Recorder
Starting in 3rd Grade, all students learn to play the recorder in their general music classes. The use of the recorder in our music program has proven to be very successful musically and popular with students.
A recorder is a small flute-like instrument that has been around for hundreds of years. It serves as an ideal pre-band instrument. The recorder will be used in grades 3-6. It is designed to improve hand-eye coordination, musicality, and finger dexterity; all necessary for further instrument learning. Not only is it educational, it's fun!
In grades 3-4, students study "recorder karate." This curriculum encourages students to read music and practice through incentives. Each time a student can successfully perform a recorder song, they earn the corresponding "belt" (string) and move on to the next song. This program has proven so successful that Mr. S. has had to create new, more difficult songs for students.
Recorder Video Lessons!
Since many of us are learning to play the recorder through remote instruction, I have put together some tutorials to keep our students learning. If you are having trouble remembering what we've learned, or want to get ahead, these videos will give you a little guidance!
Chorus
3rd Grade Chorus
Third Grade is the first year that students are exposed to Tamarac's choral tradition. All Grade 3 students are required to be in chorus for one year. Children enrolled in chorus have an additional music meeting time each week for rehearsals. In chorus, we will work on vocal skills, learn choral literature, explore different types of harmony and perform in concerts
4th/5th Grade Chorus
When students reach the 4th grade, Chorus becomes an elective ensemble, which means that expectations will be higher than Third Grade Chorus. Our hope is that by choosing to participate, students will experience greater musical growth, a sense of being part of a team, and ultimately an enriching experience for all those who choose to participate.
Concerts
The 3rd, 4th and 5th grade choruses perform in two concerts each school year along with the elementary band. The first concert is a Winter Concert in December and the second is a Spring Concert in May. For specific concert dates and times, go to the Music Department Calendar Page.
Students are asked to wear their best clothes for this special event. Please do not feel that you have to go out and buy a new outfit. Students should bring quiet activities to do while they are waiting to perform. Students in 3rd and 4th Grade Chorus are asked to arrive at 6:30. Students in 5th Grade Chorus are asked to arrive by 6:40.
Recordings
Recordings are made of all of our concerts. To hear recordings from our recent performances, visit the Elementary Recordings page here.
Select Choir
The Elementary Select Choir consists of 36 students, grades, 3-5 selected to join the chorus through an audition process held in September every year. Select Choir members are easy to spot at our concert in their sharp black shirts, red vests and ties.
In the Select Choir students will work to perform choral pieces of a higher level of difficulty and musicality. Students involved in the choir will work on vocal technique, singing in harmony and advanced musical reading skills. We will be performing along with the other Elementary Music Ensembles at the Winter and Spring Concerts.
The Select Choir has performed at several events apart from our concerts. The Select Choir has been invited to perform on WMHT's "Music for the Holidays" for four consecutive years (2008-2011). In 2012 and 2017, the Select Choir was honored to perform along side the Mendelssohn Club of Albany at their Holiday Concert at the Albany Egg. The Select Choir has been invited to perform at the Capital District Youth Chorale's "Choral Fantasy" for several consecutive years at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.
Mr. Siegenthaler graduated summa cum laude from the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, New York, where he received a Bachelors of Music in Music Education with a Piano concentration. He received his Masters degree in Music Education with a concentration in Kodaly Methodology from the Hartt School, at the University of Hartford. Mr. Siegenthaler is currently in his fifteenth year of teaching at Tamarac Elementary school in the Brunswick School District. In addition to teaching general music in grades Pre-K through 4, he is also the choral director for grades 3-5 and the Elementary Select Choir. He is currently serving as the President for the Rensselaer County School Music Association. In addition to his school responsibilities, he also teaches a small studio of private piano students after school. Mr. Siegenthaler has experience both conducting and accompanying ensembles at choral festivals in counties throughout the capital region of New York.
