Curriculum

Grade 1: Working on reading rhythm notes (sticks or actual notes).  Focus on practicing on the concert numbers. Each class will be playing two instrumentals and one vocal. All three grade 1 classes will be singing a separate song together. They have experimented with Solfege and now proceeding to use letter notation to play music as well.

Grade 2: Focusing on decoding and playing rhythm notations using orff instruments such as djmembes, xylophones, cymbals and so on. Each class also has an assigned keyboard player this year as well. The grade 2s will be performing two songs for the concert. They will be assembled together as the Orff Orchestra. Each student has experimented with a variety instruments and now have chosen/ been assigned an instrument for the concert. Students will continue to work on rhythm, playing and harmony.

Grade 3: Recorders have been introduced in March and students have been working on caring for the instrument and being responsible in bringing them as well. There have been issues where recorders have been "missing" or students have forgotten them. To take care of that issue, the students who have forgotten their recorders will have them kept at school so they will be able to learn that day. They will have their recorders back in June. The grade 3s will be working on letter notation from A to low D. They will continue to work rhythm notation, letter notation, expression, and harmony. Each grade 3 class will be performing two pieces for the concert.

Grade 4/5: The classes have been working on Ukuleles since March. Initial lessons were spent on the care and proper handling. Students have been working interpreting rhythm on Ukulele through strokes. Introduction of chords such as those found in the Key of C and other minor chords. Students will be assessed in April and May on Ukulele playing. 2 out of the four classes will be working on Rhythm through drumming and Singing as well for the concerts.

Grade 6:
The grade 6 classes will be focusing on playing similar rhythms in songs and eventually moving to harmony with different rhythm patterns. The grade 6 classes will be performing at the DIV 2 concert through their Band Music material. They will be playing a Waltz, Ode to Joy by Beethoven, Birch Tree by Tchaikovsky, and Surprise Symphony by Strauss. If they succeed in this they will move on to playing the Batman 60s theme.