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Music
 
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 a wide variety of 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 one. 
    • 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 of 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 color, 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 of 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
    • Performance of The Three Piggy Opera by the 8th grade
    • Christmas Program