![]() |
CHORUS Grades 4-8 and General Music |
WELCOME! |
||
|
A NOTE FROM THE MUSIC FOLKS - GRADES K-8 Don Ryan, Tim Kelly
Welcome parents, to the
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, beat and basic rhythm (Orff/Kodaly). American sign language is used to add hand motion to our music in grades K-2.
The first grade (DR) will be beginning basic sight-reading/singing and the reading of and performance of simple rhythms (Orff/Kodaly). 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 classes will be entertaining the Sawyer diners at our annual lunch concerts in the spring.
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. 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.
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. Tuesday, December 11, is "Chorus Night." Monday, December 17, is "Band Night."
On the 11th, the grades four and five choruses will perform on the Sawyer stage from
December 17, is "Band Night,"
although the fourth grade band will NOT be performing. The concert will begin
at
This format has proven to shorten the length of the concerts, eliminate the stage change to/from chorus and band, keep the continuity between performing groups, and make the students' warm-up/holding period in the gym much more manageable.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Visit our websites via the Sawyer website-Staff-Related Arts. Concert dates and additional information are posted as well as the chorus music for practicing at home and the general music assignments and resources.
The spring concert date for chorus is Tuesday, June 3, day and night. The band concerts are Thursday, June 12, day and night. If you have any questions and concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact Don or Tim.
That's all the news for now. 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 Tim Kelly
Vocal/General
Music
Instrumental
Music
**************************************
To: Parents of Grades 4-8 Chorus Members
|
![]() |
Last Modified: Saturday January 19 2008