Music in the Lower School involves individual as well as group participation. Classes are intended to provide a student with exposure to varied experiences, knowledge and skills in music. The Orff-Schulwerk process, which employs the use of song, movement, language, instruments and improvisation, is widely although not exclusively used. The Hymnal (1982), Silver Burdett Series (1988), Share the Music (Macmillan/McGraw-Hill, 1995), and Let's Do It Again are basic resources along with various other standard publications. All classes spend time learning hymns for use in weekly chapel services.
Kindergarten-First Grade:
Lots of singing, movement and exploration of rhythmic instruments with beat and rhythm exercises.
Second Grade:
Continuation of K-1 materials. Introduction of the recorder playing mainly by rote imitation.
Third Grade:
Continuation and development of the playing of the recorder with the application of music reading concepts.
Fourth Grade:
Continuation of the recorder and introduction of the ukulele. Emphasis is on Hawaiian songs. Interested students can choose to join hula classes and audition for chorus.
Fifth Grade:
Continual development of singing skills with emphasis on American Heritage. Students are introduced to strings class/beginning orchestra. In additon, students who started hula and chorus continue in those areas. Students can also choose to attend jazz dance classes. These classes meet 3 times a week for approximately 35 minutes.
Sixth Grade:
All students are involved in one of the following areas: chorus, dance (jazz or hula), orchestra or band.
For more details on each of the areas, see Performing Arts.
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