Curriculum and Homework

Grades 1 and 2 attend general music once a week. First grade learns singing games, work on pitch matching, singing independently and together, reading and writing simple rhythmic notations.

Grade 2 also begins to formally learn how to read melody using beginning solfege so-mi-la patterns from the do, re, mi, fa, so, la, ti, do scale. Grade 2 may also learn more advanced music literacy concepts and skills.

Grades one and two participate in the December Winter Concert.

Grade 3 attends music twice a week. Third grade studies recorder and musical notation. Students learn how to read a G clef (treble clef), learn letter names for notes, and learn how to read more challenging rhythms.

Recorder studies will include learning how to breathe, fingering for different notes and how to tongue to make a good recorder sound. It is important that all grade 3 students have a set time and place to practice 5 days of each week. Please plan that time and place with your child.

Grade three participates in their school day Winter Concerts in December and the Instrumental day and evening concerts in the Spring.

Grades 4 and 5 attend general music once a week and continue to study solfege, rhythm and singing with a beautiful singing tone through folk and simple part music. Grades four and five participate in the Winter day concert in December.

Instrumental Lessons

Grade 3 may choose to study violin during the day in addition to their recorder lessons in general music. Fourth and Fifth grade students may undertake the study of a band instrument or continue with vioal or another string instrument such as viola or cello.

***Fourth and Fifth grade students not participating in the band program attend a second weekly music class with their grade level while the grade level band rehearses.

Elementary Honor Chorus

All 5th grade students have the opportunity to audition for the Elementary Honor Chorus which will meet on Wednesdays after school at the Oldham. Elementary Honor Orchestra and Elementary Band participants may also audition for and join the Elementary Honor Chorus. Please see the link to the Elementary Honor Chorus page for more information.