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KINDERGARTEN:
Students at Rising Sun Elementary begin their musical journey in Kindergarten, where they begin with
many basic musical fundamentals, including movement activities, singing and playing basic
percussion instruments. Creativity is fostered through encouragement and motivation and students
will have the opportunity to create their very own musical pieces. Some of the other things
Kindergarten students learn include:
1. How to keep a steady beat.
2. The difference between loud/soft, high/low, long/short sounds & fast/slow.
3. The sound of different voices and instruments.
4. How to express their feelings through music.
5. The music of different holidays and cultures.
6. The creation of musical symbols.
7. How to create a musical melody.
8. Simple patterns in rhythm & music melody.
9. What to do in a performance setting.
All of these concepts are introduced at a pace suitable for young minds to absorb and are
practiced as a class or small groups. No child is ever forced to perform alone at this level and
classmate encouragement is a prime motivator. We are all music creators in Mr. C's class!
1ST GRADE:
1st Grade is a wonderful time in music. Students will continue with
many of the fundamentals they learned in Kindergarden and begin to expand
their horizons as they realize what they are capable of as 1st graders. Some
of the things they will learn in music this year:
1. Steady Beat through movement and playing instruments.
2. How to distinguish loud & soft, fast & slow, high & low sounds.
3. What different instruments & voices sound like.
4. What makes up a melody and how to create one.
5. How to express their feelings through music.
6. Simple patterns in music and how to break a song into sections.
7. How to make simple symbols to describe music.
8. The music of different cultures and holidays.
9. How to perform music and how an audience should behave.
One of our highlights of the school year is our annual 1st Grade show!
We begin rehearsing in January with a show theme and practice our songs &
movement in class. The students are very excited and proud when the parents
come to see the final performance in April. 1st Grade loves to perform!
More information on the show will be posted as we get closer to it.
2ND GRADE:
2nd Graders begin to discover what they are really capable of in music
class. Many students, at this age, begin taking piano, singing or dancing
lessons outside of school and they are always eager to show off in class.
Some of the things we will be learning this year include:
1. The characteristics of a steady beat
2. Increased awareness of dynamics and pitch (Volume & Notes)
3. The difference sounds that instruments & voices make
4. The proper way to sing a song in a performance
5. How to behave as an audience
6. Difference styles & moods of music
7. The beginnings of musical notation
In addition, 2nd graders continue to build on what they learned in first
grade. Overall, the curriculum will carry them through to 3rd grade music.
3RD GRADE:
3rd Graders really get into the world of music this year with specific
objectives and techniques. In addition to building on all they have learned
so far, 3rd graders will develop the following areas:
1. Specific rhythm notation and what 2, 3 and 4 beat songs sound like
2. Band & Orchestra instruments defined
3. How to conduct an orchestra/band
4. Advanced musical cultures around the world
5. Creative Expression in music and the beginnings of music notation
6. How music is divided into sections
7. How to really listen to music
In addition, in January, 3rd graders begin their journey of learning the
recorder. The recorder gives students a complete understanding of basic
music notation, counting & what it takes to learn a musical instrument. ALL
students in 3rd grade learn the recorder in class. Information on ordering
the recorder will be available before the winter break.
4TH GRADE:
In 4th grade, students begin to combine the simple techniques learned
since Kindergarden to develop the skills they need to begin writing actual
music. This creative process gives the students a foundation to apply all
the knowledge and creativity they have experienced in music thus far. Some
music topics explored in music include:
1. Basic music notation such as note symbols & other markings.
2. The instruments of the band & orchestra.
3. World composers.
4. The music of other cultures throughout the world.
5. How to conduct a band or orchestra.
6. How to identify different instruments and voices.
7. The foundations of singing.
In addition, 4th grade music students throughout the county participate
in taking the 4th grade music assessment test designed to measure the
knowledge they are gaining in music class and the quality of the curriculum
being presented to them. Fine Arts educators take the data from these
assessments and evaluate different aspects of the curriculum and then make
changes or recommendations based on student performance.
5TH GRADE:
5th grade music is the cummulation of all the music classes students
have taken during their time at Rising Sun. 5th Grade music students are
presented with several opportunities to exhibit their performance skills and
leadership potential in not only music, but in other areas as well. Topics
include:
1. Advanced music composition and review.
2. Advanced music history and composer review.
3. Detailed and specific instruction in world music cultures.
4. A review of instruments and conducting.
5. A review of musical terms and specific uses.
6. A more intensive music listening experience.
7. An opportunity to perform and critique each other.
In addition, 5th grade students engage in a special Opera project in the
Spring to develop their awareness of all aspects of performance from
developing their own story line to the techniques involved in putting a small
production together.
Students in 5th grade may also audition for 5th grade chorus, a select
performance group which meets once a week to rehearse for performances in the
Winter and Spring, as well as several other performances. Please check out
the 5th grade chorus page for more information.
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