Preschool Music classes cultivate an active appreciation of the performing arts. Music is explored through singing, listening, playing instruments, and composing. Student involvement in these activities enhances creativity and imagination.
Lower School music students develop an enjoyment and appreciation of music; have confidence in their singing and playing abilities; gain familiarity with various styles and cultures of music and begin to develop preferences; build a repertoire of songs and games, and acquire knowledge of history and humanities through listening experiences with great masterworks and composers. Kindergarten through Second-grade music students experience music through singing, body percussion, and Orff percussion instruments. Third-grade music students begin to apply their music learning to the recorder, fourth-grade musicians learn to play the ukulele, and fifth-grade students broaden their scope of musical possibilities by being introduced to band instruments, and learning how to sing as a chorus.
5th Grade Music: Instrument Exploration (Half Year) and Ukulele Instrument Exploration (Half Year)
During Instrument Exploration, fifth-grade students learn about instrument families in the orchestra including strings, woodwind, brass, and percussion. Through demonstrations, listening to music for each instrument, and also playing the instruments, students will grow in their appreciation of music performance.
Fifth-grade students will review the Ukulele skills learned in the fourth-grade, before learning more of the higher skills, including major and minor chords. As their skills improve, fifth-grade students will continue to develop their ability to practice and perform as an Ensemble, demonstrating teamwork and awareness.
Seventh and Eighth Grade Orchestra (Full Year)
In this course, students are typically advancing in their study of string instruments from the previous year. Students are now able to combine in performing with upper school Orchestra, and are continuing in their study of music theory, becoming more advanced in their knowledge of complex rhythms and harmony. 7th/8th Grade Orchestra students participate in the Junior TAPPS competition in the fall trimester, prepare music for the Veterans Day Assembly in November, and perform various solo/ensemble pieces at the Winter / Spring Fine Arts performances. In the spring, all Orchestra students take part in a volunteer community service activity, performing for local members of our community.
Upper School Orchestra (Full Year)
The students in Upper School Orchestra bring their own instruments to class and play the violin, viola, cello, or string bass. Most students in Upper School Orchestra have a background reading music and playing basic notes and rhythms on their instrument. Students study music and composers from different eras and learn how to conduct an ensemble. The String Ensemble performs for Fine Arts Night in December and in April. Through performance, students learn the value of advanced preparation, working together, and professional presentation. Upper School Orchestra students prepare scales in the full range of the instrument and two études to audition for the High School Region Orchestra. Students also participate in the TAPPS Solo & Ensemble and ISAS Arts Festival in the Spring.