The goal of the music program at the School of Saint Mary is to provide a variety of musical experiences so that the students develop a positive sense of self esteem and a positive attitude towards music. These experiences include singing, moving, playing instruments (Orff, non-pitched percussion, guitar and recorder), listening and composing music using a wide range of styles of music (jazz, classical, folk, patriotic and religious). Students are provided exposure to various musical styles and instruments so that they can develop lifelong music appreciation skills.
Curriculum
Kindergarten and grade 1
- Develop rhythmic competence by feeling the pulse, patting the beat and playing a steady beat on percussion instruments
- Imitate gross motor movements and perform them with music
- Express creative movement to music
- Develop listening skills by differentiating between ascending/descending, fast/slow, long/short, loud/soft and high/medium/low pitches
- Develop solo and group singing skills by accurately matching pitch
Grades 2, 3 and 4
- Continue development of skills from grades K and 1
- Identify and name the lines and spaces of the treble clef
- Identify instruments by sight and sound
- Identify the names and counts of notes and rests
- Identify step, skip and leap of melodic line
- Apply melodic and rhythmic knowledge to music performance
Grades 5 and 6
- Continue development of skills from grades 2, 3 and 4
- Apply rhythmic and note reading skills to the recorder
- Analyze various pieces of music for the musical elements of rhythm, melody, expression, tone, form and harmony
- Use the elements of music in original compositions
- Identify expression markings and music symbols
- Study the accomplishments of individual composers
Grades 7 and 8
- Continue development of skills from grades 5 and 6
- Notate melodic and rhythmic dictation
- Apply melodic, harmonic and rhythmic knowledge to the guitar
- Compare and contrast the function of music in various cultures
- Apply acoustics principles in the design of original instruments
- Apply music knowledge to performance on guitars
Special Events and Activities
- Christmas and Spring Program