Music Program
Goals of the Music Program
- Students will learn to appreciate the various genres of music.
- Students will understand basic music theory.
- Students will be able to identify musical symbols, and gain a general knowledge to read music.
- Students will develop a basic knowledge of music history.
Topics and Skills Taught in Grades Kindergarten I through Grade Eight
- At the kindergarten I and kindergarten level, the students will learn to identify rhythm instruments and their sounds. The classes are introduced to rhythm through basic movement, clapping and dancing activities. They learn songs through rote learning.
- In the lower elementary grades, grades one and two, students learn how to build the musical staff, the parts of a note, and notes themselves (quarter, half, whole). They continue to explore rhythm patterns through movement activities, listening, and music history. The second grade program helps familiarize the students with their sacramental music. Both class levels continue to study musical symbols and note reading exercises.
- Grades three through five are introduced to playing instruments, such as the xylophone, rhythm sticks, and recorder. They will continue their study of theory, (note reading, time signatures, note values, music terminology). They will study at least one musical period, composer and a sample of that music (opera, ballet, musical) each year. The fourth and fifth grade will begin American composers and their songs, and will begin harmony singing.
- The middle school program, grades six, seven and eight, will continue their study of American and other composers, along with the different periods and styles of music. They will further develop their music theory background, through music terminology, note reading, how to write music, scale building. They will continue the use of rhythm study, through the usage of rhythm sticks, and duet patterns. Harmony singing will be encouraged.
- All grades spend some of music class in preparing the music liturgy for all school Masses or prayer services. A goal of the music department is to reinforce the strength of music in our daily lives, and how we may use our music as a form of expression.
