Grade Levels

Kindergarten

Focus:  To lead the children to the joy of music through folk songs, games, dances & chants.  To help students experience their voice both through speaking and singing.  To explore music through both organized and creative movement. To expose students to the elements of music such as; loud/soft, fast/slow, high/low, steady/unsteady beat, same/different & long/short sounds.  To experiment with classroom instruments such as; drums, xylophones, sand blocks, & cymbals to name a few.  We will play, discover, learn and have fun!

1st Semester Benchmarks:  Participates in singing - Echoes short rhythmic 
patterns & Responds through purposeful movement to music

First Grade

Focus: To lead the children to the joy of music through folk songs, games, dances & chants. To help students begin to know the basic musical signs and symbols and begin using them in simple compositions. To learn about the various styles of music, specifically marches and lullabies. To begin exploring the instruments of the orchestra especially the percussion & string families. To explore rhythm, melody and form through the use of voice and instruments.  We will play, discover, learn and have fun!

1st Semester Benchmarks: Participates in singing - Echoes short rhythmic 
patterns & Reads notated rhythms in varied meter

Second Grade

Focus:  To lead the children to the joy of music through folk songs, games, dances & chants.  To begin learning to sing in 2-part through the use of rounds and ostinatos.  To demonstrate the ability to read pitch notation through the use of solfege (do, re, mi, so & la). To expand upon the students' knowledge of music symbols and terms.  To continue learning about various music genres specifically spirituals and the waltz. To experience musical performance utilizing xylophones and including aspects of the Orff Method. To continue exploring the science of sound through the instruments of the orchestra unit with focus on the brass family.  Together we will experience the joy of music through learning!

1st Semester Benchmarks:  Participates in singing - Performs simple rhythmic patterns independently & Demonstrates the ability to read pitch notation

Third Grade

Focus:  To lead the children to the joy of music through folk songs, games, dances & chants.  To expand upon 2nd grade knowledge of reading pitch notation, specifically learning the space notes (F-A-C-E) and the line notes (E-B-B-D-F) of the treble staff.  To continue to experience singing in harmony through the introduction of partner songs.  To increase student knowledge of music signs, symbols and terms.  To continue exploring the science of sound through the instruments of the orchestra unit with concentrated study on the woodwind family.  Together we will experience the joy of music through learning & performance!

1st Semester Benchmarks: Participates in singing - Performs simple rhythmic patterns independently & Demonstrates the ability to read pitch notation

Fourth Grade 

Focus:  To lead the children to the joy of music through folk songs, games, dances & chants.  To continue experiencing singing in harmony through learning to read choral scores or octavos.  To apply our music reading skills through composition and performance.  To explore other musical genres and styles such as classical and jazz.  Together we will experience the joy of music through learning, composition & performance!

1st Semester Benchmarks: Participates in singing - Performs simple rhythmic patterns independently & Demonstrates the ability to read pitch notation