The standards for Kindergarten General Music serve as the foundation for further music instruction. Students are introduced to basic musical concepts through singing, playing instruments, listening, and moving. Emphasis is placed on beginning to obtain musical knowledge, skills, and understanding as performers, composers, and listeners. Students investigate personal feelings and preferences evoked by musical experiences.
The standards for Grade One General Music emphasize the language and production of music. Instruction focuses on the development of skills in singing, playing instruments, listening, moving, and responding to music. Emphasis is placed on performing simple rhythms and developing aural skills related to pitch, musical form, and instrument identification. Students investigate the purpose of music and how people participate in music in everyday life.
The standards for Grade Two General Music enable students to continue developing musical skills and concepts in singing, playing instruments, listening, performing, responding with expression, creating/composing, and moving with a focus on fine motor skills. Emphasis is placed on ensemble playing, notating pitches and rhythms, and identifying orchestral instruments. Students investigate the roles of music in various world cultures and explore how music evokes personal ideas and emotions. Students traditionally participate in a holiday musical in December.
The standards for Grade Three General Music enable students to continue building mastery in the areas of music literacy, including singing, playing instruments, listening, moving, and creating/composing music. Students also develop skills and understanding through the study of rhythm, musical form, and melodic notation. Students investigate the roles of music in various cultures and reflect on their personal motivations for making music.
The standards for Grade Four General Music emphasize a deeper understanding of musical concepts, including singing, playing instruments, listening, creating, composing, and performing. Students continue to expand their knowledge of orchestral instruments and music from various cultures. Students gain understanding of music styles and listen to, analyze, and describe music.
Students will also be exposed to ensemble playing by playing the recorder.
The standards for Grade Five General Music enable students to use their music knowledge and skills to synthesize information and create music. Students continue to read, write, and compose music, using increasingly complex rhythms and meters. They begin to develop choral skills, including singing in two- and three-part harmony. Students explore and perform a variety of music styles and develop personal criteria to be used for describing and analyzing musical performances. Students are given multiple musical performance opportunities throughout the year. They will also be introduced to middle school music elective options of band, orchestra and chorus.