Elementary Music
Philosophy
Music is an integral part of the human design. It is present in every society, affects every part of the human experience, and expresses emotion. It is a vital developmental element in the education of children. The study of music provides the student the opportunity for participation directly contributing to aesthetic, kinesthetic, and cognitive growth; thus, music is taught to every student by a trained and qualified professional who guides students toward independent musical literacy in such a way that it is developmentally appropriate. Involvement is key to the music experience. Through participation, the student responds to aspects of the expressive quality of music by singing, moving, playing instruments, listening, and/or creating. The goal of the elementary music program is for each student to reach his or her fullest potential in music as shown through musical literacy, musicianship, creativity, and aesthetic sensitivity.
Key Components of Elementary Music Education
- Students explore the elements of music:
- Rhythm
- Dynamics
- Tempo
- Melody
- Form
- Timbre
- Pitch
- Harmony
- Meter
- Students develop understanding through sequenced skill development in listening, performing, and reading music.
- Students use thinking skills including:
- Problem-solving
- Organizing
- Evaluating
- Analyzing
- Defining
- Students learn connections to historical and cultural aspects through the study of music.
- For students, a well-balanced music curriculum promotes a lifelong appreciation and enjoyment of music.
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"Because music is a basic expression of human culture, every student should have access to a balanced, comprehensive and sequential program of study in music."
(National Standards for Art Education p. 26)
Curriculum Goals
- Perception - The student describes and analyzes musical sound and demonstrates musical artistry.
- Creative Expression/Performance - The student performs a varied repertoire of music.
- Historical/Cultural Heritage - The student relates music to history, to society, and to culture.
- Response/Evaluation - The student responds to and evaluates music and musical performance.
This curriculum includes all the objectives listed for Fine Arts – Music in Chapter 117, Subchapter A and issued under the Texas Education Code Chapter 28.002 of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, effective September 1, 1996.
National Standards for Music
1. Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
2. Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
3. Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments.
4. Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines.
5. Reading and notating music.
6. Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
7. Evaluating music and music performances.
8. Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.
9. Understanding music in relation to history and culture.
Source: MENC
http://www.menc.org/resources/view/national-standards-for-music-education
Music and Technology
- Cypress-Fairbanks I.S.D. supports the use of technology in elementary music classrooms.
- Each music classroom is equipped with a Computer Teacher Workstation that includes a computer with connections to a projection system and Smart Board for interactive connectivity. Teachers may use this technology set-up for whole-class instruction in music content.
- Every elementary music classroom has a student computer center with four student computers.
- An elementary music platform with music software applications is installed on each computer.
- The district elementary music department provides on-going technology training and support for teachers.
- Quaver music is a technology resource available for use in all elementary music departments in CFISD.
Partial List of Websites that may be utilized by CFISD Elementary Music Specialists:
www.dsokids.com
www.classicsforkids.com
www.creatingmusic.com
www.sfskids.org
www.nyphilkids.org
Music Memory
Music Memory Listening Selections
Students in grades four and five representing 30 CFISD elementary campuses participated in Music Memory 2014 on Tuesday, May 20, at the Berry Center. Students prepared for the event by studying eight musical works of famous composers. At the event, 30 campus teams listened to brief excerpts of the songs to try to identify the musical selections and answered multiple choice questions related to the selections.
Each participating campus brought up to seven students to the competition. Campus teams earned either a bronze, silver or gold level trophy. Individual students received participation certificates and medals.
Next year’s Music Memory event is scheduled for May 19, 2015.
Music Memory event educates students on great musical works