MISSION FOR THE CLASS:
The goal of music class is for all students to become good musicians. This means singing as playing simple instruments well as learning to compose and improvise in both media. The Class is largely based on the principles of Orff Schulwerk and Music Learning Theory by Edwin E. Gordan. By learning to make music, students minds are able to develop in important ways that are not possible with academic subjects. This in turn leads to more advanced development and creative skills that are transferable to other subjects as well as future endeavors. Please see the web page on this site on Music and the Mind.
Orff Schulwerk is based on the experience of creating elemental music. “Elemental music is near the earth, natural, physical, within the range of everyone to learn it. It is never music alone but forms a unity within movement, dance and speech” Carl Orff (Composer and creator of Orff Schulwerk) Children learn to not only sing, but accompany the singing with a variety of classroom instruments. We perform teacher directed arrangements, but also learn to explore musical concepts by varying the arrangements which prepares them for improvising and creating their own compositions. Children achieve this goal through a developmental approach in which children learn to perform music which is joyful and easy to perform. Learning is achieved through the four processes of imitation, exploration, improvisation and literacy. Students are engaged in the music using four media: Speech, movement, singing and instruments (listed in order of complexity). By being actively involved in creating music, all students can be proud of what they accomplished and develop true self esteem.
Music Learning Theory (by by Edwin E. Gordan) is apparent when children learn to Audiate or form a mental image of the music they are performing so that music is learned on a deep level and becomes more than simple repetition. Children learn to internalize musical phrases by first repeating them then using them independently in composition and improvisation. Concepts are discovered (including notation) only after performing the music.
Mr. Herosy also adds an element of creativity by having students create and perform their music in small groups of 3 or 4, similar to the way a Jazz or Rock ensemble would compose and perform.
PROCEEDURES:
Each Student at South River has music class once a week (except for afternoon kindergarten) for a 40 minute session in the music classroom. The string program and the band program are run separately. During each class session we will engage in at least three different activities including singing, dancing and playing instruments. Students learn by responding to auditory (voice and instruments) and visual (watching the conductor, the students group mate or Visual cues on the overhead projector screen). Students learn to sing, play instruments and dance by echoing small, easy to follow patterns which are then put together into more complex compositions. Any student can learn to perform well if he or she is willing to respond to simple visual and auditory directions.
RULES:
1. Follow directions.
2. Raise your hand and wait for permission to speak (except in small groups as directed)
3. Keep materials in good condition (Instruments, tape labels...)
Each music class is rewarded with a point system for following the rules. At the end of music class, the class gets 1 to 6 points. When the class accumulates 24 points, they get to have a music party in which the class as a whole votes on a list of activities to choose a game. When possible, students who are having problems with the rules are worked with individually or in small groups in order to help ensure success for all.