Kindergarten / 1^st Grade

Students will explore varied musical styles by listening to and singing songs from many different places.  They will learn about:  dynamics (loud/soft), pitch (high/low), tempo (fast/slow), and melody.  Students will practice learning parts (when to wait, when to sing), singing as a group and arranging songs for performance.

Rhythm and Drumming:  In these years, students will use their bodies as well as drums and other percussion instruments to:

·      move to and play basic rhythms

·      accompany stories and songs

·      improvise

·      compose their own pieces

·      notate 1 basic rhythm

2^nd / 3^rd Grades

Students will begin basic singing technique:  position, breathing and staying in tune.  They will sing different kinds of songs and 2 and 3 part rounds.  In addition, they will learn to identify the written musical staff, the treble clef and the names of the notes on the treble clef.

As in K/1, students will spend much time moving and drumming.  They will learn, play and notate basic rhythms in3/4 and 4/4 time.  They will also improvise and compose their own melodies, songs and percussion pieces.

4^th /5^th Grades

Students will receive more extensive vocal training; practicing good body position and technique.  They will sing 3 and 4 part canons and 2 part harmony.  This class will play recorders, learning songs by ear and by reading.  Breathing and blowing techniques will be covered .  Students will also compose their own melodies.  Through singing, playing recorders, games and exercises, students will recognize and sing or play simple songs written on the treble clef.

In this class, students also use their bodies along with drums and other percussion instruments to understand, play and notate basic rhythms in 3/4, 4/4 and 2/4 time.  A special component of the 4/5 music program is playing the Andean style of panpipes.  Students will learn about breathing and blowing techniques, Andean styles of music and working cooperatively (each playing only half of the melody).