Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade and 4th Grade Recorder
Pre-K: Our music classes center around singing simple folk songs, playing rhythm instruments, playing music games and having fun! Basic music concepts such as pitch matching and beat development are a high priority. The classes are approached as a musical, in which the material is thematic to adventures to a farm and the north pole. Much of the content also parallels concepts learned in their regular class. Our performances include the Christmas gym show, an annual appearance at a local retirement home (for some classes) and our end of the year performance.
Kindergarten: These music classes, meeting three days per week, continue to develop basic musical concepts. Pitch matching and beat awareness are continued to be a major focus. Improvising is additionally included as an essential component. The means includes singing folk songs, playing instruments, saying rhymes and chants, and the much enjoyed music games. Performances include the Christmas gym show and the kindergarten graduation.
2nd Grade: Students will be continuing to develop their singing, pitch matching, rhythmic and beat awareness and instrument playing. Importantly, music notation because an essential component of our classes. As a result, students become capable of composing melodies and writing them out on a musical staff. Orff instruments (small mallet instruments) are also an important aspect of our classes. Students also continue to enjoy music through games based on songs or rhymes. Performances include occasional mass performances, Christmas gym show and First Communion in the spring.
4th Grade Recorder: Our recorder class meets on Thursday. We learn many simple tunes on the recorder as well as focus on reading music. Musical concepts such as tone, technique, posture, etc. are especially important to be able to demonstrate. The class also incorporates recording music.
Local Music Stores and Music Opportunities Melody Music: www.melodymusicshop.com/ Vance Music: www.vancemusiccenter.com/ Stafford Music Academy: http://www.staffordmusicacademy.com/ Indiana University School of Music: http://www.music.indiana.edu/events/