Welcome to Music

To learn about the music curriculum click here

What is General Music?

General Music is....
Singing
Singing activities in the general music classroom 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 ear 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 a person to use 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 of the greatest life gifts in the music program.

Music Reading
All 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 you to continue to enjoy music in their lives on a level commensurate with their individual skills and interests.

Playing Instruments
Besides experiencing great joy through playing instruments, children may gain other valuable skills.

Grasping and manipulating such things as xylophone mallets, drum sticks, rhythm sticks, jingle bells and and maracas and fingering the notes on the recorder will help to develop fine motor skills.

*At Newington Forest, all students in grades 3-6 play the soprano recorder. This instrument is supplied to all 3rd grade students and all new 4th-6th grade students. All 3rd-6th grade students are expected to bring their instrument and a folder to every music class.

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.

Rhythmic activities provide children with an area in which they can achieve and develop self-esteem. To have confidence in the use of the body is an invaluable asset in the child’s relationship with others in everyday life.

Improvisation
Improvisation occurs readily with children who have had a wide variety of musical experiences.

Early improvisational experiences come from 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.