The General Music Curriculum is offered to every student from grades K-6. The goals are to create, perform, respond, and connect to music, and to promote life-long enjoyment and appreciation of music. Classes are based on the National Music Standards and Illinois State Music Standards.  Students develop skills by exploring each of the eight elements of music: 

• Dynamics: How loud or soft the music is.  

• Form: The order and arrangement of the parts of the music (verse, chorus, AB, ABA, Canon, Call and Response). 

• Harmony: The instruments or voices that support the melody with chords. 

• Melody: The series of pitches that makes a tune. 

• Rhythm: The pattern of sound, silence, and emphasis in a song.

• Texture: The layers of sound, how sparse or dense the music is. 

• Timbre: The unique quality of the sound that a musical instrument makes.

• Tonality: The overall sound of the music (happy vs sad- major vs minor)

The music curriculum works in conjunction with other grade level subject areas to bring a rounded experience to our students through song and dance.  All grades meet once a week for forty minutes.  Students are required to perform in a scheduled Veterans Day Program (November), Christmas Concert (December) and a Spring Concert (April/May).

My expectations include that ALL students in ALL grades will not only sing, but they will dance and play instruments. 

MUSIC ED BROCHURE 

Ensembles will consist of 5th grade band, 6th grade band, and 4th-6th Choir. All members within each ensemble will demonstrate our musical code of conduct: 

• Be Respectful: Show kindness and focus to peers and instructors. 

• Be Responsible: Practice your music outside of class and come to class prepared to sing or play.

• Be Committed: Attend all scheduled practices and performances. You must engage in singing or playing with the ensemble. 

• Be Supportive: Encourage fellow choir/band members and celebrate each other’s successes. 

Supplies:

Some instruments will require specific supplies that I will offer to the student, such as reeds, valve/slide oil and grease, and cork grease. If you would like to purchase reeds, oils or grease for your students use, please contact me so I can give you information on quality products that will not harm your student or their instrument. Many of these supplies I will supply during our in class rehearsals, mitigating the need for student/family purchasing. 

Resources

• Fingering Charts 

• Rhythm Randomizer

• Drones (for tuning)

• Diaphragmatic Breathing

• Music Theory (note identification, rhythm work, etc)

• Note Identification 

• How to Roll on Snare Drum  (For 6th Grade Band)

• Beginning Band Tips and Tricks  (how to create first sounds- woodwinds and brass)

• How to assemble your instrument (link takes you to a YouTube playlist including ALL instrument assembly steps).

• Learn More about Timbre and the Instrument Families

• Tuner

Music Games

• Chrome Music Lab

• Music Teacher National Association (this takes you to another website of links to explore)

• PBS Kids Music 

• Names of Lines and Spaces on the Staff