"Music acts like a magic key, to which the most tightly closed hearts open." Maria von Trapp

Welcome to our music program at CES!

Students in Pre-Kindergarten through 5th Grade all have the opportunity to participate in a music class once a week, Monday through Thursday.  Students come for a 45-minute period that alternates with Physical Education and STEAM classes.

On Fridays, students are on a rotating schedule that will allow them to learn about music or character traits from various countries around the world, including books, dances, games and other activities, as well as in our PE program, which are all based around Counseling lessons they have each month.  This past year, we were able to collaborate to give students an opportunity to experience all three subjects in one Encore class period.

Our district’s motto is that we “empower students to strive for personal excellence while growing in mind, body and spirit.”  Chisholm administration and school board members have shown tremendous support for our program over the years, as we believe the arts play a vital role in creating well-rounded students.

It is my personal belief that every child can sing, and I hope to instill a love of music in each student at CES. 

Please click your grade level button for digital instruction and learning.

THE KODALY APPROACH

The Kodály Approach to music education was inspired by a Hungarian composer and educator, Zoltan Kodaly (1882-1967). It’s primary goals are to make music accessible to all people and to cultivate a love and appreciation for music that is supported by understanding and direct musical experiences.

The Kodály Concept of Music Education continues to attract great attention around the world, primarily because of its ability to offer children stimulating and enjoyable music lessons while, at the same time, helping them become musically literate and development music appreciation.

Kodály believed that children should first learn their own musical mother tongue – the folk songs of their own cultural heritage.  It is through this musical mother tongue that the skills and concepts necessary to achieve musical literacy can be taught. As these skills develop, children are given the opportunity to study and perform art music of all periods and styles. 

Kodály believed that singing should be the foundation of all music education.  “It is a long accepted truth,” wrote Kodály, “that singing provides the best start to music education; even the most talented artist can never overcome the disadvantages of an education without singing.”