Music
Karen BarryOur music curriculum includes both note reading and performance. Each student is introduced to chorus, listening and appreciation, theory, and music history. Everybody participates as a group, with individual talents. There is "equality" learning. Students learn from one another. They are encouraged to support one another at all times and develop the "courage to perform."
In Kindergarten and grades 1 and 2, students learn the verbal difference between instrumental sounds and become more aware of the difference between beat and rhythm. They begin reading simple patterns on the staff and participate in two-part songs.
In grades 3 and 4, children learn to listen carefully to music in order to pick out instruments and to recognize the repetition of certain themes. Jazz is introduced as America's contribution to classical music. Students learn to name notes and to read simple patterns. They are taught basic techniques for singing simple tunes and two and three part harmony.
In grades 5 and 6, students will strengthen their ability to read music. Further development of singing techniques and ear training will allow the chorus to work on two and three part harmony songs which helps to explain the idea of harmony. Children in this age group also explore the history of Western music by examining the early instruments at the Boston Symphony Hall and the Museum of Fine Arts and also by listening to samples of music from different periods.
Music and Performing Arts
- Rhythm and dance
- Early origins of music
- Early sounds and hand-made instruments
- Group acting, singing, and dancing
- Reading notes, careful listening
- History of music, from early times and places to the present day
- The study and styles of music, and identifying "types" of music heard
- Putting various sounds together to make music
- Using discovery, creativity, artistry, fantasy, and imagination
- Encouraging independence, confidence, and the resourcefulness to create
- Development and awareness of expression, feeling, and ideas in music
- Encouraging the expression of individual personality and freestyle traits
Music Appreciation
- Elements of orchestration
- Video versus live performance; recording and dubbing
- Creative ideas and numerous elements needed to produce an original
production - Rhythm, song, dance, color, light, music, and the use of "imaginary
visualization" - Teaching the craft of songwriting and poetry
Sound and Voice
- Importance of good posture
- Breathing vowels, vocal sounds, articulation
- Melody, chords, volume, pitch, and beat timing
- Staccato and legato
- Tongue twisters to loosen up vocabulary and practice correct enunciation
Character and Stage Art
- Designing costumes and being resourceful
- Set, backdrop, props, materials, color, light, sound, illusion, fantasy
- Who is needed and what is needed backstage
- Seeing the story take place
- Patience, cooperation, and teamwork in putting it all together