Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
- How often will my child have music class?
- There are two music teachers. Who is my child's music teacher?
- How do you ensure that all students receive a quality music education?
- Why isn't the Midi for Kids keyboard program offered to everyone?
- Will my child study the piano at Great Oaks?
- Will my child play the recorder at Great Oaks?
- May I visit my child's music class?
How often will my child have music class?
Students attend music class once a week for 50 minutes, plus an additional
25 minutes every other Friday.
There are two music teachers. Who is my child's music teacher?
There are about 1,000 students attending Great Oaks, so Mrs. Padilla teaches
half of the classes, and Mrs. Gabriel teaches the other half. To determine
which music teacher your child has, click on our schedules, check the master
schedule posted in the hallways, or ask your child's classroom teacher.
How do you ensure that all students receive a quality music education?
Mrs. Gabriel and Mrs. Padilla share a common philosophy pertaining to music
education. Although we are different teachers, we do our lesson planning
together and teach the same concepts at the same time in our own classrooms.
All resources are shared, and we enjoy working together and sharing ideas.
Why isn't the Midi for Kids keyboard program offered to everyone?
The Midi for Kids after-school keyboard classes are filled on a first-come
first-served basis. This year, beginning classes will be open only to first
and second grade students with no prior piano experience. The students will
all have similar knowledge and experience from music class. Older students
have studied rhythms, solfege, and concepts that the younger students have
not yet learned. There are simply not enough days and times available to
offer the program to everyone. Mrs. Gabriel and Mrs. Padilla would be happy
to provide a list of private piano instructors if your child does not
qualify for the program and/or you would like to enroll your child in
private lessons.
Will my child study the piano at Great Oaks?
The 4th and 5th grade students will study a keyboard unit in November and
December. The district owns digital keyboards and loans them to campuses
throughout the year. Our rotation begins Nov. 10 and ends before the Winter
Holidays. Students will apply their knowledge of rhythms and pitches to the
keyboards, beginning on the black keys with pentatonic patterns. It will be
a basic introduction to keyboarding.
Will my child play the recorder at Great Oaks?
Yes. Fourth and fifth grade students study the recorder in the Spring
semester. Be on the lookout for ordering information in January. Students
may purchase a recorder through the school for $5, at a local music store
for under $10, or borrow a school recorder for use in class. School-owned
recorders are sanitized after each use and are not checked out to students.
May I visit my child's music class?
Yes. Please do! We encourage parents to get involved at Great Oaks, and to
know what is happening in your child's classes. Wear comfortable clothes and
be prepared to join in on the fun!