| Music Course Descriptions |
CLASSROOM MUSIC - for Students in Grades K-4
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| Elementary music classes involve learning experiences in a music classroom setting. Here we explore such things as: Rhythm, Melody, Harmony, Form, Notation, Expression and Style. This is done in a variety of ways to keep the student engaged. Methods include learning and singing folk songs from around the world, playing games, clapping / walking rhythms and the steady beat separately and together, reading notes and rhythms from overheads and sheet music in the students’ music notebooks, writing activities, listening to recordings of the masters, and the like. Fourth Graders learn to play the recorder and rehearsal techniques. |
ELEMENTARY CHOIRS – for Students in Grades K-5
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| The singing goals of all choirs are essentially the same, but are progressive according to the students’ physical and vocal development. Examples of important aspects of singing which are emphasized in our choirs include: Following the conductor, Correct posture and breath control, Progressing from simple rote singing to reading more complicated pitch and rhythmic patterns, Singing on pitch with free and open tones, Singing with correct diction, Learning to express elements of dynamics and tempo, Learning to listen to the group and the blend of voices, Demonstrating a positive attitude toward singing, Demonstrating a commitment to the group |
BEGINNING BAND – for Students in Grade 5
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| Students in 5th grade choose the instrument they would like to learn. Once this is completed and the Beginning Band is formed, the student is expected to continue with the chosen instrument all year (as opposed to changing from one instrument to another at whim.) The music book we use for Beginning Band is entitled Standard of Excellence by Bruce Pearson. This is a comprehensive band method designed for use with students who have had no previous experiences with playing a band instrument. Outside practice is a requirement of this class. |
MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND - for students in Grades 6-8
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| Students in Middle School Band are expected to play on a more advanced level than Beginning Band students, executing more complex rhythms, phrase lines, and tempos (6/8 and 3/8). They will become comfortable with chromatic scales and enharmonic fingerings. This band uses a more advanced method book, but primarily focuses on appropriately graded band pieces. Outside practice is a requirement of this class. |
HAND CHIMES and BELLS- for Students in Grades 6 – 8
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| Many skills are used when ringing in a hand chime choir. Correctly ringing the chime, ringing it at the precise time, reading the music, counting the rhythms and playing as an ensemble are all essential skills for a hand chime choir. |
CONCERT BAND / JAZZ BAND – for High School Students
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| An intermediate to advanced playing ability is needed if a student wishes to join the Concert Band. Students in this band are expected to continue refining their playing abilities and techniques such as rhythm, phrasing, musical interpretation, and performance skills. Emphasis will be placed on accurate, clean fingerings and rhythms, and playing with accurate pitch and correct intonation. Students are also expected to demonstrate knowledge of music notation, symbols, terms (vocabulary), and form. |
CONCERT CHOIR – for High School Students
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| Concert Choir is open to those interested in singing. Various vocal elements such as good posture and breath control, accuracy of singing, singing on pitch and with good intonation and diction are emphasized. Sight-reading, stylistic interpretation, and performance technique will also be emphasized. Students are also expected to demonstrate knowledge of notation, symbols, terms (music vocabulary), and form. |
STRING ENSEMBLE
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| This includes a beginning string group comprised of elementary and middle school students, and an advanced group basically comprised of High School Students. These groups are open to all qualified string players. Participation is required in all major performances, as well as church performances. Membership is required for the entire school year. |
