Grade 8:
We are beginning our final unit of study for the year, protest music as well as music that comments on society in general. Students will be studying different genres of music as well as artists to discover how music can reflect society. Students will also learn the basic form of most styles of popular music. Students will use the knowledge gained in this unit to write their own song in whatever genre they are comfortable with.


Grade 7:
Our final unit of study for the year is musical theater. This unit is bringing together many things we have already studied this year as well as last year. Students will learn the history of the American musical, as well as the key players in putting a musical together. (image courtesy of pbs.org)

Grade 6:
The sixth grade was recently lucky enough to attend a performance by the Delaware Symphony Orchestra. This was a great opportunity for the students to see and hear a live performance. I was happy that the unit on instruments of the orchestra was able to come together in seeing this live performance.
For our final unit of study students will be studying various patriotic songs. Students will be required to memorize the first verse of the Star Spangled Banner. Students will then write their own patriotic song in whatever genre of music they prefer. If time allows this year we will learn the parts to Mbira Jam on the xylophones.

Grade 5:
The 5th grade are continuing to work on recorder. By the end of this year the 5th grade will have learned how to play G, A, B, C, and D on the recorder in the context of various pieces. We are also beginning our final vocal and instrumental piece for the year, This Train. Students will be required to learn the words, and be able to perform all 4 instrumental parts.

Grade 4:
The 4th grade are continuing their work on recorder as well. Students will learn one more note this year, C. We will continue playing recorder for a few minutes a day to keep it fresh, but will now refocus on vocal and instrumental music.

Grade 3:
The 3rd grade are continuing their work on recorder. Students will reinforce their knowledge of the notes G, A, and B so as to have a strong foundation for next year. We have returned to vocal and instrumental music with the song Land of the Silver Birch. I am proud to say these young students were able to sight sing through the song. This is something they had not yet done this year but were still quite successful.