Welcome to an exciting year in Mrs. Carlton’s general music classes. All classes receive two music lessons per week. In addition to learning about composers and instruments, all grades will include vocal instruction; grades 3-6 include instruction on soprano recorders; grades 5 and 6 include instruction on drumming.

Kindergarten and First Grade do a great deal of language building through music using dramatics, manipulatives, and books. In addition, seasonal activities direct many of the songs and games. With the new focus on Spanish, first graders will be learning songs, games and poems in Spanish as well.

Second Grade will begin the year with train songs and activities, becoming familiar with Little Train of the Caipira, an orchestral piece. Later, we will follow the Social Studies and Science curriculum, studying Mexico and Crickets.

Third and Fourth graders start the year with singing; they study note-reading and music symbols in preparation for playing soprano recorders. Their listening program includes Ellington’s It Don’t Mean a Thing and the makings of Jazz. Danse Macabre will be studied for the Halloween season.

Fifth Grade students will be reviewing notes and symbols along with singing. They will study Jazz with a focus on important jazz musicians. Their listening program includes Stravinsky’s Infernal Dance from The Firebird, and Berlin’s Puttin’ On the Ritz. Before the end of the first quarter, they will begin African drumming, learning skills such as improvising, playing patterns in an ensemble, listening and respecting other’s contributions.

Sixth Grade students will be reviewing notes and symbols. They will sing songs about America, the States and Capitals. Their listening program includes Stravinsky’s Infernal Dance from The Firebird, and Berlin’s Puttin’ On the Ritz. They will begin African and Latin drumming, learning skills such as improvising, playing patterns in an ensemble, listening and respecting other’s contributions. Small ensemble work is a key point with this level.

Chorus is available as an elective for 5th and 6th grade students. It is offered every Tuesday from 1:45-2:30 p.m. We will give a Winter performance and a Spring performance at school for families. Occasionally, we are invited to give community performances! I’m looking forward to a fabulous musical year with your children!