A NOTE FROM THE MUSIC FOLKS - GRADES K-8

Don Ryan,  Tim Kelly

 

Welcome parents, to the Florence Sawyer School’s Music Department. We’re looking forward to another fine year in both the classroom and on the stage.

 

We’d also like to give you a brief overview of the curriculum, performance groups, winter concert dates, and other goings on in the Music Department.  (Teachers: DR and TK)

ELEMENTARY MUSIC PROGRAM

Kindergarten (DR) is once again scheduled for music and we'll be concentrating mostly on singing, movement, pitch (high-low), beat, tempo and basic rhythm (Orff/Kodaly), performed on rhythm instruments. American sign language is used to add hand motion to our music in grades K-2.

The first grade (DR), will reinforce the skills acquired in kindergarten and will be beginning basic sight-reading/singing and the reading of and performance of simple rhythms (Orff/Kodaly), again with rhythm instruments. Sign language is used for hand movement. Also included is an introduction to keyboards as well as music from other lands. Students will be able to progress at each individual’s own pace.

The second grade (DR) is a continuation of the skills learned in first grade as well as a good part of the fall devoted to understanding the instruments of the orchestra. Rounds and simple form are included as well as the relationship of melody and rhythm in song. Basic keyboard and piano skills are introduced in the spring.

In the third grade (TK), emphasis is on melody and rhythm. The students study basic music theory and begin learning the song flute partway through the year in preparation for playing band instruments at the start of the fourth grade. The song flute classes will be performing in the spring fourth/fifth grade band/chorus concert.

All fourth grade (DR) students belong to the combined fourth grade chorus and concerts are performed in December and late spring. The classes are more of a combination of choral skills and general music. Also, in the fourth grade, students begin lessons on band instruments (TK) and also perform in the spring concert. Although band is voluntary, nearly every student is involved.

Fifth grade (DR, TK) students continue both band and chorus, with more intense choral and instrumental skills than in fourth grade, continued general music, and both the winter and spring performances.

MIDDLE SCHOOL MUSIC PROGRAM

The Middle School Music Program is arranged much differently than the elementary school. Students in grades six, seven and eight must choose to participate in band, chorus, both band and chorus, or general music.

The middle school instrumental program (TK) consists of the combined grades 7/8 band and the separate sixth grade band. The middle school choral program (DR) consists of sixth through eighth grade choruses. All the groups perform concerts in the winter and late spring as well as the occasional “road trip.” Seventh and eighth grade singers and players are also encouraged to audition for the Massachusetts Central District ensembles and the band will be participating in the MICCA competition, which will be held the first weekend in April.


Sixth grade general music (DR) concentrates mostly on the instruments of the orchestra, classical form, composers and traditional country music.

Seventh grade general music, (TK) is also for those not participating in band or chorus. This class involves a "hands on" exploration of recording techniques. Students will write, perform, and record scripts using background music and sound effects. The ability to read music is not a requirement.

In eighth grade general music, (DR) students spend a good part of the year studying the history of rock and roll via jazz, folk and blues. Students will be composing original blues compositions. Also covered are opera, ballet and musicals.

Jazz band (TK) will be offered this year with rehearsals scheduled after school, on Tuesdays. The IAJE festival will be held in early May and our participation is a possibility.

CONCERTS

This December, we're going to repeat our concert format, presenting separate chorus and band concert nights. Wednesday, December 16, is "Chorus Night." Monday, December 21, is "Band Day." Tuesday, December 22, is "Band Night."

On the 16th, the grades four and five choruses will perform on the Sawyer stage from
6:30-7:15 (note the early starting time). At 7:15, parents and students would have to leave as the middle school parents and choruses will be arriving. The middle school chorus concert will begin at 7:45 and go to approximately 8:30.

December 22, is "Band Night," although the fourth grade band will NOT be performing. The concert will begin at 7:00, with the fifth grade band, and we will not have the changeover period. If seats are available, students done performing are welcome to sit in the audience with their parents to watch the rest the other performing groups.

The choruses and bands will also be performing during the day for the students and staff. Parents are not invited to the day concerts because of limited seating in the auditorium. The day performances for the choruses are also on Wednesday, December 16. The bands will perform in the day on Monday, December 21.

WEBSITE

We invite you to peruse our music website. Concert dates and additional information are posted as well as our current grades 4-8 chorus music, with midi accompaniment, for practicing at home. Also included are the grades 6 and 8 general music assignments and resources as well as grades 7/8 Central District information. The Music Links page contains links to music dictionaries, online lessons, online metronomes, and a link to great, free music composition software called Finale Notepad.

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That’s all the news for now. Spring concert dates for chorus and band are already posted on the calendar page of this website. If you have any questions and concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact Don or Tim.

We’re looking forward to another great year for Sawyer music. As always, thank you for your strong and continued support. We need it, your kids need and deserve it, and we all truly appreciate it.

Don Ryan

Vocal/General Music

Tim Kelly
Instrumental Music
9/12/09