Mr. Clough's Music

Class overview

Our elementary music program is designed to help students grow as creative, confident, and collaborative musicians. Each grade level builds upon the previous year’s skills while offering engaging performance opportunities and hands-on musical experiences.

Kindergarten students begin exploring the foundations of music through musical opposites (high/low, fast/slow, loud/quiet), steady beat activities, movement, and singing using the “so-mi” melodic pattern. Classes focus on joyful music-making, listening skills, and building confidence through play-based learning.

1st Grade expands students’ musical understanding by introducing more complex rhythmic patterns, additional melodic concepts, and ensemble singing. Students also participate in a class musical performance, giving them an opportunity to combine music, movement, and storytelling on stage.

2nd Grade students continue developing performance skills through another musical production while beginning recorder instruction. Students learn standard music notation and apply their reading skills to perform melodies independently and as an ensemble.

3rd Grade features a large ukulele unit where students learn chords, strumming patterns, and accompaniment skills. The year culminates in a student-centered performance where students select and perform songs, encouraging musical choice, independence, and collaboration.

4th Grade expands into a modern band experience that includes guitar, keyboard, bass, drums, ukulele, and singing. Students work together in bands to develop performance techniques, rehearsal skills, and ensemble communication while exploring a variety of musical styles.

5th Grade students take part in a Veterans Day performance and complete a songwriting and music production unit. This unit focuses on creative lyric writing, musical composition, and the use of digital audio workstations through Soundtrap, where students create and produce original music using modern recording technology.