Music

Katharine Lundin
Katharine.Lundin@district196.org
651-683-6969 ext. 92736

All students in grades 1-5 receive vocal music instruction two or three times a week for 25 minutes. They experience music through singing, a variety of instruments, movement, and listening activities. Students will gradually learn the concepts and symbols needed for sight-reading music.
Music is better understood if it is experienced; so all students are encouraged to actively participate in all aspects of the class.

Orff instruments, such as xylophones, metallophones, and glockenspiels, provide wonderful hands-on experiences for students at all levels. Many other percussion instruments, such as woodblocks, maracas, cabasas, a variety of drums, and many others, are also often played in music class.

Many different styles of music will be presented to the children, including folk, classical, multicultural, jazz, and rock.

Fourth grade students learn how to play the recorder, which is a flute-like instrument. They work on recorder lessons off and on throughout the school year. It is helpful if they practice at home and are careful to bring the recorder back to school on music days. This is a great experience for them. They learn how to read music, and they are playing a real instrument at the same time.

Fifth grade students will have a guitar unit during the months of September and October. They will learn just the basics of guitar playing, but it is always a fun and enriching experience.

2009-10 Concerts:

Each grade level performs in one concert each year.
2nd grade - November 19, 6:30pm Fall Concert
4th grade - November 19, 7:45pm Fall Concert
3rd grade - March 18, 6:30pm Spring Concert
Da Capo Choir - March 18, 7:25pm Spring Concert
5th grade - March 18, 7:45pm Spring Concert
1st grade - April 30, 2:00pm Spring Concert
All School Variety Show - June 11, 9:40am

Parents are encouraged to attend these performances if possible.

A new “Composer of the Month” is chosen every month or so. Your child might enjoy doing a little research concerning these famous people or looking for samples of their recorded music at the library.