Grade 8:
We are finishing our study of 20th century composers. In the last few weeks students were introduced to the music of Debussy, Stravinsky, Schoenberg, and Cage. We discussed the impact of their music on the world. We have also discussed what was going on in terms of art movements during this time as well. Their knowledge of these composers will be tested in the next few class periods. The goal is to transfer what they have learned about these composers into their own piece of music.

Grade 7:
Students have just completed the first half our of unit on Jazz. We have discussed the roots of jazz, and the first artists in the jazz movement, such as Robert Johnson, Bessie Smith, Scott Joplin, and Duke Ellington. Students will be tested on their knowledge of these musicians. The second half of the unit on jazz will focus on Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, and Miles Davis.

Grade 6:
In preparation for the field trip to the Delaware Symphony, students are studying the instruments of the orchestra. We will discuss the different families of instruments, what instruments are found in each family, as well as how each instrument creates sound. Students will be tested on their knowledge of the 4 families of instruments. In conjunction with their art class, students will create their own instrument, using the knowledge gained from our unit of study of existing instruments. Students will have to design an instrument that could theoretically work.

Grade 5:
We have begun our unit on the song This Train which is a spiritual. Students will be performing an accompaniment on pitched and non pitched percussion as well as singing. Once the recorder orders are received we will begin our work with the instruments. Students will continue to extend their knowledge of pitches and rhythms.

Grade 4:
We have just begun our unit on the song Wintery Day. This song will deal with different time signatures and tonalities than the students are accustomed to. We will be singing, as well as performing accompaniment on pitched percussion. Once the recorder order is received we will begin our work with the instruments. Students will continue to extend their knowledge of pitches and rhythms.

Grade 3:
We have begun learning the instrument accompaniment for the song My Paddle's Keen and Bright which is in the style of a Native American song. Students did a rhythmic analysis of this song in addition to performing the song. One the recorder order is received we will begin our work with the instruments. Students will continue to extend their knowledge of pitches and rhythms.

Grade 2:
We have begun to learn the song Coffee Grows which is an American Folk Song. Students will learn about form through this song while singing and performing an accompaniment. We are also continuing our work of learning to read and perform rhythms.

Grade 1:
Students were recently tested on their progress regarding reading and performing rhythms. This is a concept that we will continue to work on throughout the year, and for years to come. We are still working to create movements appropriate to different songs. We are also performing rhythmic chants.

Grade K:
Every class we incorporate exploratory movements to different types of music. We are also working to maintain a steady beat when performing songs. Students are also working to find their singing voice through age appropriate music.