Our music curriculum has three basic parts to it
We started the 12-week session with the following songs: "The Lion Sleeps Tonight", "Do Re Mi" from "The Sound of Music", "This Land is Your Land", and "The Star-Spangled Banner" (with descant) by singing them in parts using solfege as well as the text. The songs for the spring show were taught during the session as well.
Our keyboard experience included playing the xylophones, metallophones, glockenspiels, and piano. Double mallet technique was established by working on the C scale, "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star", playing canons, and playing ensembles like "Matarile", "Tsuki", and "Russian Dance". Non-pitched percussion helped create the correct style and mood for these pieces.
Learning music theory is accomplished by playing music games with the students. Rhythm proficiency is practiced by playing games such as music bowling, music lottery, and music tennis. Reading the lines and spaces of the treble clef are learned by playing the staff jumping game. Time permitting, other games which measure the students' skills in identifying intervals, musical instrument sounds, and music symbols are taught in the games of music baseball, basketball, and football. These games have been a highlight of our classes and a great way to assess the student's progress.
I believe in active participation in my music classes and believe every student can learn to enjoy music on his or her level of proficiency. I enjoy watching the growth of each of the students as they encourage and challenge each other to bring out the best in each other's talents.
Thanks for letting me have the opportunity to be able to work each day with your children.
-Cathy Schlaebitz