Lower School Music
Program Overview
The Lower School Music Program is designed to introduce the students to music from the early years. The progression of experience and exposure to the varied musical genre builds their understanding, abilities, interpretation, and appreciation for music. The program moves in a linear manner, building into the Middle School progression.
From an initial introduction to music in Junior and Kindergarten classes, the students are afforded the opportunity to learn to play musical instruments: the recorder, the violin, and band instruments. The knowledge they receive through the lower school grades prepares them to be able to read music and participate and perform whether it be in a vocal or instrumental setting.
Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten
These students are exposed to music in many varied forms and formats. They are introduced to different musical instruments, listening to their sounds, seeing actual instruments or photographs or films of the instruments. As well, they learn songs and musical notation and symbols, using them in ‘practice’ in class in rhythm exercises, in singing songs, in playing on rhythm instruments and in movement to music.
First Grade
In the first grade, students are taught the recorder, which is a precursor to learning a musical instrument. They continue to learn musical notation and symbols, pitch recognition, tone, rhythm, interpretation and the mechanics of playing the recorder as well as singing with their own personal musical instrument - their voices.
Second Grade and Third Grade
Instrumental music is the focus of the second and third grade, where the students learn to play the violin through Suzuki methodology as well as other varied instruction, including fiddle music. They continue to learn and apply musical notation and symbols, pitch recognition, tone, rhythm, and expand on musical interpretation and the mechanics of playing and performing on a musical instrument. They practice at home preparing for the classes and work as a group ensemble. They may perform in concerts, school programs, and community performances as their skill levels determine.
Fourth Grade
Upon entering the fourth grade, the students may make the choice of continuing to study the violin at a more advanced level, also enabling them to learn to play and perform in string ensemble arrangements. As an alternative, the students may choose to learn a band instrument from the woodwind, brass or percussion families, in the fourth grade beginning band class. Their study will include progressive studies of musical notation and symbols, pitch recognition, tone, rhythm, and interpretation and the mechanics of playing and performing on the band instrument of choice. They may perform in concerts, recitals, school assemblies and programs, and community performances as their skill levels determine.