The music classes are using the Share the Music curriculum series and learning about musical concepts through the songs we learn in class. We build a repertoire of songs and use those songs to convey expression, dynamics, rhythm, beat, tempo, high/low, tone color, movement, creating original lyrics for songs, musical form, solfege, counting, and musical appreciation. This series also contains a rich collection of visual art, poetry, listening examples, and recorded lessons. In addition, we will use Orff instruments to reinforce these musical concepts.
At the end of their time in music, each class will perform a "music showcase" to demonstrate, to an audience, the concepts covered during their time in music. They perform the showcase in the music room, as individual classes, giving the audience a flavor for what their music class is like. It is an intimate setting for the audience, and the students enjoy putting it on for them. Beginning in fourth grade, students may sign-up for instrumental lessons. We offer instruction in flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, and trombone. If a student has had two or more years of piano or has had formal percussion lessons, they may also choose to take percussion lessons. Instrumental lessons are offered once a week for twenty-five minutes. They are group lessons. Students are required to spend about 30 minutes per day practicing in order to make progress. We use the Standard of Excellence music series written by the Twin Cities' own Bruce Pearson. It is a comprehensive approach to learning the instrument and reading music. |
