Music Curriculum
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Click on the grade level in the left-hand column for more information.                                                                                                   

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       (Carl Orff, German music educator & composer)
We music educators, far from being out of the educational mainstream, are right in step with our classroom colleagues; fully committed to the intellectual and personal growth of our students.  Elements of learning shared by every discipline include:

   Memory:             Can you sing the song without looking at the words?
   Discovery:         Think of another motion to demonstrate steady beat.
   Observation:     Watch my fingering and mirror it on your recorder.
   Analysis:            This melody has four phrases. Are any of them repeated?
   Discrimination:  Does this melody go up or down?
   Concentration:  Your part enters after eight beats. Try not to be late!
                                                                                                   from Orff Schulwerk Today by Jane Frazee
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My Mission for the Music Classes
As an Elementary School Music Teacher, I am passionate about helping students connect personally with music.  Music must be experienced actively, through singing, speech, movement, dance, and instrument playing.  Music making is a non-competitive, team effort.  As we combine our voices with instruments, we experience “success” by encouraging others to do their best.  

The music used in the classroom is based on our American heritage with a focus on folk music.  Folk music can teach us much about our American history and values.  These songs have stood the test of time, and we learn them to carry on these traditions to future generations.  We also value folk music from other cultures to respect and learn about these cultures.
Singing is crucial to our humanity; each one of us has our own inner instrument.  In our present-day culture, we consume music more than make music.  As we learn to accept and use our own singing voices, we can experience and create music whenever we want.  I have met too many adults who are ashamed of their singing voices, which I believe can affect self-esteem.  I strive to integrate singing into every child’s life that will hopefully bring them a lifetime of joy.

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Last Modified: Thursday, Mar. 10, 2011
 
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