Music
The objective of the Music Program is to provide all students with opportunities to experience and develop various skills in music and performance while instilling an appreciation this form of art.
There are three major events during the year in which all students prepare. They are:
- Grandparents’ Day
- The Annual Holiday Program
- The Pink Party (our end-of-the year celebration and performance)
Each program includes one unique song per class as well as a concluding song performed by the entire student body. Additionally, each class performs once during the school year for their classmates at a monthly general assembly. Students contribute in creating choreography for their songs as they learn.
In addition to the formal productions, each class has a general course of study. “Musikgarten” sets the tone for Pre-School through 1st Grade. The Pre-School children delight in “Cycle of Seasons”, which includes many different activities in a 30-minute session. They sing, dance, listen, identify animals by sound, perform songs, and play different rhythm instruments.
Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and 1st Grade find “Music Makers: At Home in the World” intriguing. They continue with the established activities in different landscape themes with an increase in challenge. They also begin to read rhythms and learn musical symbols.
From the 2nd-6th Grade, students learn to read music by playing recorders. “Recorder Karate” is a highly motivational method which rewards students with colored belts as each song is completed. These belts are displayed around the bell of each student’s recorder. More difficult songs have been added for bronze, silver, and gold belts. The 5th and 6th grade students also practice sight-reading, as well as study famous composers and their works.