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    In music class, we focus on the main musical elements in every grade level. These include melody, rhythm, form, harmony, and tone color. We also cover elements of dance, expressive elements, composers, and the study of solfege especially in the primary grades. To enhance the skill of reading and writing music, third through fifth graders get additional music reading practice by learning to play the recorders. We also value teaching with the use of xylophones, metallophones, and glockenspiels as well as other percussion instruments using Orff Schulwerk arrangements and experimentation. By doing so, a variety of teaching tools to stimulate the children is incorporated. Students regularly sing songs, play instruments, dance and use creative movement to express music, listen to music, play musical games and complete worksheets to enhance their musical learning. 

    Music Grading

    Primary Grades K-2

    Grades are recorded in these main areas:

                  -Musical Skills: steady beat, pitch matching (singing voice), rhythm, melody

                  -Participation/Behavior

      In the area of musical skills, I observe how each child is developing to the best of my ability.  In my records, I note whether a particular skill is at a novice level, nearing proficiency, or proficient for that grade level.  This year, your child may not be matching pitch.  It can suddenly happen at any time as the ear and mind are developing.  You can help your child at home by reading together, singing together, and listening to good music.  

      In the area of Participation/Behavior, all students are expected to participate in class in a way that does not interfere with the learning process; and to be a positive, contributing member of the group.
     

    Intermediate Grades 3-5

      In the area of musical skills, content may vary, but the main concepts are melody and rhythm, with different expectations at each grade level.  Other musical concepts assessed will include: form, harmony, timbre, expression, technique, style, composition, and improvisation.

      In the area of Participation/Behavior, all students are expected to participate in class in a way that does not interfere with the learning process; and to be a positive, contributing member of the group.
     

    Now, about that report card...

     

    1st Trimester skills are about rhythm.

    2nd Trimester skills are about melody.

    3rd Trimester skills are about expression.

    Music Skills Grades

    P, NP, NO

    P - Proficient

      -Almost always participates at a high level in class activities and discussions.

      - Is appropriately and consistently using, applying, and synthesizing musical skills.

      - Shows understanding and use of applicable musical concepts.

      -Completes class/homework on time and follows directions given.


    NP - Nearing Proficient

      -Participates in class activities and discussions at an average level.

      -Displays use and understanding of emerging or developing applicable musical concepts.

      -Completes class/homework mostly on time and follows most directions given.


    NO - Novice

      -Makes little or no effort to participate in class activities and discussions at an age-appropriate level.

      -Does not display evidence of use or understanding of emerging applicable musical skills.

      -Does not complete class/homework or follow directions.

                         

    (A grade of AD - Advanced will be given to students showing work above and beyond what is expected.)
     

    Participation/Behavior Grades

    V, S, N


      In the area of Participation/Behavior, all students are expected to participate in class in a way that does not interfere with the learning process; and to be a positive, contributing member of the group.


    V - Very Good

      -The student almost always participates in class activities and discussions at a high level.

      -The student is a positive, contributing member of the group.

      -The student is respectful to both teacher and other students.


    S - Satisfactory (The student is doing just fine!)

      -The student regularly participates in class activities and discussions.

      -The student is a positive, contributing member of the group most of the time with few disruptions.

      -The student is respectful to both teacher and other students most of the time.


    N - Not satisfactory

      -The student regularly does not participate in class activities and discussions.

      -The student is not a positive contributing influence in class (i.e. off-task, disruptive, negative, argumentative)

      -The student is disrespectful to teacher and/or other students.