General Music

All students in grades 1-6 have general music classes 2 or 3 times a week. In general music classes students participate in the following activities.

Singing: Singing activities are designed to develop each child's potential use of the voice. The philosophy of the music teacher is that all of the children can sing and should be encouraged to use the voice as a means of expression and communication. These experiences can help the child toward a positive self-image and give each individual child a chance to enjoy a feeling of group spirit and unity.

Listening: One of the most important functions of the general music program is to provide musical experiences that train the ears to receive sound in an effective and organized way. Ear training begins with guiding the child to explore the possibilities and uses of environmental sounds and progresses to teaching the child to explore and use the sounds of musical instruments in the classroom. Training the hearing sense to its full potential is one the greatest life gifts in the music program.

Music Reading: In grades 4, 5, and 6, students begin to read traditional music notation. Students learn to interpret meter and key signatures as well as other musical terms. Elementary students should acquire music reading skills that allow them to continue to enjoy music in their lives on a level commensurate with their individual skills and interests.

Movement and Rhythm: The child's body, so often in motion, is eager to respond to the rhythms of music. Response to the organization of musical rhythms can help the child to gain confidence in the coordination and use of the body. To have confidence in the use of the body is an invaluable asset in the child's relationship with others in everyday life.

Playing Instruments: Besides experiencing great joy through playing instruments, children may gain other valuable skills. Grasping and manipulating such things as xylophone mallets, drumsticks, rhythm sticks, jingle bells and maracas and fingering the notes on the recorder will help to develop fine motor skills. Creating instrumental sounds with beautiful tone quality makes listening to beautiful tones performed by others an exciting and meaningful experience.

Improvisation: Improvisation occurs readily with children who have had a wide variety of musical experiences. Early improvisational experiences include such activities as creating a new word or phrase for a song, creating a two measure rhythmic improvisation or creating a movement to interpret a short poem. It is always a wonderful moment when someone else understands and delights in one's creation.

Chorus: All students in grades 5 and 6 are offered the opportunity to sing in the London Towne chorus which is held during school hours. Students who choose to sing in chorus will participate in the following activities.

1. The students will learn about proper singing techniques (accuracy of intonation, purity of vowels, clarity of consonants, and appropriate posture and breathing techniques).

2.The students will sing in unison and in harmony (rounds, canons, descants, and two-part songs).

3.The students will sing a variety of quality children's choir literature which may include seasonal, folk, novelty, spiritual, patriotic, popular, and traditional selections.

4.The students will perform for peers, parents, community members, and the general public.
 
 

Band

Band instruction is offered to all students in grades 5 and 6 during school hours as part of the school program. No musical experience is required for beginning band. The school provides lessons, method books, and band music. Parents are expected to rent an instrument for their child and purchase accessories such as reeds, valve oil, music stands, and instrument cleaning supplies. Band instruction will include the following concepts:

1. The students are taught how to read notes and rhythms.

2. The students are taught proper playing techniques (breathing, tonguing, fingering)

3. The students learn to keep a practice chart and to develop a regular time for practice.

4. The students will perform for their peers and their family and friends at the end of the school year.

 

Strings

Strings instruction is available to students in grades 4 - 6. Instruction is held during the school day, once a week, for 45 minutes. The school provides lesson books and music. Parents are expected to rent the instruments for the students, and are also responsible for purchasing accessories such as shoulder rests or rock stops if necessary. Strings instruction will include:

1. Students will be measured for appropriate instrument size.

2. Students are taught how to hold the instrument correctly and how to take care of it.

3. Students are taught note and rhythm reading.

4. Students are taught proper playing techniques.

5. Students learn to schedule regular practicing times and keep a practice record.

6. Students will perform for their peers and families and friends at the end of the school year.

7. Students learn how to function as different parts of the same group (team-building).

 

 

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