What are we learning in music class?

Every grade from kindergarten through fifth grade features active music making with chants, singing, movement, instruments and games.  

There are six primary concepts in the music curriculum:

1. Melody: high & low sounds, the ability to hear and match individual pitches both vocally and on instruments.  

2. Harmony: recognizing and playing accompaniments, learning to sing in canon (rounds), partner songs & chords.

3. Rhythm: recognition and playing steady beat as well as patterns of notes and rests.

4. Form: identification of patterns and phrases within songs.

5. Timbre: identification of sound quality and classification (instrument family, choral families).

6. Expression: recognition and practice of how music conveys and inspires emotion.

How is my child graded in music class?

Kindergarten-Fifth Grade: grades are issued twice a year for special area classes at end of second & fourth quarters in December & May.  

Students receive two marks as follows:

Demonstrating musical growth & development: demonstrating progress on the concepts above.  Students are graded on a 1-4 scale for special area as follows:

• • 1: Student is just starting to learn a new concept.

  • 2: Student can demonstrate concepts with assistance.

  • 3: Student can demonstrate concepts independently. 

  • 4: Student demonstrates significant mastery and assists others in need of help.

Appropriate effort & attitude: Students are graded on a 1-4 scale for music as follows according to the Wabash Way Principles: Safe, Respectful, Responsible, & Caring

• • 1: Student is struggling significantly.  Teacher has been in contact with parents.

  • 2: Student may struggle at times but is making progress towards class & individual goals.

  • 3: Student is making good progress towards class & individual goals.

  • 4: Student is exceptional and is soaring above & beyond!

When does my child attend music class?

Students attend music class once a week for 60 minutes on a rotating schedule.   Please consult your child's class schedule for when your child will attend class.

What can my child expect in music class?

Students can expect to sing, move, and play instruments each week in music class.  We will also practice both audience and performance behaviors as well as active listening with musical selections from a variety of time periods and world cultures. 

Will my child have concerts?

Performances are an exciting a part of the active music making process!  Major concerts for an entire grade level occur every other year (kindergarten-2nd grade-4th grade).  This year's concert calendar is below; we typically try to avoid January and February for concerts due to the potential for inclement weather.  Elementary concerts are typically 4-6 songs with an estimated running time of 15-35 minutes and often feature short dialog between scenes and simple costumes & scenery.  Additional clubs such as choir and instrument club will often perform at grade level concerts as well.  Concerts are prepared as part of the school day and do not require students to attend rehearsals outside of school hours except for the final performance. 

• 4th grade winter concert, title to be announced      Directed by Mrs. Katie Jones

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 North Point High School Auditorium  6:30 p.m.  (inclement weather date is Dec. 19, 2025)

• Students arrive at 6:00 p.m., concert starts at 6:30 p.m. and should be done by 7:30 p.m.  This performance will also include the Dynamic Ducks Choir Club.

• 2nd grade concert, title to be announced       Directed by Mr. Nathan Prater

Wednesday, April 15, 2026  Wabash gymnasium  6:30 p.m.  (inclement weather date is April 22, 2026)

• Students arrive at 6:00 p.m., concert starts at 6:30 p.m. and should be done by 7:30 p.m.  This performance will also include the Release the Quackin' Instrument Club.

• Kindergarten graduation concert, title to be announced      Directed by Mrs. Katie Jones

Late May 2026 during the school day in the Wabash gymnasium

Are there any required materials?

While not required, athletic shoes are a good idea as we do a great deal of movement activities, not to mention your student will be playing at recess everyday!  Students are seated on the floor as well for music just like P.E.  Fourth grade students purchase a recorder from the school to be used for both fourth and fifth grades midyear. 

Get to know the music teachers!