Welcome back to Kincaid Music Classes!

Learning music is like learning a different language and it is the only class that teaches kids HOW TO LISTEN. Each year students at Kincaid are becoming better musicians (....and people). Students who choose to continue with ASD music programs have the theory basics, knowledge of musical styles and motor skills that will accelerate mastery in their chosen discipline. ALL students have the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the world and the people around them through music.

This year we will continue learning basic music skills through singing, movement, playing instruments and listening. Fourth graders will still learn to play recorders, while 5th graders will learn the ukulele. Based on all these experiences, 6th grade students are able to achieve better success as they pursue musical experiences in band and orchestra.

Additionally, we offer choir for students in grades 4-6. These rehearsals will occur before school from 8-8:40 a.m. 2 days a week on Monday and Wednesday beginning Monday, September 12th. We will hold a Winter and Spring concert. Choir students in Grades 5 and 6 are encouraged to audition for a District Wide Honor Choir. More information will be addressed during classes and choir rehearsals.

General music is offered to grades K-5 two times a week for 30 minutes. Sixth graders receive general music only once since they have the opportunity to enroll in Band and Orchestra. I do not instruct Band and Orchestra. More information will be available soon from band teacher Rick Zelinsky and Orchestra teacher Heidi Herbert-Laverne. Some general music classes will be taught by Ms. Stigall on Fridays who will be coming over from Campbell Elementary. She will distribute more information to those students.

Third Grade Students will perform in a Veterans Day Concert tentatively scheduled for Thursday, November 10th during the school day. This is currently intended to be a live concert! Students will be singing and dancing to patriotic songs. Students will be dressing in red, white and blue. This gives you time to acquire an appropriate wardrobe :)

In order to make the most out of this short amount of time, the expectations and consequences of music class are strictly adhered to in order to provide a disruption-free environment for ALL students:

Expectations:

• • • • • • Follow Directions

          • Be Considerate

          • Raise Your Hand

Consequences:

• • • • • • Warning

          • Time Away

          • Call/Email Home/Report to Buddy Room/Office

Music grades are based on participation/effort in grades K-3 and participation/effort and academic progress in grades 4-6. Though I do not grade on behavior...behavior and participation are directly linked. If a student is not listening and following directions they are not participating properly and participation and effort are being assessed. If they are not listening, paying attention or, in some cases, practicing, their achievement will reflect that inadequacy. Please follow your student's progress in "Q" and contact me with any questions.

Music opportunities are strong at Kincaid. We encourage students to make the most of these options for positive individual growth.

Andrea Lang

Lang_Andrea@asdk12.org