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Overview
Music is a fundamental part of the human experience, involving active communication between listeners and performers. Music education teaches students about themselves and their lives by fostering cooperation, respect, and constructive critique. It helps them understand their identity, communicate effectively, and work diligently to produce quality work. Through music, students learn to use a non-verbal medium to interpret and share their world, slow down, quiet their minds, and focus on tasks. They also develop the ability to block out distractions and build confidence, which contributes to success in all areas of their lives.
Chorus
At Greenacres, all 4th and 5th graders participate in chorus to enhance their vocal skills and learn about diverse musical styles. The chorus rehearses once per six day cycle as a grade level. During these rehearsals, students will focus on developing proper singing techniques and exploring various musical genres to broaden their musical understanding.
The chorus has two performances per year, showcasing the students' hard work and progress. Please see the rehearsal schedule and concert dates below.
Kindergarten
Kindergarten
Main Focus: Steady Beat
Expression: Tempo, Dynamics, Performance Expression, Storytelling
Instruments: Unpitched percussion, Barred Instruments (high & low)
Form: Same vs. Different
Pitch & Contour: 4 Voices (speaking, calling, whisper, singing), Vocal Exploration, High/Low, Sol-Mi
Movement
Kindergartners have music two times in each six day cycle.
1st grade
1st grade
Main Focus: Steady Beat and Rhythm
Expression: Tempo, Dynamics, Performance Expression, Storytelling
Instruments: Unpitched percussion, Barred Instruments (high & low), Bordun
Form: AB or ABA
Pitch & Contour: 4 Voices (speaking, calling, whisper, singing), Vocal Exploration, High/Low, Sol-Mi-La
Movement
Rhythm: Steady beat, quarter note, quarter Rest, paired eighth notes, half note
1st graders have music two times in each six day cycle.
2nd Grade
2nd Grade
Main Focus: Steady Beat, Rhythm, Melody
Expression: Tempo, Dynamics, Performance
Instruments: Unpitched percussion, Instrument Families, Barred Instruments
Form: ABA, ABC, AABA
Pitch & Contour: Do, Re, Mi, Sol, La (Pentatonic Scale)
Movement
Rhythm: Half Note, Half Rest, Whole Note, Whole Rest, Sixteenth Notes
Performance: Music in Our Community
2nd graders have music two times in each six day cycle.
3rd grade
3rd grade
Main Focus: Steady Beat, Rhythm, Melody, Instruments
Expression: Tempo, Dynamics
Instruments: Unpitched percussion, Barred Instruments (high & low), Ukulele, Improvisation, Instrument Families
Pitch & Contour: Do, Re, Mi, Sol, La, Do' (Pentatonic Scale)
Rhythm: Sixteenth Notes
3rd Graders have General Music once per cycle and Instrumental Music Exploration once per cycle.
4th grade
4th grade
Main Focus: Steady Beat, Rhythm, Melody, Instruments
Expression: Tempo, Dynamics
Instruments: Unpitched percussion, Barred Instruments (high & low), Ukulele, Improvisation, Instrument of the Orchestra, Soundtrap
Pitch & Contour: Do, Re, Mi, Sol, La, Do' (Pentatonic Scale)
Rhythm: Sixteenth Notes
Performances: Winter & Spring Chorus Concerts
4th Graders have General Music once per cycle and Chorus once per cycle.
Chorus Rehearal: B Day 10:55-11:35am
Concert Dates
February 9, 2027 @ 6:30pm - Chorus
June 9, 2027 @ 6:30pm - Chorus
Concert Attire
Daytime Concert (for students only): Green & White and/or Greenacres Spiritwear
Evening Concert (for families): All Black (i.e. shirt, pants, dress, skirt, tie optional)
5th Grade
5th Grade
Expression: Tempo, Dynamics
Instruments: Unpitched percussion, Barred Instruments (high & low), Ukulele, Improvisation, Technology
Pitch & Contour: Do, Re, Mi, Sol, La, Do' (Pentatonic Scale)
Movement: Folk Dance, Dances of other cultures
Rhythm: Syncopa, Compound Meter, Dotted Rhythms
Performances: Heritage Night, Winter & Spring Chorus Concerts
5th Graders have General Music once per cycle and Chorus once per cycle.
Chorus Rehearals:
Ms. McCarren/Ms. Bookin and Ms. Wardwell/Ms. Heffernan A Day 10:10-10:50am
Mr. Guski and Mr. Destefano/Ms. Papparato B Day 10:10-10:50am
Concert Dates
February 9, 2027 @ 6:30pm - Chorus
June 9, 2027 @ 6:30pm - Chorus
Concert Attire
Daytime Concert (for students only): Green & White and/or Greenacres Spiritwear
Evening Concert (for families): All Black (i.e. shirt, pants, dress, skirt, tie optional)
All County Chorus (Optional)
Each year, Westchester county hosts the Elementary All-County Chorus, composed of two 5th and 6th grade students from each school in Westchester who are passionate about singing. Selected students will occasionally rehearse the music during recess and must attend two mandatory rehearsals at White Plains High School. The culminating performance will take place on March 6th.
I will discuss this opportunity in our general music classes this week and am happy to answer any questions. If your child is interested in auditioning for the 2026 Elementary All-County Chorus, please fill out THIS FORM (coming soon).
Chamber Chorus (Optional)
Chamber Chorus (Optional)
The 5th Grade Chamber Chorus will begin in the fall. This is a great opportunity for students who enjoy singing, want to be part of a smaller group, are eager to tackle more challenging repertoire, and would benefit from more individualized instruction.
Chamber Chorus will meet once per cycle on “D” Days during recess. The group will perform at both the February and June concerts.
Register for chamber chorus HERE (link coming soon).
4th Graders will be welcome to join chamber chorus in FEBRUARY after the winter concert.
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