The music program at The Schenck School instills an appreciation for all aspects of music and music history.
Once a week grade levels K-5 attend music. The students are taught the music alphabet, note values and musical terms. They learn about all the instruments of the orchestra and the different periods of music as well as study many composers ranging from Bach to the present day. The genres of opera, ballet and jazz are also explored. In addition, several weeks are spent learning a variety of folk dances from all over the world.
Kindergarten, first and second grade students are taught to keep a steady beat and to play non pitched rhythm instruments. Additionally, they learn many songs and participate in movement and listening games. First and second grade students begin to learn to play the Orff instruments.
Third grade students learn to compose music and play many pieces on the Orff instruments. In addition, they learn to play hand bells and continue to learn new songs, many of which follow their classroom curriculum such as naming all the states and the presidents.
Fourth grade students learn to play recorders and read music in the treble clef. The students also continue to learn more advanced pieces on the Orff instruments.
Fifth grade students continue to play recorders and the Orff instruments the first part of the year. The second part of the year is spent making and learning to play a dulcimer.
The sixth grade does not have music on a regular basis, but they do participate in field trips to the opera, the symphony, the ballet, the museum and theatre.