“Music is about communication, creativity, and cooperation.” That is both our theme for the 2019-2020 school year in music and a quote from Former-President Bill Clinton who loves music. My goal is always to give students the experiences and knowledge necessary to make and enjoy music in its many forms, both now and for the rest of their lives. In each grade’s musical performance, approximately 100 students must cooperate to communicate as a group. I always say that it’s not about being a star; the grade as a whole is the star!
We do have fun, but music is also hard work which gets easier and more enjoyable as we practice technical skills in singing, playing instruments, reading printed music, performing, and experiencing music created by many people over hundreds of years. Parents and Guardians, you are welcome to sit in with your child’s class to see the types of things we’re doing in their music class. Just let the office know when you arrive and they’ll give you a visitor’s pass to come to Portable 1.
We know that singing starts before a child can talk. It may sound like babbling, but it has changing pitches essential for both singing and talking. By the time a child reaches kindergarten, singing is one of their most obvious skills and is often a personal source of entertainment. Expanding each student’s repertoire and means of making music is what general music through fourth grade is all about: communicating, creating, and cooperating!