FAQ's

Q: What happens in the music classroom?

A: In the music classroom, children explore music through the Orff Schulwerk (Orff for short) style of music education. This method is based on things children like to do: sing, chant rhymes, clap, dance, and keep a beat on instruments. The students use these as a means for learning music by imitating and creating, followed by reading and writing—much the same way we all learned our own language. Throughout the curriculum, children will learn african drums, xylophones, metallophones, ukuleles, recorders, keyboards, and many other percussion instruments. In the music room, we practice more than just music: kindness, responsibility, integrity, teamwork, leadership, perseverance and respect are just a few of the traits we work on each week.

Q: Can my child join chorus?

A: The OAES chorus is open to all students in grades 4 and 5, no audition is required. The chorus performs at school assemblies and off-campus in the Portland community and with other PPS elementary choruses.

Q: When can my child begin a string or band instrument?

A: Strings classes (violins, violas, cellos, and basses) start in fourth grade. Band classes (flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion) start in fifth grade. Both strings and band classes continue through high school.

Q: How can I get more information about music or get in touch with my music teacher?

A: You can reach me at: sumneh@portlandschools.org