of musical styles, cultures, and concepts represented.