As each semester begins,
fifth grade students can look forward to classes exploring the
history of Rock n’ Roll, rhythm and pitch activities, a unit on
instruments of the orchestra and the life and work of Ludwig van
Beethoven, and an introduction to the classical guitar.
Sixth grade
students will begin the course with a scientific examination of
sound and its physical properties. This, in turn, leads to a
study of the elements of music and how each is notated. Concepts
are reinforced with many music activities and games utilizing
rhythm instruments. Students will also explore the topics of
form, improvisation, and performance as part of out conducting
unit. This unit will provide each student the opportunity to
participate in our class “orchestra” as an instrumentalist or
the conductor. The remainder of the course is largely dedicated
to a continuation of the guitar unit begun in the fifth grade
culminating in an informal in-class “Concert Day.”