This part of the curriculum serves as a preparatory unit to our school's orchestra and band programs which begin in fourth and fifth grade respectively. The fourth and fifth grade music curriculum provides an opportunity for students to expand their musical knowledge. Concepts are explored in more detail, resulting in a project-based approach. Students spend five to six weeks on a specific musical concept, each week building on the pervious weeks work. Many projects lend themselves to group work encouraging peer tutoring and cooperative learning.
Many lessons conclude with a final group performance for the class.
All students in grades three, four, and five participate in a grade level chorus where they develop their singing voices as well as fine tune their musical skills. Each chorus rehearses weekly and culminates with two performances - a Holiday Concert in December and a Spring Concert in either May or June. Chorus participation is mandatory for grades three, four, and five. Classes meet on a semester basis and meet every other day for approximately fifty, forty minute periods. The Middle School curriculum is designed as an extension of the elementary curriculum.