Music

For the preschool through Kindergarten, music class is very much about play with sound, instruments, and dance. Musical concepts are introduced at a basic level and reinforced through singing and call and response activities.

In the Children's Peace Garden (ages 3-6), students learn and perform songs for all-school special events including United Nations Day, Festival of Lights, and the Springtacular.

 At the Lower Elementary Level (Grades 1-3), we build upon the primary program introduction by giving names to concepts introduced through play, such as pitch and rhythm. Music theory is covered at a basic level before branching off into more complicated topics like dynamics and intervals. We learn more about instrument families and categorize instruments into the various families. Students are more independent in their performances, often selecting and adjusting musical pieces to be shared at special events. 

At the Upper Elementary Level (Grades 4-5), we continue to build on the basics by expanding conceptions of pitch, rhythm, and musical expression. Students learn about instrument ensembles and are given opportunities to compose and create. The class also studies topics involving the history of music and its influence on society, in conjunction with their academic work.

In the Middle School (Grades 6-8), students have the opportunity to take a music or art elective each cycle.

Music electives include:

Choir / Vocal Performance

Students learn vocal technique and practice singing independent parts in unison, culminating in a group performance.

Ukulele & Songwriting

Students learn basic Ukulele technique and basic songwriting practices. By the end of the cycle, students have created a complete song.

Music Production

Students work with the software Soundtrap to digitally produce their own music. The final project for this class is an “EP” of a minimum of two songs. 
 

The high school band class is a performance-based, contemporary ensemble.

At the beginning of the year, students come together to pick songs of varying genres to learn for a concert at the end of the year. Classes are rehearsals and independent instrument practice is necessary for success. Some examples of songs we’ve learned in the past are Everybody Wants to Rule the World (Tears for Fears), Old Time Rock and Roll (Bob Segar), California Dreaming (The Mamas and the Papas), and Aglow (The Rare Occasions).