Each child has music for 45 minutes a week. The heart of the music program includes singing, listening, moving and playing songs that represent many different styles and cultures. The variety of music activities help to promote the student's self-esteem.

One of the highlights of Grade Three general music class is playing the recorder. We will be learning several songs on our school instrument. Cassette recorded accompaniments add wonderful background to the songs we play.

Students in the upper grades will be working on a number of Orff Orchestrations. These students have experienced the rewards of ensemble playing using a basic accompaniment framework in the Orff approach. The instrumental arrangements are based on selected songs and literature in our music book series. Each student reads from a music score and figures out the notes and rhythms. Working in small groups allows the students to focus more easily on the notation and to practice their parts on a variety of mallet and hand held percussion instruments. Movement and singing is added before performing as an ensemble in the classroom.

Technology in the form of using a computer and music software continues to be a powerful tool that encourages active participation in the process of learning and creating music. Several classes have been introduced to programs that provide an introduction to the basics of music. It is an enjoyable, fun way to learn music that compliments our music book series.